For most of us, one of the most rewarding personal accomplishments of our lifetimes will be designing & building a new home from the ground up…just the way we want it. Experts say we will be fortunate to do this at least once. Here are some tips to make the most of it:
- Start collecting all your inspiration as soon as possible: Photos of other homes you admire (Fargo, regional or Pinterest standouts) fabric and color swatches, architectural details, renewables wish list and anything else you find meaningful.
- Sit down with stakeholders/family to hear each person’s priorities. Don’t assume everyone in the household is on the same page.
- Sketch out a rough drawing of how you’d like your home to look and flow, including square footage needs. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be an architect or artist, but it’s a great jumping off point.
- Decide on your budget limitations and how much wiggle room you have for upgrades and add-ons.
- Research HVAC and insulation options. Energy costs are volatile, so keep in mind that spray foam insulation may add to the overall cost, but it also improves the R Value (efficiency) and strength of your new home.
- Compile a short list of reputable builders by visiting their websites to understand their process, review recent builds and read what other clients have said about them.
- Schedule a time to meet with the builder you have selected to communicate the scope of your needs and desires, preferred materials, landscaping requirements and any other questions you may have.