Almost 3,000 new homes began construction in the Tampa Bay area in the last quarter of 2019. New home construction was up 12% from the year before. There’s no better time than now to build a custom home.
But this isn’t a project to rush into. Building a custom home is an intensive project, and there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Follow this guide to ensure your custom home building project turns out as a success.
Know the Numbers
Before you start building your new home, double and triple-check your numbers. Make sure that the home of your dreams is achievable with your realistic budget. If it isn’t, you either need to put plans on hold while you save, or reduce your custom home expectations.
Many contractors that build modern homes in Tampa will offer a cost to build estimate. This will outline everything you can expect to pay throughout the course of building your home.
- Permitting
- Materials
- Construction
- Down payment
- Slush account
- Tax benefits
Research the Builder
Many builders construct luxury homes in Tampa, FL, but they aren’t all the same. Research potential builders and learn their performance history and reputation. You could look online or ask family friends for their recommendations.
Look for a builder that has a reputation for consistently building quality homes and meeting deadlines. Ask the builder if they are licensed and have insurance.
Keep Resale in Mind
It’s true you’re building a custom home in Tampa, and that means you can tailor it to your needs and taste. It’s unlikely that it’ll be the last home you ever own, so you need to consider its resale value.
Choosing too many upgrades may price the home out of the neighborhood. Or choosing too many unique features may make it unappealing to most people. Find a balance between custom and homebuyer appeal.
Think About Environmentally Friendly Features
This is your chance to work with your architect and builder to add energy-efficient features. This could be placing the laundry room and garage on the south side of the home to minimize heat loss. Or choosing to install windows that will reduce heat transfer to help keep your home cool.
You should also choose an HVAC system and other energy-efficient appliances to reduce your energy costs. To reduce water costs, consider low flow toilets and faucets.
Don’t Skip the Punch List
Don’t skip the last step in the building process. The punch list is a list of items that still need work. You and the builder will walk through the house to create this list.
Try to do this walkthrough with a critical eye and without emotions. Identify any unreasonable flaws that require fixing.
Build a Custom Home Today
If you’re ready to build a custom home in Tampa, then keep these tips in mind as you go through the building process. Building a custom home is not a passive project. To ensure its success, you should take an active role in the process from start to finish.
Take the first step by choosing the best builder for the project. We help people build vintage-styled modern homes in Tampa and can help you achieve your dream home.
Contact us today and let us help you custom-build your dream home.
