Factors to Consider When Building a New Home

If you are thinking of building a new home, you ought to have everything laid out before beginning your construction project. This will ensure you build a home that meets all your needs, making the construction process smoother. 

A lot of planning goes into constructing a custom home, and the work can become a little overwhelming. Read on to discover a list of factors that are vital to the success of any new construction project. 

Location

When building a custom home, you want your house to be in an ideal location. You want your home to be in an area that suits your lifestyle. Consider factors such as traffic and security and your proximity to hospitals, supermarkets, and other amenities. If you're a parent, you should also think about proximity to schools. 

House Size

The size of your house will determine how many rooms you'll have. It may also determine the size of the land you choose for construction. Think about how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need as well as the size of common rooms. You also should consider whether you need special rooms like a home office, study, or game room. The size of your family will also determine the house’s size. 

Present and Future Needs

People often forget to plan for the future when building a new home, which can cause numerous inconveniences when their family size grows or they find themselves having to accommodate an elderly parent. 

Before building your home, consider if you'd like to have kids one day and how many. Is there a chance your siblings or parents may live with you one day? If you want to keep your home in the long term, make sure it can serve your present and future needs. 

House Layout

Depending on the building materials and structural integrity, a conventional building may last for over a hundred years. This means you may pass your house down to the generation that comes after you. In that case, you want to ensure the house has a practical layout. 

Consider factors like orientation to ensure the house has enough natural light. Think also about the floor plan, window sizes, doorway size, and ceiling length. A simple structure is suitable if you want to reduce construction costs and time. 

Outdoor Features

You may also want to consider your outdoors. For instance, think about the size of your lawn and whether you want a patio and a pool. You want your home to have a curb appeal, so work with your contractor to ensure your exterior spaces are as beautiful as your interiors.

Budget

The materials you use for your home, the size, and the layout, will all depend on your budget. Know how much you are willing to spend and whether you need to talk to a loan officer. The average construction costs for a new home are $100-$200 per square foot. Adding luxury fittings such as a walk-in closet may increase the price to $500. 

Depending on how much work needs to be done, labor costs may make up 10-20% of construction expenses, so ensure you hire a contractor you can afford to pay. You may also want to set a contingency on your budget to take care of unexpected costs. 

Required Permits

Before you can start construction on your home, you will need a building permit from your state government. Additionally, you may need to file several applications to show that you are following zoning laws and the appropriate building codes. It may take your local authorities some time to process all your permissions, so make sure you make all applications for approval early on in the project. 

Choosing the right building partner is essential in the construction process. A reputable contractor will ensure you have all the permits needed for construction. They will also consult you throughout the project to ensure you stay on budget and that the project stays on course. 

At JO Contractors, we offer expert construction services to make your vision a reality. Contact us today for construction services in Lake Anna, VA.