New Year, New Home: Embarking on Your Luxury Home Building Journey
By the second quarter of 2024, the National Association of Realtors anticipates over 1 million single-family residential starts. If you plan on building a new home in the new year, you’re definitely not alone.
Home-building, in general, can be a daunting process. When you’re building a Custom luxury home, though, it can be particularly intimidating.
Are you unsure of what to expect when you begin your luxury home-building journey? If so, keep reading. The primary steps you’ll go through during the high-end construction process are outlined below.
Choose the Right Location
The first step to building a custom luxury home is, of course, deciding where you want that home to be located.
Maybe you want to live in a secluded area with easy access to nature, or perhaps you’d rather be in a convenient spot close to the city.
Get clear on where you want to live and what matters most to you — proximity to amenities, privacy, etc. Consider additional factors like access to quality schools (if you have children or plan to in the future) as well.
Choose the Right Builder
An experienced and skilled home-building team will guide you through all of the steps and make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.
What should you look for in a luxury home builder? Start with the following:
Ask About Experience
Look for a home builder with years of experience designing and constructing luxury homes.
They should be familiar with the process of building a custom home and understand what goes into building houses in your area.
For example, if they’re familiar with the challenges of building in a particular climate, they’ll be better equipped to make recommendations that produce a sturdier and longer-lasting home.
Peruse Their Portfolio
If you’re having a hard time choosing between different builders, ask to look at their portfolio (if they don’t already have it available on their website). Take note of the different types of properties they’ve worked on and consider whether or not their style aligns with your vision.
Read Reviews
Always read reviews and testimonials from past clients. Find out what they like and dislike about the builder’s services and whether or not they’re satisfied with the finished product.
Be wary of builders that don’t have any customer reviews or testimonials available. That could be a red flag that they lack experience or don’t have many happy clients who are eager to recommend them.
Consider Costs
Of course, you also need to take costs into account. Ask for a quote from a few different builders so you can compare and trust that you’re not overpaying for your new home.
Keep in mind, though, that the lowest price doesn’t always indicate the best results. It’s worth it to pay extra for quality, especially when you’re designing and building a custom, luxury home.
Establish a Budget
As you begin working with the builder and designing your dream house, it’s important to establish a budget. As much as you might want to say that the sky’s the limit, chances are you have a specific number you’d like to stay under when building your home.
When creating your budget, remember to include some extra padding to make up for potential delays, changes in materials costs, etc. Don’t forget about additional expenses like utility fees, the cost of appliances, landscaping, and closing costs, either.
Focus on Function
Consider how you’re going to use your home.
Obviously, it will function as a place for you to lay your head at the end of the day, but dig a little deeper.
Do you want an expansive space where you can host lavish parties and entertain guests? Do you want it to feel a bit cozier and provide a more intimate setting for close friends and family?
Work with the builder and their design team to clarify the desired function of your home and ensure it aligns with your goals.
Include Essential Rooms
There are certain rooms that every home, regardless of its layout, should have, including the following:
● Bedrooms
● Bathrooms
● Kitchen
● Pantry
● Dining room
● Laundry room
● Family room/living room
In addition to these essential rooms, you might also want to incorporate some other fun and functional spaces, such as these:
● Breakfast room
● Sunroom
● Game room
● Gym
● Office
● Home theater
● Library
● Conservatory
Don’t be afraid to get creative. You’re building your luxury dream home, after all — you deserve to have the rooms you want and need.
Add Interior and Exterior Finishes
Do you love custom woodwork? Are you envisioning striking stone accents on the front of the house? What kinds of hardware do you want for your kitchen and bathroom cabinets?
Think carefully about your interior and exterior finishes, as they will add character to your home and make it feel like it truly belongs to you.
Remember, too, that interior and exterior finishes can take up a lot of your budget, so plan carefully to ensure you get the features you want while still leaving room to cover the things you need.
Consider Resale Potential
When building a luxury home, it’s essential that you strike a balance between customization and resale potential.
Right now, you might be planning on living in your dream home for the rest of your life. Things happen, though, and you might end up needing to move at some point.
In that case, it’ll be easier to sell your house if it appeals to others besides you and your family.
When making decisions, ask yourself if someone else would appreciate that particular customization. If the answer is “no,” you might want to reconsider it.
Start Your New Year Home Projects Today
The new year is here, and it’s time to get started on your new home.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re designing and building a luxury home. Working with the right builder can help you navigate all of the steps involved in the process, though.If you’re looking for a builder who checks all the boxes shared above, Superior Construction is here to assist. Contact us today to get started.