Wednesday, August 30, 2023

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO STARTING YOUR CUSTOM HOME CONSTRUCTION PART 2



In the first part of this blog series, we explore the crucial steps that lay the foundation for building your ideal custom home. From aligning priorities and creating room-by-room wishlists to gaining a clear understanding of your budget breakdown, we guide you through the initial stages of the process.

Ready to transform your dream home into a reality? Read on to discover the next steps to take on your journey towards building a custom home.

Start Building Your Dream Custom Home

Step 4: Find Your Land

Determining the initial step is simple; you should start by finding your land. If you proceed with steps 1-3 before securing your land, the process will become significantly more challenging.

Finding suitable land can pose difficulties due to the presence of obstacles on nearly every plot. Moreover, you will be competing against developers with substantial resources for the best lots.

Assembling your dream team is crucial. Your architect and home builder in Myrtle Beach will assist you in identifying plots that might entail additional expenses. You will also gain insights into factors such as clay types and water tables, which can impact the foundation and settling of your future house.

A skilled realtor can inform you about excellent plots even before they hit the market. These professionals have witnessed numerous homes and possess knowledge about the most valuable areas. They can also apprise you of locations with ongoing issues that might affect your home in the long term.

Step 5: Develop your plans with an architect or choose them jointly with a builder

It’s essential to determine whether you’re constructing a semi-custom, custom, or spec home.

custom-home-2-7-300x200.jpgCustom homes, from initial plans to final finishes, exhibit uniqueness. While they tend to be the most costly, they often hold the highest value. However, exceptions exist; for instance, overly personalized and distinctive finishes might not appeal to most buyers.

I recently visited a house with urinals in every bathroom, a clear indication of a male builder! The property and layout are exceptional, but the urinals could discourage female or family buyers in the future.

Building a custom home involves selecting every detail. Although this offers great flexibility, it also entails a multitude of decisions. Custom homes suit individuals unwilling to compromise their vision.

For a fully custom home, you’ll need an architect to create the plans. Subsequently, collaborating with your designer on interior specifications before obtaining a builder’s quote is advisable. During this process, you’ll receive “allowances,” which can complicate budget management alongside your choices.

The planning phase alone could span six months. The construction of a custom home, from start to finish, typically takes around 12 months, and larger projects might extend to three years.

Semi-Custom Homes involve choosing plans from the Builder’s Library and personalizing them according to your preferences.

Semi-custom homes are more budget-friendly than custom homes because an architect’s involvement in creating plans isn’t necessary. Additionally, they are constructed more swiftly due to a streamlined planning phase, allowing direct collaboration with your designer for finish selection.

However, options for finishes are often limited in semi-custom homes. While this simplifies the process, compromises on desired finishes might be required.

Some builders are open to using materials sourced by your designer for a semi-custom home. This aspect should be discussed in your initial meeting, as some builders prefer homeowners to select from their designated material options.

Semi-custom homes are a practical choice if time is a concern, as they skip much of the planning phase. On average, these homes are completed within about six months.

Spec Homes are newly built houses ready for occupancy. Builders often construct spec homes with popular finishes to cater to a broader market.

custom-home-1-300x200.jpgOpting for an already-built home eliminates the customization process, allowing immediate move-in. Architectural and engineering expenses can also be avoided by going through your Realtor.

Keep in mind that spec homes might require additional work, such as landscaping or driveways, which are sometimes excluded from the standard build.

Homes constructed with common materials often possess a uniform appearance. If you desire a more customized feel for a Spec Home, enlisting a designer for furnishing and distinctive touches is an option.

Step 6: Collaborate with your designer to visualize plans and refine details before obtaining a construction quote.

For those choosing the Spec Home route, you can proceed to step 8.

If you’re pursuing semi-custom, custom home in Myrtle Beach, or a combination of both, you can request an accurate quote from your custom home builder.

While each Designer’s process varies, here’s what to expect when working with the team from Dawol Homes during this step:

  1. The comfortable dwelling consultation serves as the initial stage. Participation from all family members is essential. This meeting involves reviewing your established priorities and inspiration boards. Exercises will help us grasp your vision, and we’ll present previous work and ideas to align everyone’s understanding.
  2. Following the consultation, we will send you the Agreement and Scope of Work for signing, along with collecting the Retainer for future work.
  3. Utilizing plans provided by your architect or custom home builder in Myrtle Beach, we’ll craft a 3D rendering of your entire home and create your Design Presentation. This will showcase furnished and completed home images. During the meeting, you can also select material samples for your home.
  4. Subsequent revisions will be made as needed, followed by a second meeting to establish budgets for furniture and finishes. This information will be relayed to your builder for a comprehensive estimate. This approach minimizes delays and ensures accurate quoting, aiding in comprehending the actual costs involved.
  5. We’ll collaborate to tailor the project within your budget after preparing the build quote. Recognize that an unlimited budget might not be feasible, and our software and expertise will guide decisions benefiting you and your family.

Exciting insights on home design are coming your way in Part 3 of our series. Stay tuned for more valuable tips on turning your dream home into a reality!

Ready to bring your dream home to life? Build a custom home tailored to your vision. Reach out today and let’s start turning your ideas into reality! Call Dawol Homes now.

Like our Facebook page for more information about custom homes. 

Dawol Homes
9404 Hwy 17 Bypass,
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
(843) 294-2859

Dawol Homes Sales Office
3100 Dick Pond Rd # E
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843-294-2859

We build homes in: Cypress River PlantationWaterway PalmsWaterbridgeMurrells InletCollins CreekBellwood LandingCarolina ForestPlantation LakesNorth Myrtle BeachSocasteeSurfside BeachPawleys IslandLitchfield Plantation 

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