SO...YOU'VE DECIDED TO HAVE YOUR HOME CUSTOM BUILT....

Where do you go from here?

Written by: Barbara Hartsfield, Hartsfield Construction

Home Discoveries Magazine, Tallahassee, Florida

         The decision to custom build verses purchasing an existing home is one that many couples struggle with.  The most beneficial reason for custom building is the ability to choose your home location, size, style and finishes.  "We wanted a home that not only suited our needs but also suited our style and taste", says Ginger Daniels, a recent custom built homeowner.

         The planning and beginning stages of the home building process are typically approached with excitement and joy.  This excitement can continue in a positive way with some preplanning and some guidance from an experienced builder.  My first question to a couple hiring me to build their home is "how strong is your marriage?", Robert Hartsfield of Hartsfield Construction jokingly says, "The building process with all the decisions and time demands can really put a marriage to the test.  My job as a custom home builder is to guide my customers smoothly through the process, giving them the information they need when they need it, in order for them to make each decision confidently."

     One of the first decisions is the house plan.  Spend a weekend going to open houses and start looking at home magazines.  Create a file with the information and torn out pages you like.  This will help you to find the style and options you prefer and will help you to relay to the designer what you are looking for.  Save pages that show exterior and interior design finishes as well.  This will help you greatly in making all your finish selections.

     You must check with your bank to see what amount you qualify for and be sure that the house designed on paper can be build within your budget.  Remember to take into consideration the the finishes can change any home by thousands of dollars.

     Choosing your builder is a very important step.  Your choice in a builder should be someone you feel very comfortable with.  Most builders will only be able to give you an approximate estimate.  Therefore, your decision will need to be based on other aspects like how well you are able to communicate with that person.  Check his or her references.  Most people are delighted to share their building experience.  It is a great way to find out from the customer's viewpoint what the builder is like.

     By this point you should either have your lot or have the purchasing process started. "Yes, there are still some good lots available in the Tallahassee area", says Sedita Clayson "The Land Man", of JFH Realty.  In searching for the perfect lot, remember that the advice of an experienced builder will help by ensuring that the particular lot you are considering will work with your home and keep you within your building budget.

     Now is the time for your preplanning!  It is so important to sit down with your builder and go over every square inch of your plans.  Discuss every building issue from roof shingles to the door bell push button you desire!  This will make the building process much smoother. Make sure all of these decisions are reflected either on the house plans or in the Specifications (written details outlining all work to be performed and materials to be used).  After meeting with the builder and when the bank is satisfied with all of your paperwork, the closing of your construction loan can be completed and the permitting and building process can begin!

     Pay close attention to the home placement on your lot.  Most smaller lots restrict the placement, but on a larger lot you have the freedom to decide just how the house should sit.  You can consider the sun angles and the future tree growth or just simply want the long curvy drive up to a house that sits further back!

     Your builder will begin to schedule all the necessary work for the building of your homes foundation and you will need to finalize your exterior color choices.

     Don't underestimate the time involved in making these exterior choices.  The exterior of a home is so important because it is what is noticed first.  Always insist on seeing the color you are considering for roofing shingles, brick, vinyl siding or stucco on a finished home.  NOTHING LOOKS THE SAME ON A SAMPLE PIECE AS IT DOES ON A FINISHED HOME.  Most product suppliers will gladly give you addresses of homes with their products on them.

     "The most exciting moment was when the first wall was stood into place!" says Anita Ostreander, who had her home custom build a few years ago.  "The building process seemed to go fast from that point on and we stayed busy with making our finishing selections".

     The many interior finish decisions can be overwhelming.  Be prepared to have time to shop around and consider all the different options.  If it gets to be too time consuming just remember that if you stay neutral with your selections you will have the option of defining your style and colors later in your furniture and window decor.

     "I like to see people stay more neutral with their carpet and maybe have more dramatic colors in their tile and tile grout.  There are many tile accent designs that can add texture and have a designer effect, " says Melinda Inman of Flooring America.

     "We heard others talk about their building nightmares but we really enjoyed our building experience.  Even with a few unforeseen glitches our builder made sure we had everything the way we wanted it and the whole experience was a positive one!" - Robert & Jane Hayes

     If you have made the custom home building decision remember that in the end you will have a home that you will love to come home to and that makes all of the time preparing, planning, and deciding worth it! :)

Tips & Comments From Homeowners...

• Consider NOT putting the master bedroom upstairs if you do not enjoy going up and down stairs!
• I wish my laundry room were BIGGER!
• Place the outdoor A/C unit where you will not here it from your front porch, back deck or from any open window.
• After you have designed your homes perfect floor plan, add two feet!
• We built a traditional house with the separate living room and family room but now I wish we would have one large great room open to the kitchen and eating area.