Having a home custom built for individual desires is one thing. Having the opportunity to build your own home from the ground up takes customization to a whole new level. While home construction is not a job to be taken lightly by a weekend warrior it is a job that can be done. While many portions of the work may need to be sub-contracted the overall costs can end up being much less by doing the majority of the work yourself.
What do you need to start when thinking about building your own home?
Besides financing and the determination to get the job done there are several factors involved before you can even begin the construction your own home. Obviously you will need a place to begin building. Do not just randomly choose a lot; you need some background information first. Check the history of the area for flooding or other natural disasters. Make sure that you can obtain the proper permits and what the regulations are for homes built in the area. Check the availability and location of all utilities that you will need. Make sure that you can obtain insurance to not only cover your investment but any liabilities you may face.
Choosing a home:
Major building supply stores like Menards offer home building kits. As these types of homes have become popular more styles and sizes keep being added. From a one bedroom cottage kit at under $30,000, to three bedroom two story models in the $60,000 range, the prices are much less than a buyer would pay to a custom home builder.
Home kits include the all basics of framing materials, siding, doors, trim, cabinets, windows and flooring. Plumbing, plumbing fixtures, electrical and lighting and roofing materials are in the packages as well. With kit homes the buyer still has many options for changes to design the home to their individual tastes. While an Architect can be hired to create a design and all the required prints, kit homes can be save both on the costs and the time involved in pre-building details.
Sub-contracting needs:
Unless you are already extremely well skilled at construction and have access to all of the necessary equipment many of the portions of the job will need to be completed by other individuals. Excavation for the foundation and concrete work is best left to professionals. This is especially true if you plan on a basement. Plumbing, including gas, and electrical work are also skilled areas but many do-it-yourself enthusiasts have skills in these areas. The important thing to remember is that all work must be performed correctly and will usually require inspection. Roofing is another area where skilled labor is generally needed.
While the job of building your own home is immense if you have the time and ability it can be a worthwhile experience. Not only will you have the satisfaction of a job well done you can have the job done exactly as you want it.
