There are many misconceptions about custom home building, and before you get started with a builder it's a good idea to put those misconceptions to rest. That will help ensure you're getting the best experience when you decide to build a custom home. Here are six things you might not know about the process.
1) A smaller house (or a one-story house) will cost a lot less.
Not necessarily. A smaller house can be just as expensive as, or even more expensive than, a bigger house. The method and type of construction, the location, the materials used, and other factors all add up. Additionally, a one-story home needs a larger "footprint," which means a bigger, stronger foundation, heavier and larger roof, and many other adjustments to ensure it can hold and distribute the weight properly.
2) My house will be cheaper to build if I put a lot of windows in it.
Adding a lot of windows can be lovely, but it also means engineering and designing the walls to accommodate the windows and still support proper weight. Those extra windows may end up costing more than with fewer windows and more standard walls.
3) It's too hard to get a construction loan.
It isn't any harder to get a construction loan than it is to get a home loan. With the right builder on your side, you can get approval for the project and the cost. Then it's just up to things like employment and credit score, which is true of any type of home or home-building loan.
4) The floor plan can't be changed so I'll just have to live with it.
Custom means just that. If you find a floor plan you love, that's great. But if you want something changed, adjusted, or even drawn from scratch, you can get that, as well. Talk to your builder about the things you want in your home and the changes you'd like to make. The chances are high that at least most of your changes can be accommodated.
5) I have to buy land before I can hire a builder.
Some builders have land and home packages you can choose from. Other builders will help you find a lot. But there's no reason you have to choose a piece of land and buy it before you talk to your builder. In fact, you may want to scout out lots with your builder, since they will be much more knowledgeable about the slope and height of the prospective properties that will be budgetary considerations for the construction of your new home.
6) It's too complicated and overwhelming to build a custom home.
Custom homes can take effort and time, and there will be questions you'll need to answer and decisions you need to make. But the right builder will help you through all of that, and keep you from being overwhelmed. You can feel secure in the knowledge that your builder is taking care of all the behind-the-scenes issues and concerns, so you will only be asked about the things you really need to decide. Then you'll get the home you really want, without the stress you don't.
At Kurk Homes, we are #BuiltOnTradition and have been designing and building from the Gulf Coast to the Hill Country for nearly 30 years. Don't let the misconceptions about custom homes fool you. Reach out to us today, and let us show you how easy it is to get started on a custom home journey.
