The journey of building your dream home can be a thrilling experience, but with so many details to manage, it's easy to get caught up in the chaos. To help avoid potential hiccups, here are 10 things you should take into account before getting into the nitty-gritty of construction.

Custom Build vs. Home Builders

An important first choice to make is whether you want to work with a custom builder or a production home builder. Each route offers unique benefits and considerations. Creating your dream home with a custom builder gives you the power to customize more details. You often get to work with a team of architects, designers, construction workers, roofing specialists, and landscape experts to bring your vision to life. However, with greater levels of customization generally comes greater responsibility and a higher cost.

Working with a production home builder can take the stress and guesswork out of building your home. With experienced teams and established processes, these builders offer a range of customizable options, so you can still create a personalized space. You have some say in the layout and design of your new home, while also saving money.

Check on Home Build Quality

Investing in your home is a big decision, one that requires thorough consideration and research. Building a home from scratch can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to hiring the right team to ensure your home is built to your standards. Even when working with trusted home builders, it's important to make sure they offer comprehensive warranties that help protect your purchase. 

Top home builders will offer at least a 10-year limited structural warranty, but they may also include coverage on other items like your HVAC systems, guards against water intrusion, and general fixes to your “fit and finish” items like nail pops, paint touchups, and more.

Consider Modular vs. Manufactured Home

Thanks to modern technology, modular and manufactured homes are increasingly sought after. Unlike traditional homes, which are built entirely on-site, modular homes are typically constructed using prefabricated parts designed in a factory and then assembled on location. Modular homes usually have the same level of quality as site-built homes, but with a lower price tag. You can work with a team to choose the design, floor plan, and materials that you want, meaning it’s still a personalized home.

On the other hand, manufactured homes are those typically built entirely in a factory and then transported as a complete structure. This new way of building homes offers both flexibility and affordability, making it an attractive option for those who want to own a home but have a lower or stricter budget.

Familiarize Yourself with the Home-Building Process

Working with a home builder is an exciting investment. Ask questions to learn more about the process, and make sure you remain informed along the way. With quality builders like Pulte Homes, it’s standard to get multiple walk-throughs during the build process, so you can see firsthand the progress of your home. 

The scheduling of a home-building process for self-builds is harder to predict. The schedules of all the different members of the home-building team can overlap or the build might have to wait for one task to be completed (such as the foundation being poured) before they can move on to the next task, and it will be up to you to make sure everyone’s timeline matches up. Unexpected setbacks and complications can and often do arise, which influence the process and can push back the completion date.

Consider the Costs of Building a Home

It’s important to weigh your options carefully. While it may seem like buying a resale home is the easier choice, don't overlook the benefits of building your own. By working with a home builder, you have more flexibility to customize and create the home of your dreams. Plus, you could save time and money by avoiding massive renovation projects on an older home. 

However, it's important to remember that building from scratch can come with a larger price tag and particular timelines. Take the time to evaluate your budget and timeline goals. You might also want to consider the differences between modular and manufactured homes as you weigh the costs of building from scratch.

Determine Your Design Timeline

Designing your dream home is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be overwhelming. Begin by laying out your ideas. Don't rush into making major decisions like the color of your home's exterior without also considering the smaller details, such as the type of flooring and backsplash design. 

Whether you're working with builders or tackling the project solo, prioritize giving yourself ample time to select and acquire the materials that will make your vision come to life. Always have careful planning and attention to detail when designing your dream home.

Always Plan Ahead

Aspiring homeowners should keep their future in mind when figuring out the specifics of their home build. Ideally, you want to create a space that has both day-to-day comfort and room to grow. Considering future life changes, including starting a family or parents being frequent visitors. It's essential to plan ahead with a flexible layout that can accommodate life's unpredictable twists and turns. Professional home builders can help you with customizable blueprints, so accept their guidance and advice in creating a home that can easily transition along with you.

Remember to Customize with Decor

A good rule of thumb is to not go too bold with your design choices when building your own home. Instead, personalize your space with splashes of décor that reflect your unique style. Your tastes and trends will evolve over time, and it's easier to update a throw pillow than to repaint a wall. Explore soothing or subtle shades that won't distract from your unique decor choices, then layer in bold accents to create a dynamic space.

Plan for Storage

If you want to build a home that can keep up with your lifestyle, think ahead about what kind of storage you'll need in your home. Consider the different activities and celebrations you'll take part in throughout the year, and make a list of the things you'll need to store. When it's time to move in, you'll already have dedicated spaces for everything and more space for whatever you acquire in the future. A home that can adapt to your needs is the foundation for a happy and fulfilling life.

Don’t Get Too Stressed

Creating your dream home should be an adventure, not a chore. Don't let the process overwhelm you and rob you of any excitement. If the idea of starting from scratch feels daunting, consider partnering with a home builder to help guide you through all the choices. Timing is also key, so be realistic about what you can handle.

Whether you're working with new home builders or trusted contractors for a self-build, it's crucial to have a reliable team by your side. After all, building your dream home is all about trust–trusting that your team understands your vision and can bring it to life. Discover stunning floor plans and check out Pulte's new home communities today to see how Pulte can work with you!