Building a house

The process of building you own home could be an arduous task but exciting at the same time. Like most people you want your house to be unique but more importantly it should meet you and your family’s specific needs. A lot of things should be taken into consideration before you start building, just think of the investment you are putting into, so better be certain in all the decisions that you will make.
As I constantly accompany my husband in meeting with his clients I have learned a couple of things that helped him and the home owners build their dream homes. Most of his clients already have an idea in their mind as to what their house would look like — sometimes they would bring with them photos or magazines which inspired them.

Choose a reputable contractor/architect – Gone are the days, when you only hire carpenters to do construction. A qualified contractor/architect will be cheaper in the long run since you will avoid any rectification in the latter part. Ask around, get referrals from your friends, I am sure you will find a reputable person whom you can trust and work with.
Working on a Budget – everyone is working on a budget, the easiest way to work within it, is to separate your “needs” from your “wants”. The excitement of making your house really beautiful can truly be overwhelming but you need to control the urge. Know your priorities, the beautification process can follow once the house is built. Slowly but surely your house will be the way you want it to be.
Be involved with the design – your home is not just a place to live but it reflects your personality and style. The architect is there to put into perspective the design you have in mind. They will implement your design based on your specifications.
Ask questions. It’s your home that you are building not the architect’s home; it is your right to ask anything that bothers you. A good contractor should be willing to answer all your queries whenever possible.
Monitor the progress. It is best that you keep an eye on the construction as often as you can. This way you can catch mistakes early. Remember it is easier and cheaper to correct mistakes early on rather than wait. Call the attention of your contractor immediately.
Furniture and Fixtures – the best money saving thing can do is to not include these things in the builder’s contract but put in an allowance for installation. This way you get to choose your own lighting fixture, kitchen fixtures, faucets, toilet bowls. You can even buy things specific to your needs, like if you need a bath tub, walk in tubs, your own spa or whatever your requirements are.
Setting the time frame — Be prepared for setbacks but let your contractor know that you only tolerate minimal delays. Your contractor should have presented you a schedule in the beginning, let them know that you are monitoring this.
Soon, you will have the house that you have been dreaming of. Don’t worry if most of the furnishing are still complete, as long you have all the necessary things to make your home ready to live, that’s acceptable. You will soon be able to furnish your house one at a time.