If you are considering building a custom home, there are some important things that all homeowners should consider first, such as:
1. Your budget
2. Utilities on the property
3. Where to build your home
4. Energy efficiency
5. House design and structure
6. Internal layout
7. Proximity to essentials
To learn more about all of these different considerations, continue reading. Or, if you have questions about building a custom home, contact the experienced builders at L. Patten & Sons today!
What To Consider When Building a Custom Home
1. Consider Your Budget
The first thing any home buyer should consider before building a custom home is your budget. Your budget will help guide so many aspects of the project, such as:
The property you choose
The size of your home
The style and choice of fixtures, flooring, appliances, etc.
Additional and custom features inside and outside
When considering the budget for a custom home, there is more to think about than if you were buying a pre-existing house.
For example, you need to purchase the land itself and separately, the custom home build. Depending on your home building team, you may need to additionally hire an architect and other contractors.
You will need to consider the cost of utilities and if special additions such as high-efficiency appliances or extras like solar panels will be installed.
As with any type of build or renovation, it is always best to budget for the unexpected. Ensure that there is some ‘wiggle room’ in your budget in case anything unexpected comes up.
As well, you may want to keep some extra room in your budget in case you change your mind on a particular design choice and end up wanting something that will cost a bit more.
2. Consider The Utilities On The Property
Some custom homes are built on properties that have utilities already installed, either because the property was set up for home building or because the homeowners are demolishing an old house and custom-building a new house on the same property.
If this is the case, you probably won’t have to do much when it comes to utilities. It is always a good idea to find out exactly what is included on the property, but if it already had a house on it, it is likely that it will have everything or most things that you need.
However, some homeowners choose to build a custom home on vacant land that may not have been initially set up for a home. For example, sold farmland, forested areas, and some areas near lakes or rivers may not have all or any utilities installed.
You may need to have utilities added to the property you purchase
If the property does not have utilities (such as electrical, water, gas, etc) already, you will first need to find out what permits you need to get the right utilities installed. Then you will need to ensure that you have budgeted the extra costs to get the required utilities to the property.
It will also be a bit of extra planning, as your home builders will likely have to wait to start building until the necessary utilities are installed and ready to use.
Sometimes, properties that do not already have utilities installed are less expensive, so while it may be a bit more work upfront, it may be worthwhile to consider - especially if you are buying a rural property.
3. Consider Your Home’s Location
One of the reasons why you would choose a custom home over a pre-built home is because you get to build the perfect home in the perfect location!
As you think about your dream home, it is important to think about where your dream home is located - and what makes practical sense for your family.
For example, if you have always wanted a home on the lake, you may initially want a gorgeous, lakefront home. However, if you have very young kids, you may decide you would rather have a home within walking distance from the lake but has a fenced yard instead.
If you want to start a small hobby farm with animals such as chickens, goats, and sheep, you may need to choose a city or town that has rurally zoned properties.
If you drive to work in the city every day, do you want to live in a location that will not be too far of a drive, or do you not mind a longer commute time?
These are the types of questions you should ask yourself when considering where you want to end up.
4. Consider Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
Energy costs continue to rise, and homeowners often feel it as they see their monthly budgets rise too.
While it seems that there is no slowing the rising rates of energy costs anytime soon, a custom home build provides a great opportunity to offset these increasing costs and create a more sustainable lifestyle too.
Many factors can influence how energy efficient your home is
Many factors will influence your energy costs and consumption. When building a custom home, consider whether or not you want to buy things such as:
Energy efficient appliances (fridges, washing machines, etc)
Energy efficient HVAC
The placement and thickness/style of your windows
Your window treatments (e.g. choosing insulated shades)
The insulation used
The lighting in the home
Choosing a high-quality home builder can actually help with your home’s energy efficiency too. This is because they will ensure your home is built properly with quality construction materials, has no gaps in the build that can cause airflow issues, and is properly insulated.
5. Consider Your House Design and Structure
One of the best parts of building a custom home is the fact that you get a say over every inch of the house! This includes the overall home design and structure.
There are going to be many features that you will need to consider when building a custom home. It is a good idea to take some time to think about what is most important to you and what is non-negotiable in terms of home design.
You won’t want to be caught off-guard when it comes to the design process, so make sure you get some brainstorming sessions in ahead of time!
You may want to think about some of the following things when it comes to home design:
Location and number of garages
Natural light via windows, sliding doors, etc.
Number of storeys
Number and location of staircases (if applicable)
Number and location of doors leading to outside
The exterior design of the porch, custom storage, etc.
Exterior building materials (stone, brick, siding, wood, etc)
Accessibility considerations (if applicable)
Your builder will be able to go over every type of design option and consideration for you to choose from. If you have any questions or just are not sure what to do, a quality home builder will be able to help you choose what is best for you, your needs, and your budget.
6. Consider The Internal Layout
Inside the home is where so many memories are made. It is where you go to relax after a long day, spend holidays with family, and simply live everyday life.
When you build a custom home, you get to truly create the perfect home that suits the needs of your unique family.
When thinking about your custom home, you will want to take into consideration the size of the home and what you want the layout to look like - at least in general.
It is important to think about the internal layout of your home
Your builders and architect will help you figure out the nitty-gritty details. However, it is always a good idea to come up with a few ideas and to know what you want most out of your home.
For example, you may want a big open-concept kitchen and living space, as you know you will be doing a lot of entertaining.
You may want to include a fun custom room, such as a playroom for the kids, a theatre, or a library/study room.
You will also want to consider where rooms such as bathrooms and bedrooms are located. How many bathrooms do you want? Do you want all of the bedrooms to be on the same floor?
Think about the spaces you want to be easily accessible, such as a laundry room and powder room. The location, size, and spacing of rooms will have an impact on the overall look and feel of your home, so take some time to think about what you would prefer.
7. Consider Proximity To Essentials
Finally, as you are planning your home build, consider the location and its proximity to essentials. As well, consider how important proximity to all or certain essentials is.
For example, you may like the idea of living close to shopping centres and a downtown core, but living in a rural area is much more important to you so you may choose to live further away.
You will need to look at the pros and cons of each choice and decide what is most important to you.
When considering essentials, you will want to take a look at things such as:
Hospitals and healthcare centres
Access to ambulances, police, fire response, etc.
Grocery stores
Stores and shopping centres
Mechanics
Schools and educational facilities
Recreational centres
Animal feed & supplies stores (if applicable)
In general, the more rurally you live, the further away you will be from some essentials and the fewer options you will have. However, it will generally be significantly less busy if and when you need services. No matter where you live, there will be pros and cons.
Evaluate the particular needs of your family and decide what is best for everyone.
Building a Custom Home: Trust L. Patten & Sons
At L. Patten & Sons, we have helped many homeowners get the perfect custom home that they have always dreamed of.
When you are building a custom home, there is a lot to consider, and it can feel overwhelming! The experienced team at L. Patten has over fifty years of experience and can help you in your home-building journey from the very first steps to the end.
At L. Patten & Sons, we bring custom-built home designs to life. We take pride in building custom homes that are as beautiful to look at as they are comfortable to live in.
We make it our goal to help all our clients realize their dreams. Quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and complete customer satisfaction are what sets L. Patten and Sons apart in the Collingwood, Clearview, and the Blue Mountains home-building community in Ontario.
Our homeowners can rest assured that their new home will be a source of pride and satisfaction for many years to come. Contact us today to get started.
“Great process from start to finish. Very experienced and informative work force. We appreciated the attention to detail and all our requests were listened to and acted upon. An excellent quality build carried out by excellend trades. We are thrilled with our dream home. Thanks L Patten & Sons (Jerry, David, Jamie etc). Cheers Kevin and Gillian Marchant”