The idea of building a new home can be intimidating, especially if it’s your first time. You probably don’t know all of the steps that will be involved, and you may not even know where to start. This series of blog posts will take you through all of the steps in detail, so you will know what to expect when you decide to build with Harris Home Builders.

The more prepared you are in advance, the smoother the journey will be. This is important not only for your peace of mind, but also for your budget because a faster build is less expensive than a lengthy one. Building a new home is not as simple as picking a plan and letting the builder run with it. As the homeowner, you will have opportunities to be actively involved throughout the process to ensure your ultimate satisfaction. This includes making timely decisions and regular inspections.

We’ll cover more of those details in future posts, but for now, let’s cover the first steps to building a house.

Getting Started with the New Home Building Process

You know you want to build a new home. Now what? Start your journey with Harris Home Builders by meeting with our Interior Designer to discuss the type of home you have in mind, where it will be located, and how much you have to spend on the entire project. The two of you will work together to create a custom floor plan that best matches your vision and your budget.

If you need financing, this step includes getting a realistic estimate of the total project cost. This includes the cost of land if you don’t already own it, site development expenses, and the cost of the house. Once you have an estimate in hand, you can get prequalified for financing and move on to the next step in the process.

Understanding Your Responsibilities

Building a new home is a team effort, and like with any team, success depends on participation from every player. The more you participate in the homebuilding process, the more you will ensure you get what you want. At this stage, your primary responsibilities will be to:

Be Prepared with Your Personal Financial Information

This includes recent tax returns, W-2 forms, pay stubs, and bank statements. The more information you have readily available, the faster the process will go.

Define the Project Budget and Goals

Although you might not have hard numbers in mind, do your best to come up with a realistic budget range that is feasible with your finances. If there are multiple people investing in the project, make sure you are all on the same page about the house size, layout, and other features that you desire. There will be plenty of opportunities to make decisions along the way, but knowing the basics, such as how many floors, the rough square footage, and specific requirements, will be helpful in creating the right floor plan for your needs.

Complete Prequalification Paperwork

If you have all of your financial information handy, this step is as simple as filling out a few forms. Nationwide Home Loans Group, specializes in construction loans, and they are available to answer any financing questions you have. If you would prefer to go through your own bank, you will need to ask them what they require.

Take the First Step to Home Ownership

It’s okay to dip your toe into the water before plunging in with both feet. Take the time to learn about the process and understand everything that is involved before you commit. When you’re ready, contact us to schedule an appointment with our Interior Designer.