If the current home that you live in is too cramped or has a lack of amenities, it may be time to build your dream house. Building a custom home will allow you to have complete control over each aspect of the new property to ensure that it meets your long-term needs. When you’re ready to build a new house, there are a few steps to take to make your dreams a reality.

Begin with the Land

Although you have an image in your head of what you want your dream house to look like, you may not have spent enough time deciding where you’ll live. You may want to live right next to other neighbors or desire to have a significant amount of privacy. Ask yourself if you want to live on a hill with a view or prefer to build the house on a flat area with plenty of trees. Knowing the specifics of what you desire will make it easier to narrow down your options and find the right place to call home.

You’ll also want to consider the distance from the land to your workplace to avoid spending several hours on the road each day. Living in proximity to nearby schools and parks can also be a priority for some families.

Determine What You Can Afford

You’ll need to obtain a loan from a financial institution or bank that is specific for a custom home project. A builder can guide you in the right direction on lenders who are known for providing construction loans.

You’ll need to save 10 to 20 percent of the cost of the home for a down payment and will also need to provide proof of your household income. Boosting your credit score can also make it easier to get approved.

Photo by Alair Homes CollingwoodBrowse bathroom photos

Find Your Team

The team that you hire to build your new house will determine how much you enjoy the process and the final outcome. Make a list of each professional that you’ll need to hire in the local area, which includes an architect, designers, arborist, landscape architects, and civil engineers. The builder may be able to provide you with recommendations to ensure that you work with reputable people in the industry. You won’t have to worry about working directly with each professional once you hire them and can rely on the builder to manage their work each day.

Set Aside Funds for the Design Phase

The design phase is often the most exciting part when you can select the style of your kitchen or the look of your entryway. Use images to communicate your vision to the builder and select materials that he recommends to ensure that everything is high-quality and hard-wearing.

Building a custom home will prove to be a memorable process from beginning to end. You can enjoy seeing your new home evolve with each completed step.