Building your first house is a hugely exciting proposition. You’ll have been through a string of rentals, and you may have owned property before, but this is the first time that you’ll be making something that is truly yours. It’s the best chance that most people will get to create a space that is all about your personal style and specific needs. However, it should go without saying that there are going to be plenty of opportunities for error when you’re taking on something this massive. You’re going to need to do plenty of preparation to make sure that you stay on course.
Not Setting A Realistic Budget
Budgets are on everyone’s minds right now. The rising cost of living is hitting everyone hard and you’re going to be constantly aware of how much money you’ve got left in the bank. And let’s not beat around the bush: Building a home is going to cost a lot. You need to make sure that you understand how much it’s going to set you back. It’s easy to get carried away when you’re planning your dream home. You’re going to be thinking about all the things that you always wanted, and all the things you’d love to have in the years to come. And when you’re doing that, sometimes you can forget about the practicalities like materials, labour costs, and planning fees.
So, you really need to research the costs involved in building a home. Get in touch with a builder or architect ahead of time to get an estimate of the costs involved in your project. Be realistic about what you can afford and give yourself a firm limit on what you’re spending. It’s also a really good idea to have a contingency fund for unexpected costs. Anyone who’s watched an episode of Grand Designs will tell you that you’re always going to go over budget.
Not Finding Good Local Architects
You might think that you’d automatically look for a local architect. But there’s a difference between finding someone who works in the area and someone who has a detailed knowledge of it. Every region has its own specific quirks and you’re going to want to find someone who knows about local planning regulations, the year-round climate, and what kind of building materials are best for it.
They’ll also know about the local building codes. This means they can design a home that meets your needs and complies with local regulations. You can start by asking your friends and family for recommendations. Alternatively, you can search online for local architects and check their reviews and credentials before hiring them. If you’re looking for architects in Cheshire, for example, then you’ll want to find an architecture firm that understands the county’s rich history while embracing innovative design. You can learn more about amazing architecture firms in Cheshire at 24Housing. They’ve broken down the best local firms for you to think about.
Not Considering Resale Value
It’s important to consider the resale value when designing and building your home even though you’re almost certainly planning to be living there for a long time to come. The property market may have been chaotic recently, but it may well right itself in the near future. And it may be tough to imagine right now but there may come a time when you want to look for something different for you and your family.
Things like the layout, number of bedrooms, and bathrooms are all major factors. It’s also essential to consider the materials used in the construction of your home. Materials that are durable and low maintenance, such as brick and stone, can increase the resale value of your home. You’re going to need to work with your architect to design a home that meets your needs but also has broad appeal. Think about what features are important to you but also consider what features potential buyers may be looking for in the future.
Not Planning For The Future
It’s all too easy to create a plan for a home that meets your needs right now without leaving much space for the future. For example, you may need extra bedrooms or larger living space if you’re going to have children. Working from home is a lot more common than it used to be, so you might have to think about a home office. It’s important to consider these needs when designing and building your home.
Think about your long-term goals and how your home can support them. You might want to think about creating space that can serve a number of different functions. Speak to your architect about designing a home that is flexible and can adapt to your changing needs.
Not Hiring The Right Builder
So, you’ve found the right architect and you’ve created a blueprint for something that fits your personal vision as well as the local styles and requirements. But you’re still going to need someone to put it all together. Your builder plays a critical role in the success of your project. It’s absolutely essential to choose someone who is experienced, reliable, and has a good reputation.
Do your research and check the credentials and references of anyone that you’re thinking about working with. Speak to other homeowners who have worked with them in the past and ask about their experiences. Don’t be afraid to ask for examples of their work and to speak to their previous clients. It’s much smarter to do the legwork and ask any awkward questions ahead of time instead of waiting until halfway through the build.
Not Thinking About Energy Efficiency
You probably don’t need to be told about the importance of energy efficiency. But the soaring price of energy has been such a huge issue for so many people over the last six months. It’s not just about making sure that you are using eco-friendly appliances. How is your home going to handle climate change as it gets more and more intense? The summers are only going to get hotter following last year’s record heatwave. But there will also be more extreme weather events. Think about what you can do to provide your home with more insulation.
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