6 Tips to Get the Best Custom Home Building Experience
From start to finish, your custom home building experience should be an exciting adventure. While there are lots of decisions that lay before you, begin the journey by envisioning the space you’re about to create. Embrace the details of that space—its expansive views of the mountains, its natural elements, and the soothing open design you’ve been craving.
Begin with the end in mind, and ponder the moments you’ll make with family and friends in the space you’ll create. And let it energize you.
Let’s dive in and gain valuable tips on how to have a stellar custom home building experience.
Engage in an Exciting Custom Home Building Process
1. Find the Right Design-Build Contractor
Who you partner with for your custom home build will make all the difference in the outcome and the journey you’re about to take. You’re entrusting your dreams to this person, so make sure you have a strong sense of trust and are confident in their expertise, experience, guidance, craftsmanship, and more. Here are some basics to explore before hiring your design-build contractor.
Can you see some of their recent work in the area? You’ll get a strong sense of their level of excellence by viewing projects they completed.
Are there client references you can contact to get an even more in-depth feel for what it’s like to work with this design-builder?
Ask about the contractor’s relationships with the craftsmen who they partner with to execute the work. Ask about their collaboration with Architects/Designer/Consultants.
Building a great Design/Build team requires extensive collaboration and drawing on those relationships can ensure a seamless process to the Homeowner.
Find out the specific process of designing your home. Express your desires: Do you want to be intricately involved with the design process of the project? Or do you prefer to let the Architect/Builder take the reins when it comes to your custom home’s design?
Ask how you will be informed of your project’s progress throughout the process. Where will you go with any questions you have along the way? A Design/Build process can provide you with a one person point of contact if you so choose.
Find out what type of project management is in place.
Inquire about the timeline of your custom home build so you know what to expect.
Find out how you can be assured the vision you have for your new home’s design will be implemented before building begins. Will there be a 3D rendering? What about Interior Design/Mechanical/Electrical Design? Some sophisticated new homes require more than just a draftsperson with a Cad program.
In British Columbia, New Home Builders must be licensed and insured, and along with that comes a New Home Warranty that covers the home with a 2/5/10 year warranty. If the contractor isn’t licensed and insured, find someone else to build your home.
Inquire about how long they have been in business. Experience matters when it comes to homebuilding, so you want someone with a substantial track record of experience that gives you a solid trust in their abilities.
2. Arrive at a Budget that Works for You
Define your financial boundaries for your custom home build. Your budget will directly impact your new home’s size, materials, and finishes. Industry nuances and local market rates in your area will affect the building cost of your new home. Is your locale very busy, if so, it may increase the cost to build, if the economy is slower, it may be a good time to obtain more cost effective solutions/suppliers for your new home build. A true Design/Build process can target your financial goal with the design should you choose to.
3. Share Your Vision at Your Initial Consultation
What are the personal touches you want in your custom home that will satisfy your desires? During your consultation, your home builder will take time to listen to your vision for your new home. At Whistler Builder, our comprehensive consultation process is specially tailored to you and aligned with your goals for your home.
4. Engage in the Design Process
The design process isn’t an instant thing. It takes time based on the complexity of the project and necessary revisions to your home design.
Ask your design-builder for recommendations on building materials and finishes. As you consider various materials, think about their durability and the maintenance needs they require. Choosing quality initially is worth it if the lifetime maintenance is low and product longevity is high.
Take time to include what is most important to you and your family. Orientation is part of the design process. In this gorgeous setting, you’ll want to bring the outside in by including great views in the design of your new home. Make the most of natural light in your space with expansive windows that frame the refreshing vistas just outside your home. Developing and enjoying “outdoor living spaces” is a great way to enjoy what mother nature has to offer, literally at your doorstep. Bring the outside in by designing outdoor entertaining/cooking/gathering spaces that naturally flow into your custom home.
5. Enjoy the Building Process as Your Home Takes Shape
A building site will be identified, and your home’s infrastructure will be put in place (water, sewer, power, and site access). Plans will be drawn up by the collaboration of you and your design-build team of professionals. And the permit process will be initiated.
Your home will begin to take shape. Craftsmen will be busy throughout the building and installation process until your home is completed.
Once your home is built, your contractor will go through an extensive checklist to ensure everything is in order and ready for you to move in. You will have a final walk through with your contractor to ensure your complete satisfaction.
6. Occupy Your New Custom Home!
You can start making the memories you dreamed of now that your custom home is built. Every detail of it should speak of your unique story. You’ll personalize it even more as you settle in.
At Whistler Builder, our team is still available after your home is built. If you see something that needs adjusting, we are happy to return and take care of it for you. We’re here for the long haul, looking forward to enjoying an ongoing relationship with you for many years to come.
Build a Mountain Lifestyle Home That Delivers the Functional Living Space You Need and Creatively Expresses Your Desires and Interests
You deserve to enjoy the perfect home, and we’re here to deliver what you envision. At Whistler Builder, we specialize in constructing custom homes. As a design-build contractor, we are willing to create any special customizations you desire. Our in-depth longstanding relationships with local Architects/Designers/Craftsmen are brought into play with every custom home we have the honour of building. We are a four-time finalist of the Georgie Awards—the premier house awards program in British Columbia.
Take a moment to learn more about how our custom home building service can bring your vision to life. We use locally sourced materials to create the inspiring spaces you’ve been dreaming of. And you’ll love working with our expert team designing the home you’re envisioning.