If you’re building a new house, planning begins long before you break ground. There are many steps involved, each with the potential for either hindering or enhancing your experience and process. To make sure you’re approaching the home building journey the right way, here is a short guide to the most important planning steps:
In most cases, hiring a general contractor is the most expensive part of building your new home. Picking the right contractor is a complicated process itself, but it’s crucial to compare different options carefully to find somebody affordable, trustworthy and efficient. Make sure to budget for every detail, and contact references to narrow down your options.
Usually, the general contractor is in charge of choosing materials, amenities and appliances for your new home. However, it’s in your best interest to be involved in the process as well. Make your specific preferences known, and stay firm on your budget needs.
If you haven’t purchased a lot for your new home, now’s the time to find one. Speak with real estate agents in your area to get a better idea of land costs in the locations you’re considering for your new home. You’ll also need to research details like zoning, building codes and soil condition before you break ground.
Most new homes are built from stock house plans provided by builders or designers. While it might seem simple to pick from a catalog, finding the perfect plan requires careful consideration. If you’re having trouble deciding, you can always consult a designer or builder for advice, suggestions or modifications to an existing plan.
You’ve probably already chosen a contractor, but there are other important players in this particular game. For instance, you’ll likely need a builder, surveyor, excavator and an architectural engineer. Assemble your perfect team and decide how much direct involvement you want to have in the process.
It’s essential to get everything in writing. Come up with a contract for the general contractor or builder, home designer and everybody else involved in the process.
New home construction contracts typically include a detailed list of all parts of the new house puzzle. This is where you make specifics like building materials and budget needs explicitly clear to prevent delays and confusion. If you need help drafting a contract, speak to a real estate agent or real estate lawyer for guidance.
Are you ready to put your new house plans into action? Keep these tips in mind to have the best possible home building experience.
I am a real estate broker, property manager, and investor, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. To each client, I bring close to a decade of experience in real estate, first as a real estate investor, then manager, and now love to share my experience and knowledge with property buyers and sellers as a real estate broker. Since attending the University of Michigan in 2005, I have lived in Ann Arbor ever since. My exceptional knowledge of the market as an investor and property manager provides a unique perspective and competitive advantage to my clients for selling and buying both residential and investment properties.
I have successfully managed investment properties in Ypsilanti and Kalamazoo and have conducted real estate transactions throughout southeast Michigan. Whether clients are looking for their first home, vacation homes, or the home of their dreams, I will be able to stay on top of the process, remove obstacles and make the real estate deals as pleasurable as possible. I enjoy working with people and finding ways to share a laugh or two in the process. I take pride in being available to my clients and being responsive to their needs.
In addition to my residential property expertise, and my multicultural background, I am capable of working with international investors and home buyers to make their international property purchases smoother and trouble-free. If you are interested in the acquisition of investment homes for your children while they attend the University of Michigan, as a property manager, investor, and broker, I will be able to help you make that reality come true.
I graduated from the University of Michigan and own and operate several businesses in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. In addition to my real estate experience, I am also a technology enthusiast and am always on the hunt to use technology and media to enhance the buying and selling experience.
If you are looking to make your first home purchase, or are trying to sell your home, give me a call and I can guide you through the services that I can offer you to help you start along the journey. I take great pride in my work and it would be an honor for me to represent you and your needs.
Yours truly, Vincent Zhang