This custom home has a welcoming front entrance.

Some of these considerations may not be in the forefront of your mind, but there is a long list of aspects you need to consider when building a new home. These should help to get you started thinking about some of the most important pieces of the home building process.

Get Inspired!

This is YOUR custom home! Don't slack on planning  your dream project. Before you even think about committing to building a new home, spend an extensive amount of time planning. Creating a Pinterest board or even a physical dream board are great ways to organize your ideas all in one place and determine what styles you like and what elements are important to you. Share these boards with your builder when you're ready.

Room Decisions

The ideal placement of the rooms in your home will vary based on your habits, family dynamics and your hobbies may even come into play (a mudroom might be important for not only families but also those who get dirty at their jobs). For many families it's bet to place the laundry room in an easily accessible place near bedrooms, the kitchen is best located near the entrance where you carry in groceries, and you'll want to place bedrooms away from noise and traffic. 

What rooms are necessities? For those who never use a dining room, you may only need an eat-in area in their kitchen or a dinning nook. Even if a room sounds like a fun addition to the plan, consider if you'll really use it, but also make sure to include rooms and spaces you know you will use.

The Lot

Regardless of the house plan you have in mind, have you thought to consider if it will fit well on the lot? Your house plan selection must take the lot into high consideration. Not all houses will fit well on certain lots and you want to make the best use of your land. If you have a scenic surrounding landscape, you want your house to be situated so it takes advantage of it.

Lighting Choices

You can never have too many lighting choices! Add lighting options in every spot possible, but also don't forget about natural lighting. Include lots of windows -- including skylights -- in your house plan to take advantage of natural lighting opportunities.

Resale

Keep resale in mind whether you think you will sell or not. Even if you plan to stay in the home indefinitely, plans and life circumstances can change the plan. A timeless design sells, and so does energy efficiency and low maintenance home.

The Ever Evolving Family

How will your family change throughout the years? Do you even know? You can't make all the predictions, but you can consider what your family will need over the years, including after retirement, once you welcome grandchildren or elderly parents into your home, etc.

Is it Negotiable?

What are your must-haves, your non negotiables, and what are the things you can give up? Because you may not have unlimited funds, you will likely have to make compromises on what you want, and what you can settle for. Make sure you provide your builder with your list of non negotiables.

Energy Efficient?

Energy efficiency is not only great for resale but also great for your finances. Select energy efficient appliances containing the Energy Star logo. Not only will you save money on your energy costs but you may also qualify for energy efficiency rebates and tax credits. There are often federal opportunities, or as well your state, city or local utility company may offer rebates and tax credits. 

Maintenance

Have you considered what it may cost to maintain your home after it is built? Cheap materials are cheap up-front but cost more in the long run. If you invest in quality materials in the beginning when designing your house you'll save money over time. Also opt for other low maintenance options such as countertops that resist staining, low-maintenance flooring options, and finishes resistant to smudges and scratches.

Financing

Don't neglect budget considerations before you are too far into the process. Consult with not only your banker but also a financial advisor to help you determine what you can afford. Know that while building the financing is different than a traditional home mortgage. When you are shopping around for a loan (highly recommended) make sure you ask questions about the differences between the construction loan and the home mortgage loan. Most often a construction loan has a shorter term and a higher interest rates. And at the end, when your home is finished, you'll need to refinance the construction loan into a home loan.

The Move

Everyone loves to move, right? Few do. But being prepared for the move can put your mind at ease a bit. Ask your builder for a realistic estimated move-in date so you can start preparing for it months in advance. Create a back-up plan for if that move-in date changes, including temporary house and storage space.

The Contract

Read all contracts multiple times before signing. Ensure you understand what you are signing. The contract should everything you've discussed previously (take notes if you must in order to remember what is discussed). Because once you've signed a contract you may not be able to get out of it or make any changes.

Are you ready to start planning your new custom home? Get inspired by the examples in our Custom Home Gallery!