It started from building small forts as a child to graduating to tree houses, but I believe my knack for building was truly tested building my own home. A very daunting task and a VERY extensive process that can take months if not years to accomplish, but it can take years if you’re going in clueless. Here’s some tips from my experience building my own home.
Location Planning
When plotting/purchasing where you plan on building your home, ask around with locals or even speak with your local city hall regarding businesses that could be popping up in the next few years. Worst case scenario, an airport could be built across the street which would make the home of your dreams in the location from hell.
Plumbing, Sewer, Public Utilities
If plotting in a neighborhood, make sure you have a layout of all gas, water, and sewage pipes that your dream home may lay on. In areas of intense weather fluctuation keep in mind that the weather can do damage to the foundation of your home which could easily become a gigantic problem in the future.
Home Depot May Be Your Friend, But Shop Local
For a project of home building on a grand scale, shop locally (which is good for the economy you’re building your house in). If purchasing things you may not be too sure about, Home Depot is the place to go. Don’t forget the receipts from your purchase to make sure every dollar you invest in your home is being used efficiently. Even go to construction sites or scrap sites for product you could purchase at a discounted price.
Choose A Stock Plan
Choose a stock plan over a custom plan, as the custom will have you thinking of everything you won’t really need once the project is finished (example: try grocery shopping when you’re hungry.) Chances are you will still be able to get some of the customs you can’t live without but for a fraction of the price.
Information
As stated above, entering home building with as much information as possible is the most effective way to approach the task. Keep in mind that should spend money (and not cut corners) when it comes to purchasing doors, windows, etc.
Feeling at home in your own home you’ve built from the ground up is a feeling of accomplishment that renting or purchasing a home (previously lived in) will never encounter. You’re responsible for everything before and after the inception of the home and everything else afterwards is just memories…
