The "Real" work for you is about to start. Make sure to clear your schedule and be prepared to take a leave of absence from your normal routines and work. Believe me, you'll need every ounce of energy and time to devote to this project (in addition to money). The rest of your life is officially now on "Hold". Hang On!
- In order to build your dream home, you must first find a reputable
home builder (unless you have the knowledge and skills to
undertake the task yourself). Many of them only build homes in
their own subdivisions. Why? The reason is that they make
money 2 ways (land plus the actual construction of a home).
- Having bought your own piece of property, you need to search
out the builders who are willing to construct a building on your site
(or pre-fabricated homes that can be delivered to your location).
- If you decide to hire a "stick" builder (one who builds from the
ground up), be prepared to open up your pocket book much wider
and expect to wait much longer for your home to be built. The
reason is that "on site" builders are much more at the mercy of the
weather whereas pre-fabricated homes are built in a factory under
ideal conditions.
- Do you want to be your own general contractor (GC)? You can
save quite a lot of money, however you must be prepared to
undertake tasks which are normally assigned to the builder.
- Some of the tasks mentioned above include interviewing
(receiving quotes based on your plans) and hiring sub-trades
such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, etc. Other tasks you
will need to cover are obtaining the building permit, scheduling all
the trades as they are needed on the work site, and handing over
cheques to each sub-contractor once their job is complete.
- Whichever route you choose, you'll be required to keep on top of
the project right from the start. There's just one rule: Expect the
unexpected. Delays due to weather, materials, manpower,
holidays and more are the norm. Accept them or you will be
consumed by them.
- The plans for your home are the most critical papers for your
endeavor. Take the time to visualize what you desire and put
several iterations of your sketches (facades and floor plans) onto
paper before you finalize the blueprints. You'll want to make sure
as much as possible is written down. If you attempt to make
changes after plans are stamped and approved, it'll cost you a
small fortune in change orders.
- Keep a box with file folders for all papers pertaining to the project
with you at all times so that they can be referenced at a moment's
notice. Otherwise, you'll be a lost soul.
- Make sure that the building inspector for your municipality is kept
informed at all stages of the project that he requests. He's the one
person you certainly want on your side. His knowledge and
experience will help guide you and hopefully prevent major
defects from going unnoticed. You may also want to hire an
additional building expert to inspect at various stages and offer
advice when needed. Of course, you always make the final
decision (though sometimes you'll find it isn't always the best
one).
- Be sure to listen carefully to all advice received. Don't
necessarily dismiss or accept any suggestions. Seek out second
and third opinions if you're not comfortable with a particular
situation. The more knowledge you obtain, the better chance that
the choice you make will be the right one.
Stay tuned for Part 3 of "Building Your Dream Home Tips".
