Practically everybody dreams about building their own home from time to time. After all, who wouldn’t want something built exactly to their specifications, something with just the right number of rooms and just the right size bathtubs? It’s easy to get caught up in the dream of building your own home without understanding the realities, though. There are plenty of things to consider before embarking on your home-building journey.
1. Know the Process Takes Time
The home building process takes much more time than most people realize. According to the Styleofhomes.com, constructing one-unit buildings took around 7.2 months on average. For many people, the wait is much longer. There are a lot of variables to consider when calculating exactly how long your building process will take. The style of home that you want, the size that you want it to be, the specific materials you use, and even the region where you’re building your home will all factor into the time it takes to be completed. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average time to build a home is 7-8 months in the United States. Your contractor can give you a more specific timeline based on your personal variables.
2. Consider the Future When Designing Your Home
When you’re thinking about your home’s design, you’re probably only considering what you need now, but it’s important to think about the future as well. Maybe you’re a newlywed who only needs space for two people. What if you decide that you want kids down the road, though? Will you have enough bathrooms and bedrooms to accommodate them with your current design? Think even further down the road as well. Will your home be accessible for you as you age? Even if you’re building a two- or three-story home, it’s a good idea to have a master bedroom and full bathroom on the first floor to help with accessibility in the future.
3. Choose Neutral Interior Paint Colors
Maybe you’re in love with the idea of a rainbow-inspired kitchen now, but will you be in five years? There’s a good chance you won’t. When asked what they wish they’d done differently, many creative couples said they wish they’d stuck to neutral paint colors when they built the home. Choosing bright hues or deep jewel tones does add style, but it also makes it much harder to redecorate when you decide to freshen things up. White, beige, and even gray are excellent wall colors that allow you to get more creative with your furniture and wall art. If you absolutely must have uniquely painted walls, choose to do an accent wall instead of every wall. This way, if you decide you need a change, you won’t need to spend as much time or money repainting.
Whether you’re building something small and in a rural area or something big, beautiful, and near the city, always ensure you’re working with a reputable contractor. Ask for license information, insurance information, a portfolio, and a list of reference phone numbers. If a potential contractor hesitates to provide any of this, keep searching. After all, you want the best for you and your family.
