7 Things to Know Before Building a Custom Home  

Building a custom home is a dream for so many homeowners. It presents the opportunity to design a living space that’s perfect for your lifestyle needs, aesthetic preferences and even personal quirks. However, this process (while fun) can be complicated and difficult to navigate. To ensure your project is successful, there are several key factors to consider before building your custom home.

1. Define Your Vision

Before meeting with a custom home builder, it’s a good idea to have a clear vision of your needs and preferences, no matter how big or small they may be. This includes the overall style of the house, the number of rooms, the layout and specific features that are important to you. Spend time gathering inspiration from various sources and create a wish list complete with everything you would like to include to personalize your home.

2. Set Your Budget

One of the most crucial steps in building a custom home is establishing a budget range for your new home that you are comfortable with. Your budget should encompass not only the construction costs but also permits, design fees, landscaping and interior decorations or furnishings. It’s also a good idea to include a contingency fund of around 10 percent to cover any additional ideas that come up. 

In our consultations with prospective clients, we discuss costs to ensure clarity and avoid unrealistic expectations. It might feel uncomfortable to discuss your budget with a home builder, but getting everyone on the same page saves time and energy in the long run. 

As you learn about our open book process, you will feel confident that the process will be clear and transparent. 

3. Choose a Location

When choosing the perfect place to build a custom home, consider factors such as proximity to work and schools, as well as the local community culture. The property you choose has a significant impact on your home design and budget. There are many factors to evaluate, and we can help you with these decisions.

TIP: Consider new home communities like The Reserves at Stone Pillars Farm, site of the 2024 HOMEARAMA. This location offers amenities such as large lots, walking trails, and tranquility galore. New home communities can minimize the complexities that come with choosing undeveloped land.

If you already own land or have a lot picked out we can help you evaluate its conditions and characteristics. This will help you more clearly understand what site work will be required, and how setbacks, restrictions or the site’s topography could affect your future home.

4. Hire Your Team

The success of your custom home project heavily relies on the expertise of your team. This typically includes an architect, a builder or general contractor, and possibly an interior designer. Team members should all be experienced individuals with a proven track record of success and happy clients. At Chris Gorman Homes, we prioritize honesty, transparency and quality, so working with us will give you peace of mind that every detail is handled. 

5. Prepare for the Process of Building a Custom Home

Familiarize yourself with the steps involved in the design and build process. At Chris Gorman Homes, we start with your ideas and a blank slate (or you can use one of our customizable floor plans). Then, we create a detailed and tailored design through communication and collaboration using your vision and our expertise in custom home design. Third, our penchant for fine craft, a professional approach and a keen eye for detail ensure that your project is completed flawlessly. After you move in, we will continue to check in to make sure you enjoy your new custom home and are completely satisfied.

6. Plan for the Future

While focusing on your current lifestyle is ideal when building a custom home, it’s also important to look to the future. Think about how your family might grow or change over the years. Also, factor in the possibility of accommodating additional family members, shifting to remote work from home, allowing for retirement hobbies or even adopting more pets. All these possibilities might influence your decisions on the number of bedrooms or the intended use of certain spaces. Designing with flexibility in mind can ensure that your home remains comfortable well into the future.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

As the homeowner, staying involved in the project is crucial. If you’re confused or concerned about a step along the way, ask your team about it: We promise we won’t judge. In fact, we’ve probably heard your question or concern before from previous clients. We’re here to help from beginning to end. However, it’s also important to trust the expertise of your professionals. Find a healthy balance by being engaged, but leave the hard parts up to us.

Book a Consultation With Chris Gorman Homes

Building a custom home is no easy task. It takes time and dedication. Fortunately, Chris Gorman Homes knows how to provide you with the smoothest planning and building processes on the market. For questions about our services or to get started on building your custom home, contact us today.