Building your own house is one of the most exciting and simultaneously daunting projects you can undertake in life. The stakes are understandably high, and there’s a lot of vital elements that are prone to error. That doesn’t mean it’s not a worthwhile and ultimately satisfying idea. If you are in the crucial early stages of planning your own house building project, there are a few critical aspects you must consider before setting everything in motion. Although you can’t always guarantee your project will proceed without a hitch, you can take steps to decrease potential problems along the way by planning carefully in advance. Here are some useful tips to keep in mind before you begin building your own house.
Resources
Depending on how much prior research you’ve had time to do, you’ll perhaps already know which resources you need to begin your project. However, it’s important not to leave anything essential out of your checklist; otherwise, you might find yourself facing problems further down the line. Below is a brief overview of what you’ll need to consider setting aside money for:
- An architect
- Land
- Builders, electricians, and plumbers
- Materials
These will all depend on your budget and time-frame; self-build projects often fall over-budget, so it is important to be realistic with yourself and your finances. Of course, there are ways of doing plenty of this on your own if you have experience in construction or design. While this may be the cheaper option, it adds months or maybe even years to the build. If you opt for hiring contracted builders to assist you, make sure to provide a safe environment to ensure optimal results. This includes simple things like having food, drink, and a comfortable working temperature – portable LPG heaters will help maintain the temperature as you build. Small details such as this go a long way to making the entire process smoother for everyone involved.
Accommodation
Everyone’s living situation is different during the process of building a new home. You may be fortunate enough to have a second residence to occupy while construction is underway or perhaps you have relatives willing to host you throughout the project. Before beginning your self-build, it is important to know where you will be staying until the project is complete. Make room for accommodation costs in your budget. Hotels can be expensive and restrictive, so consider renting a room or apartment through sites like Airbnb. RVs can also be a good temporary solution, whether you wish to rent or buy.
Budgeting
One of the most daunting parts of choosing to start your own house building project is the inevitable cost of everything along the way. It can be difficult not to get swept up in the excitement of the project and envision yourself enjoying the perfect home. Throughout the process, it is important to stick to your budget and allow yourself margins of error to avoid disappointments. Give yourself leeway to overspend if necessary but resist the urge to get carried away with anticipation. As long as you’ve done plenty of research into costs and made sure you have the right finances, building your own home is a thrilling and satisfying adventure.
