Overview: Building Your Own Home

01 Dec 2021 Long Read

Building a new house has become a rare sight because of the many existing options. Not everyone today desires to spend their money building a new house. The majority of these houses are built to last for decades, could be easily modified, and have the potential to increase in value.

However, there is something that still amazes you about building your abode.

A home is a place that you build once in your lifetime; Something distinctive and one-of-a-kind. Building a new home can be customised to suit your desires.

Advantages of building your own home

You will have a clean and fresh start which will allow you to explore your imaginations and personalise things according to your choice. You get to pick the features, customisations, and designs you have always dreamed of in your ideal home!

  • A new beginning for your home.

No words could describe the feeling of you moving into a beautiful new home, designed by you, for you!

  • More locations to choose from.

Because you're beginning from the ground level, you have more alternatives when it comes to location. At this stage, it's significant to consider your family's requirements and wishes.

Do you prefer a city or a country setting? What do you consider to be the ideal work commute? Do you prefer to be in a wooded or open environment?

These are some of the questions you should ask yourself while deciding where to live.

  • Customisation.

You can customise and design your house as per your comfort; personalise it. Who better than you understands what makes you the most comfortable at home? Customisation opens endless virtual options that could turn into a reality when designing your home. You have complete control over every feature of your new home, from the floor layout to the closet size!

  • Maintenance-free.

One of the most appealing aspects of building your own house is knowing that it will be low-maintenance for many years. If built properly, you should be able to enjoy your new house for many years before needing to replace the roof, water heater, or other components.

Because older buildings may require expensive renovations, these maintenance savings are significant to consider when calculating the cost of building your own home.

In addition to routine maintenance, you may design your home to be energy efficient, which will save you money in the long run.

  • Finishes and décor are contemporary.

There's no need to be concerned about your home being obsolete anytime soon! Rather, you can design your home in a contemporary style with modern elements.

You have complete freedom to make any decisions you desire.

While a young couple may like a contemporary style, a retirement home builder may prefer a more conventional style.

  • Warranty protection.

Many older homes necessitate repairs that aren't covered by a warranty. When you build your own home, however, you get a full warranty on all construction materials. On certain materials, you can also purchase extended warranties.

  • Advanced technology.

When you build a new house, you have the freedom to design and optimise it for modern technology like security, entertainment, and communication. Retrofitting older homes to accommodate current technology is common.

  • Ecologically friendly and effective.

Many modern homes are designed to be energy efficient and have a low environmental impact. Homes that are energy-efficient use less energy to heat and cool.
High-efficiency hot water systems, low-flow fixtures, solar electricity, bamboo flooring, and other environmentally friendly designs are possible.

  • Unique financing choices.

Mortgage companies or affiliates of custom house builders frequently provide custom-tailored financing. Down payments, loan costs, and even interest rates adjusted to your budget and situation are all part of this.

Finalising the plot

First, decide on the location where you wish to live, and then look for a plot. Before you buy a plot, you should have a professional do a soil test to determine the soil's bearing capacity and ensure that there are no chemical or physical conditions that could harm your home.

There are elements to keep in mind while you start planning your own house:

  • Location

The first thing to consider is a location. You don't want yourself to own a house in such a locality where you lose your peace of mind or someplace where you can't connect with the world as easily. So choose your location based on your needs.

However, if you're looking to acquire a piece of land, make sure it's not in an agricultural area, or you might not be able to build on it. Furthermore, you must broadly inspect the site for properly mapped access routes that easily allow loaded trucks to approach it.

  • Area of plot

If you plan on residing here, the size and area of the residential plot will play a significant role in your decision. Check the built-up area and the topography and soil on which you will be constructing the house.

  • Value of the plot

Even if the deal appears to be good, don't hurry into purchasing a residential site. Before purchasing land, it is recommended that you spend some time researching its value and other benefits. You can also seek the advice of a real estate agent to assist you with this work to be assured of your decision.

  • Verifications

You may hear that a piece of property is being prosecuted or is involved in specific difficulties. However, it's a secure idea to double-check the information of the dealer and the information provided by the dealer. You should also check out their previous and current work or post your questions on internet discussion boards. It will help you with trusting the dealer.

  • Legalities and Documentation

Before signing the selling deed, you must thoroughly inspect and verify all the concerning documents of the property. You should not hesitate to seek the advice of a legal advisor if necessary. It would be best if you also looked at the Encumbrance Certificate, often known as the EC. It has to be under the name of the vendor.

Others include-

  • The distance between you and your firm or organisation, or institution.
  • Nearby transportation options could include a bus stop, a railway station, and an airport.
  • Common services such as roads, water, power, drainage, and sewerage are all available.
  • Availability of a school, a market, a hospital, a park, a bank, and a post office, among other things.

Documents you will need to secure before purchasing the land. These are some of them:

  • Property Tax Receipts or House Receipts, proving that the vendor is the landowner.
  • A clear title that specifies the land's non-agricultural usage (NA).

You will need the following documents before you begin the actual construction:

  • Improvised drawings
  • Needed carpet area
  • Index of Floor Space (FSI)
  • Approvals required for construction/extension
  • Acts of sale
  • Contract of sale

Vastu

Vastu is an ancient Indian science based on the Pancha Bhootas concept, which refers to the universe's five primary elements: Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Space. Vaastu is a science that aims to develop a harmony between all five elements for the habitation to be hospitable to its occupants. The proper use of Vaastu principles can assist in creating a physically pleasant, emotionally relaxing, and intellectually stimulating environment at home.

There are a few key highlights on Vastu that you should check out:

  • The land should be rectangular or square.
  • The Vastu compliance of a plot with an extended north-east corner or east is favourable.
  • The Eastside was said to be the most auspicious entrance for a house.
  • The property's slope should be either west to east or south to north.
  • You should always keep the northern side of the home clear because it symbolises opportunities.
  • The main bedroom should be built in the direction of the south-west.
  • Bedrooms with square and rectangle shapes are ideal for maintaining peace and prosperity.

Cost estimates

While the cost of land will remain relatively constant, the cost of construction will vary depending on the materials you use, as well as your wants and preferences. We propose that you create a full cost breakdown to have a clear idea of your projected expenses. In this case, you might want to enlist the expertise of your builder or contractor.

You must factor in the costs of the following key determinants, as well as several minor details:

  • Foundation
  • Plaster
  • Electrical work
  • Plumbing
  • Woodwork
  • Kitchen
  • Trolleys
  • Interiors
  • Reinforced concrete cement
  • Brickwork

It would help to consider labour costs, which can vary greatly from one location to the next and even from one contractor to the next. It's critical to discuss the rates of various parts in detail ahead of time, or you will wind up spending more than you should.

Loan

Now is the time to think about getting a home loan. It's a type of loan issued by banks, housing financing companies, and other lending institutions, and it's usually accompanied by a low interest rate and a long repayment period.

This type of credit can save you the trouble of paying a huge sum of money out of your pocket and depleting your reserves.

Selecting the contractor

The most important step is contractor selection, based on thorough market research, previous work, and current market standing.

Make a legal agreement with the contractor about these:

  • The scope of the project
  • Bill of Materials
  • Construction Schedule
  • Payment Terms
  • Work Specification


  • Inquire with those who are aware.

When it comes to contractors, word of mouth is still one of the most effective ways to obtain high-quality services. Inquire about those contractors who have worked with your friends or relatives. You could also search the internet for contractors and their contact details.

  • Don't rush through the process.

Hastening can cost you money and give you problems. Begin your search for a top contractor as soon as possible so that you may make a wise decision based on facts.

  • Consult several contractors but choose the right one.

Make some phone calls. Ask them questions to get a sense of how they operate. Do they appear to be approachable, available, and eager to answer your questions? Or do they just try to persuade you to choose them by telling you how fantastic they are? If they persuade you, they are obviously not meant for you.

You may have also gone through stories of people talking about how their remodelling project will cost them twice the time anticipated. You can avoid it by selecting the right contractor at an early stage.

Realising the vision requires the cooperation of three important players. You, together with the constraints of time and money. Based on your needs, wants, priorities, and preferences, you, the homeowner, are the driving force through it all.

The architect or designer creates an " informed design based on function, aesthetics, and desired performance. The builder then contributes experience with the construction process (alternatives, budget, and schedule) and commits to achieving the project on time and within budget.

  • Take recommendations.

This is a standard procedure that should not be overlooked. Inquiry Suppose you're looking for a civil engineering firm in Oxford, for example. In that case, a reputable construction company in the area should provide a long list of references, which you should call.

  • Appropriate research.

Being a good contractor is one thing; being a suitable contractor is quite another. Try to know more details about the contractor, like experience and number of projects they already have taken. Finding a contractor takes some effort and research, but you will be glad you went above and beyond. The list above will assist you in locating a contractor who is a good fit for your project.

Hence, this article has underlined parameters you can look into before and during the construction of your house. To know more about building your own home, we will discuss choosing a construction site and comparing plot rates; the article will guide you through various details for contemplating the purchase and its key factors.

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