First-Time Custom Home Builders Checklist
Between finances, design, and permits, building a custom home is no small undertaking. We’ve provided a checklist of all the major landmarks in the building process, so your path to your New Jersey custom home is as smooth as possible.
You can also make the process much easier by working with an experienced custom home builder like Walters Homes.
Checklist for Custom Home Buyers in New Jersey
Figure Out Your Budget
The first step of any project is working out how you’ll pay for it. Knowing how much you can afford to pay upfront and monthly before you start to plan will give you guidelines that you should try to work within when designing.
Prioritizing Wants and Needs
Once you’ve built a budget, sit down with your family to put together a wishlist of features. What are the things you can’t live without? Which of your desired features are optional? You may need to adjust this wishlist based on what you can afford.
Check out our recent blog post on prioritizing features.
Research Custom Home Builders
Your custom home will likely be your single most valuable possession, so make sure to choose a homebuilder you trust. Research reviews and testimonials. Ask neighbors who they used. Taking the time to select the right builder is well worth it.
Visit Existing Homes
Find out if any of the homeowners you’re looking into have model homes or upcoming open houses in the area. It’ll be a good chance to see their work in person. Seeing lots of new homes can also help you get more ideas for your own custom home.
Organize Your Finances
Before you go shopping for construction loans and mortgages, make sure your credit is in order by clearing up issues and discrepancies with the major credit bureaus. You should also make sure you have your savings and investments together to make paying closing costs easier.
Shop for a Loan
Once your finances are organized, start working on securing a construction loan and mortgage. You may want to start with your builder’s preferred lender, but make sure to get letters from other institutions as well. Find just a few to talk to, as too many hard credit checks can hurt your credit score.
Find a Lot
If you don’t already have a lot picked out, you should find one before you start making concrete design plans. The topography, location, and size of your lot will play a huge role in the home’s functional and aesthetic design.
Sit Down With the Designers
One of the most fun steps is working out the plan for your custom home with the designer. This is where creating your features wishlist comes in handy. During the design process, make sure your wishes are known, but stay open to suggestions from your designer.
Obtain Permits
You also need to make sure to obtain insurance and the proper building permits before construction can begin. Fortunately, most building companies, like Walters Homes, will take care of this step for you.
Set Up Hookups
Make sure to talk to your custom home builder about setting up utility hookups, like water, sewage, power, or gas. As the homeowner, you may need to play a role setting up these appointments and making decisions about what utilities to go with.
Break Ground on Your New Home
Once all your ducks are in a row, construction can start. Now you get to watch your new home come together before your eyes. You may need to make decisions about materials or design changes as construction goes, so make sure to be responsive to your builders.
Move In
The best part has finally arrived. Your hard work has paid off, and you get to enjoy your dream home.
Start Your Custom Home Building Process With Walters Homes
If you’re interested in getting started on your own custom home in Ocean County, New Jersey, reach out to Walters Homes. We have over 30 years of experience building high-quality and affordable custom homes in the Jersey Shore, area.
