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Steps of Building a Custom Home

Building a custom home is a process with several steps. You have to be patient to choose the right spot and watch your vision become a reality. If you are new to custom home building, you should learn about this process first. Here are the major steps of building a custom home.

  1. Choose the Site of Your Custom Home

Choose and buy the land where you will build your custom home. The land should accommodate your needs.

Therefore, consider factors like:

  • Location
  • Acreage
  • Property orientation
  • Views
  • Non-gated or gated
  • Frontage amount

  1. Choose a Custom Home Builder

Once you have identified and bought the land to build your custom home, choose a builder. There are many contractors that offer to build your custom home and ensure your great experience. Take time to find out more about different builders. Get recommendations from relatives, friends, and colleagues but conduct some research about different builders before you make a hiring decision.

  1. Design Your Home

The contractor that you choose may have a designer or you may have to hire a separate home designer or architect. Schedule a meeting with the designer that you choose. Let them know the ideas that you have for your custom home.

The designer may want to know things like:

  • Your ideal home size
  • Bathrooms and bedrooms number
  • Story or no story
  • Necessities like gourmet kitchen or wine cellar
  • Must-have materials
  • General style and look of your home
  • Budget

  1. Start Building

Once you are done designing your home, the contractor should start building. The process of building your custom home may be as follows:

  • Site preparation- This entails land excavation and lot staking.
  • Foundation laying and framing- This is the step where your home starts taking shape.
  • “Meat” of the home- This entails installation of mechanicals like plumbing, cooling, heating and electrical systems, drywall and insulation.
  • Appliances and fixtures- This involves installation of lighting, kitchen and bathroom fixtures and appliances.

  1. Closing

This is the step where you get a chance to walk through the completed home. You get an opportunity to inspect the new home and ask questions. If satisfied with everything, you get keys and move in anytime you like.

These are the general steps of building a custom home. However, they may vary from one contractor to another.

Tips for Estimating the Cost of a Construction Project

When embarking on a construction project, you want to know the amount it will cost you. In most cases, the cost of construction projects depends on square footage. But there are many factors that influence the cost of any construction project. These should guide you when estimating the cost of your construction project.

Floor Plans

Select a floor plan that has been completed by a local architect or a general contractor. You can also search for floor plans through books or online. Many builders have floor plans breadth for clients to choose from. Floor plans determine the style, size, features and the quality that you desire for your new home. Your floor plan will be your project’s baseline.

Get a Local Builder

Choose a local builder that handles construction projects that are comparable to yours in terms of style, size, features and quality. Finding a good builder is very important because it enables you to maintain proper timeline, execution and budget of your new building. The builder should tell you the cost for your construction project on the basis of cost per square foot. They should also give you an estimate or approximate idea of the cost of your project. It’s a wise idea to ask what is included in the cost of your project.

Get an Estimate Idea

Arriving at the exact figure for your construction project per square foot may be unrealistic. However, you can get a ballpark idea. Take the cost of the project as outlined by the builder then divide it by the square feet of the project. You may also compare your project with the completed projects in your area. However, they should have the same style, size, features and quality. Deduct the cost of the land then divide the figure by square footage of your project. This will enable you to determine whether the builder has given you a reasonable and competitive estimate.

It’s important that you leave room for additional costs like permit fees, site preparation and time of the year when you embark on the project. Also be proactive to ensure that you do not incur cost overruns.

Construction Tips That Save Money

Financing is the major challenge that many people face when it comes to new constructions. Nevertheless, it’s possible to save money when building a new residential or commercial house. It’s however important to ensure that you do not compromise quality of your construction trying to save money.

Here are construction tips that will save you money:

Purchase Low-Maintenance Construction Materials

Some construction materials like metal roofing and vinyl are low maintenance. Although their installation might be expensive, they usually pay off in the long run. That’s because you don’t require replacement, repainting, or repair a few years after installation.

Use Salvaged Materials

Go to demolition sites and collect salvaged materials. Used bricks and old barn wood for instance do not cost exorbitant prices. In some cases, you can have these materials free of charge. You just need to get permission from the building owner to haul them away from the demolition site.  

Check Construction Allowances

Monitor the construction process carefully to ensure that what you ask for is what you get. This will also enable you to avoid paying for what you are not getting. For instance, monitor the structural elements and decorative details of your construction. If you agreed with the builder to use a specific insulation material, do not accept something different especially if it’s of a low quality.

Work with a Certified Contractor Only

Training and experience of a contractor is generally invaluable to the entire process of building a home. What’s more, seasoned contractors have relationships with subcontractors and suppliers in place. This is something that you can’t take for granted. In fact, these relationships will enable you to get better deals on construction materials.

Avoid Charges for Site Preparation

Some tasks like grading, in-fill dirt hauling, blasting rocks and clearing trees are easy to do. However, they will cost you more if you let the contractor do them. Therefore, consider doing these tasks yourself to avoid spending more on your project.

To save money on your upcoming construction project, follow these construction tips carefully. Also make sure that the contractor that you hire knows that you are constructing the building on a tight budget.

 

How to Save Money on Construction Projects

How to Save Money on Construction Projects

Construction projects are generally pricey. But, do you know that you can save money on a building project without compromising quality? Here are tips that will enable you to save money on any project whether commercial or residential.

Don’t always choose contractors with the lowest quotes

Just because a contractor gives you the lowest quote doesn’t mean they are giving you the best deal. Therefore, conduct an extensive research always. Make sure that the contractor offers the best deal for quality work.

Hire locally

Word-of-mouth references provide the best way to gauge the reputation of a builder. So, before you hire a contractor, ask around and hire a contractor in your community. Choose an established local contractor that charges the most reasonable price for quality workmanship.

Never pay a huge deposit upfront

Paying a contractor in installments enables you to ensure that your work is done right. What’s more, pay the final installment once satisfied with the overall quality of the work. That way, you will ensure that ends are tied up properly.

Buy furnishings and fixtures yourself

Don’t pay another person to purchase furnishings and fixtures for you. Instead, buy them yourself. You can easily find information about furnishings and fixtures everywhere. Therefore, conduct some research then purchase them yourself.

Change out hardware and refinish cabinets yourself

Swap out cabinet handles and hardware pieces without hiring an expert. That way, you will amp up each of your rooms with cheap fixes. Additionally, don’t hire somebody to refinish the installed cabinets. Instead, sand the pieces thoroughly then use paint with primer installed to ensure that the application lasts longer.

Prepare a demo yourself

To avoid a costly demolition, come up with a demo of what you want to build. Make sure that the contractor understands what exactly you want to avoid the need to demolish some parts or the entire building.

Construction projects are always exciting. However, most building projects come with a lot of expenses, anxiety, and stress. Follow these tips to save on your construction project as well as avoid anxiety and stress.

 

 

Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Contractor

I have a friend out in Texas that once told me some horror stories he hears about people getting burned by home builders that aren’t always 100% about the customer. He owns a business called Appliance Repair San Antonio and when he told me these stories, it makes you think twice about not researching what your buying. He told me that nobody wants to deal with home or appliance repairs a few months after moving into a new home. That’s why many people are determined to hire the best contractor. Perhaps, before you hire a contractor, you should know that your choice can make or break your construction project. That’s because the skills and experience of a contractor will determine how well or bad your construction plan will be executed. Therefore, be thorough to ensure that you hire the best expert for the job.

 

Here are some of the key questions to ask a prospective contractor:

What is the history of your business?

Before hiring a contractor, dig deeper to know the history of their business. This will enable you to determine whether they are genuine contractors that have been in the industry long enough to know what works best and what does not. Also find out whether the contractor is a member of a professional association because this is a sign of good conduct. After investigating the history of a contractor, move on to their practices.

Who supplies your construction materials?

You don’t want your property to be built with low quality materials. Therefore, find out where the contractor gets construction materials from. Find out whether the contractor has sufficient measures in place to ensure that no substandard materials find their way into the buildings of the clients. That way, you will be guaranteed the integrity of your building.

Is your bid a fixed price or an estimate?

Nobody likes being surprised with hidden charges. Therefore, clear things up by asking about the bid of the contractor. In most cases, contractors treat bids as construction cost estimates. That means the total construction cost can be higher than what they state in their bid. Nevertheless, you can ask for a fixed price. On the same note, discuss how you will pay for the project.

How long will my construction project take?

Find out when the contractor will start and complete your project. Make sure that the contractor clarifies issues that may affect the stipulated schedule.

These are some of the questions to ask before you hire a contractor. Generally, a genuine contractor won’t have difficulties in answering any question that you pose to them.

 

Hire the Right Contractor- 5 Steps to Follow

When it comes to construction projects, you should never take chances. A construction project is one of the major investments that you will ever make in life. Therefore, it’s reasonable to ensure that this project is handled by the right people. That’s precisely why you should be very keen to hire the right contractor. But, this is not easy because there are many general contractors that purport to be the best in the industry. Nevertheless, the hiring process becomes easier when you follow these steps:

Step 1: Get referrals

Start by talking to trustworthy people that have hired contractors in the past. For instance, your family members, lawyer, neighbors, and real estate agents that have completed their construction projects can help you. Get referrals from them before you browse online listings to find contractors. Read reviews and browse portfolio photos of different contractors. You can even send them a message or initiate a conversation via email or phone. You can also ask owners of the completed buildings about their experiences with the contractors.

Step 2: Check recent work

Once you have gotten referrals and checked the portfolios of some contractors, visit their most recent projects. Find out whether the styles and sizes of the completed buildings impress you. Try to compare the buildings that a contractor completed recently and the ones they completed some years ago. Hire a contractor bearing in mind that how the old building that they constructed looks is the way yours will look after some years.

Step 3: Verify licenses

Licensing means that a contractor has met all professional and legal requirements to operate in your area. Therefore, ask the contractor to show you their licenses including insurance certificate.

Step 4: Check references

Ask the contractor to provide a reference list. Hold private discussions with their previous clients. Find out whether they had a pleasant relationship with the contractor throughout the project. How was the communication of the contractor? Was the contractor honest and fair? Was the project completed on schedule and at the cost of the initial budget? Answers to such questions should enable you to determine the best contractor to hire.

Step 5: Enter a written contract

Once you have identified the best contractor for your construction project, enter a contract with them. Make sure that the contract is written and take time to preview it. Discuss clauses of the contract and ask questions have it revised if necessary. Sign a contract when satisfied with the included terms.

There are genuine, hardworking, and honest contractors. However, there are fly-by-night contractors that want to reap without sowing. That’s why you should follow these steps to hire the right contractor for your construction project. Ideally, following these steps will enable you to get value for the money that you invest in your project.  

5 Tips for Hiring a Contractor

Architecture concept with drawing compass on blueprints.

When the time to build your dream home comes, the most reasonable thing to do is to hire a professional contractor. Taking time to find and hire the right contractor for your construction project is one of the most important decisions that you will ever make in life. That’s because the contractor will be responsible for the construction of a property that you will live with your family for years. That’s why you should be very careful when hiring a contractor.

Here are tips that will make the hiring process easier for you:

 

Get referrals

Before you contact any contractor that you come across online, ask around. For instance, ask at a local lumber yard or home improvement store. Watch out for contractors that are not known by many people in the area. Essentially, work with contractors that many people recommend especially home inspectors.

 

Check recent work

Once you get referrals, look at the portfolios of different contractors. You can even request the contractors to allow you to visit their current or past job sites. Determine whether you would like to live in the homes that different contractors have built for other clients.

Ask questions

Don’t just enter a construction contract with a contractor without learning more about them and their operations just because you have seen their work. Instead, ask questions. For instance, do they give a warranty for their work? How do they do a follow-up after completing the construction project? Answers to such questions should enable you to make the right hiring decision.

 

Verify licenses

Ensure that the contractor that you hire is licensed to operate in your area. Ask them to show you their pocket license, insurance certificate, and picture I.D. Proper licensing indicates that the contractor upholds professionalism and proper management practices.

Understand the construction contract

Before you sign a contract with a contractor, read it carefully and understand it. If there are clauses of the contract that you don’t understand, seek clarification first. Sign a construction contract when you know your obligations and those of the contractor. Building a new home can be fun. However, it can become a nightmare if you pick a wrong contractor. Therefore, follow these tips for hiring a contractor to ensure your safety and get the best experience.

5 Reasons to Hire a Professional Contractor

Architecture concept with drawing compass on blueprints.

The contemporary business world is very unpredictable. Therefore, hiring people to undertake permanent roles is not a suitable option for some companies. In the construction industry, some companies depend on interim employees that may not be qualified to do some construction jobs. That means such employees may not complete the assigned tasks professionally. However, professionally trained contractors are keen to ensure that only qualified and experienced people handle every aspect of the construction projects of their clients.

Here are more reasons to hire a professional contractor:

Comprehensive services

A professional general contractor or one that specializes in specific areas handles a construction project from the beginning to the end. That means the contractor will work with you from the planning phase to the last minute when you will be handed keys to your new house. Thus, they can help you with design ideas, products purchase, planning, and other aspects of the construction process.

Experience

Reputable contractors are experienced professionals. They have the knowledge and experience that will transform your ideas into an amazing building. These professionals listen to their clients carefully while making suggestions. They look for the best ways to do things so that you can end up with your dream property.

Technical knowledge

Professionally trained contractors have the technical know-how that non-professionals lack. This enables them to deal with problems and challenges as they arise during the construction process. In fact, they know how to avoid common construction mistakes that are generally costly in the long run.

Proven track record

These experts have a good reputation to guard. Therefore, they do everything possible to ensure ultimate satisfaction of their clients. Their business is like an open book. You can talk with their past customers, read reviews that customers have written about them, and even check their past projects.

Accurate pricing

With professionally trained contractors, you don’t have to worry about low-ball costing, escalating prices, or inferior work once they start working. These experts know how to do their job right and how to determine the total cost upfront.

A professional contractor is in a long-term business. Therefore, they work hard to earn the trust of their clients. That means you are guaranteed an amazing experience once you work with a professionally trained contractor.

Don’t forget to visit the National Association of Home Builders website at https://www.nahb.org/ for more information on how to help out the Hurricane Harvey/Irma victims.

What to ask before hiring a commercial construction company

When looking for a construction company to hire, you will require quality, courtesy, value, and professionalism from the company. It is important to find a general commercial contractor who will coordinate your whole project to ensure it is successful. A commercial construction project is a significant investment that requires both money and time. Regardless of the kind of construction project you have, choosing the wrong contractor can be costly and down frustrating. To avoid making mistakes, here are questions to ask a general contractor before agreeing to work together on any project.

Do you have a permanent office?

You want both an established and experienced company. Avoid any company with no permanent address since it may difficult if not impossible to get to them in case issues arise. A company with a permanent address is an assurance that the company can be able to execute the project and handle any issues during the project.

When can you start and how long will the project take?

Timing is an essential aspect of any project. Ask your potential contractor to give you a timeline from the start to the completion of the project including the factors that can impact these dates. Ask if other projects may have to do simultaneously and if the projects share workers with the contractors. You obviously want a company that will start off your construction project as soon as possible. Stay clear on this to ensure you don’t get surprises.

Are you licensed insured and bonded?

A licensed company always has employees who are well trained and have the necessary skills. Check the licensing to ensure it is up to date. You will have confidence hiring such a company since they qualify to do the work.

The company should also be able to show you their insurance status. A proper liability insurance protects you from liability in case anyone gets hurt or there is damage to your property in the progress of the project. For a bonded contractor, this insurance will protect all the parties if the project does not get to completion or the contractor doesn’t meet his financial obligations.

Do you have client references?

The past clients a commercial company has worked with are the excellent source of information on how the company delivers. Ask the company to provide you with a list of the past clients and their contacts so that you can be able to inquire more about the performance of the company. You will be able to establish if the company can be able to meet your desired needs.

Can you specify the payment terms?

One of the most fundamental questions is about price. You should know how the company establishes the estimated cost first. Ensure you get a comprehensive agreement from the construction company. It should include the circumstances under which you may be required to make more payment for any additional charges. The company should also specify its accepted mode of payment.