What You need to know before building a house

Building a house is a major investment, so it's important to be well-informed about the process before you get started. In this post, we'll outline the basics of house construction, from finding house plans to hiring a contractor. We'll also provide some tips to make the process as smooth as possible. So, whether you're just starting to think about building a house or you're already in the planning stages, read on for what you need to know!

Finding house plans

One of the first steps in building a house is finding the right house plans. There are a variety of resources out there for finding house plans, including online plan libraries, house plan books, and custom home builders. Working with an established and reputable home design company such as Alan Mascord Design Associates will give you a good peace of mind during your home construction process.

When choosing house plans, it's important to consider your needs and lifestyle. Consider flexible spaces, storage, places for seasonal clothes and gear for the whole family. For example, if you have a large family, you'll need plans that include enough storage for gear beyond bedrooms and bathrooms. If you entertain often, you'll want to choose a layout that's open and welcoming, and with spaces for quiet conversation too.

When choosing a source for your house plans, its important to understand that not all house plans sources are created equally. The construction details, if included at all, may differ wildly from designer to designer. Here at Alan Mascord Design Associates, we design all homes with 2x6 wood frame construction, typically use roof trusses with a standard 25lb snowload, follow the current International Residential Code for details and requirements, and calculate all beams and vertical structure.

Site Specific Requirements that May Affect Your House Plans

When building a house, it's important to be aware of site-specific items that may not be included in your plans. For example, if you're building on a hillside, you'll need to take into account the slope of the land and how it will affect the foundation and structural supports of your house. If you're building in a hurricane zone, you'll need to make sure your house is hurricane-proof.

There are also many local regulations and zoning requirements that you must comply with when building a house. For example, in some municipalities you may be required to have a certain amount of off-street parking or a certain type of roofing material. Be sure to consult with your local government officials before beginning construction on your house.

You may also need to hire a registered engineer or a drafting professional to modify your house plans to suit your local site and building regulations / conditions, including wind/seismic engineering, increased snow loads, topographic changes for your foundation, or energy code calculations. AMDA have assembled a team of drafting and engineering professionals to help make your construction project proceed smoothly.

Choosing your contractor and getting quotes

Once you've chosen your house plans, the next step is finding a contractor. It's important to get quotes from several different contractors to find one that fits your budget and timeline. When interviewing contractors, be sure to ask about their experience with building the type of house you're planning to build - our Builders Directory can help - these listings show which plans a builder has experience building too, so they know your chosen design inside and out. You should also get references from past clients if possible.

It's important to be clear about your expectations and requirements from the contractor. Make sure they understand what you want and when you need it done by. Be sure to have a written contract in place before work begins, so there are no misunderstandings later on.

Getting the right permits and inspections is an important part of building a house. You'll need to contact your local government officials to find out what permits are required for your house, and then work with your contractor to make sure the necessary inspections are scheduled and completed.

Be sure to have a clear understanding of what's expected of you and your contractor before construction begins. This will help ensure that there are no surprises down the road.

House inspections and other checklists

As your house begins to take shape, you should be sure that all aspects of construction are completed as designed. This includes house inspections during various stages of construction, such as foundation work or framing. You should also expect a final inspection before the house is deemed "move-in ready."

Building materials and Labor - The True Cost of Building a Home Building materials and labor can be expensive, so it's important to be aware of what to expect. In general, the cost of building materials will vary depending on the type of house you're building and the region you're building in. The cost of labor will also vary depending on the contractor you choose and the region you're building in. The same house plan can vary in cost to build wildly between rural parts of the country and metropolitan areas.

It's important to be realistic about your budget and make sure you're including all associated costs, such as permits, inspections, and landscaping. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to get quotes from several different contractors. We have several tools to help estimating such as Materials Estimate or Cost-To-Build spreadsheet, but the true cost will depend on the local modifications and material choices you make after purchasing your plans.

Be sure to factor in inflation and price increases when budgeting for your house. Building materials and labor are likely to continue to increase in cost over time.

Tips for making the process as smooth as possible (e-mail us with any other questions!)

Building a house is a huge investment, so it's important to understand the process and what to expect before you begin. Here are some tips to help make the process as smooth as possible:

• Work with our team of drafting and engineering professionals to help make your home building project proceed smoothly.

• Make sure you understand what your contractor expects from you and when they need it by.

• Get quotes from several different contractors to find one that fits your budget and timeline.

• Contact your local government officials to find out what permits are required for your house, and work with your contractor to make sure the necessary inspections are scheduled and completed.

• Be realistic about your budget and include all associated costs

Now that you understand the basics of house construction, it's time to get started on your own project! Our team of experts can help you every step of the way, from choosing the right house plans to getting the modifications completed. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help make your house-building dreams a reality. Call 1-800-411-0231 to speak to a house plan professional.