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10 Tips to Consider When Building a Custom Home
A home should be a reflection of the preferences and style of those who live in it. Discerning homeowners know that cookie-cutter houses will not stand up to discriminating taste. Only a custom home can deliver the design preferences and panache that selective homeowners want most. Although building a custom luxury home can be a very exciting time in life, the process requires careful consideration before starting the building process.
City
Because of the time and effort that goes into building a custom home, there is a good chance homeowners will continue to live in their custom homes for many years following construction. It is important to choose a city that complements lifestyle preferences. Many aspiring homeowners find that Austin's natural scenic beauty, ecological soundness and freethinking populace are well-suited to daily life.
Builder
The builder will be a homeowner's partner throughout the home building process. Homeowners must feel confident communicating design aspirations with the builder, and it is equally important that the builder be capable of interpreting the buyer's style in the most efficient way possible. Austin luxury homes, for example, should only be built at the hands of experienced and reputable luxury home builders. Never choose a novice builder or someone who is accustomed to building homes solely based on pre-produced blueprints.
Design
In designing a custom home, it is important to do so in accordance with future plans for the home. For example, buyers who plan to resale the property in the future should be careful not to select home features that will not appeal to future buyers. Also, buyers who plan to entertain visitors regularly should place special emphasis on luxury design in the main gathering areas, such as the kitchen and outdoor living spaces.
Neighborhood
The neighborhood a home is located in is as important as the design of the home itself. There are many Austin neighborhoods to build in, but few that offer the extravagant amenities available in Spanish Oaks. The community offers homeowners access to tennis and picturesque walking trails, as well as the security of a gated entry. Furthermore, because the other properties within the community are also luxury homes that meet specific building standards, home values will not be placed at risk by surrounding houses.
Lot Size
Lot size plays an important role in where a home should be built. Lot sizes in urban areas are often small and diminutive. Building a luxury home on a small lot can cause privacy concerns and detract from the overall beauty of a custom home. Instead, homeowners should look for lots that are proportionate to the size of the home that will be built. At a minimum, a half acre lot is necessary, although many homeowners may wish to purchase lots with as many as two acres of space or more.
Accessibility
A luxury home is not very luxurious for homeowners who are forced to drive half an hour to the nearest grocery store. Look for a building lot that seems secluded, but is actually only minutes away from impressive shopping and recreational opportunities.
Community
Many homeowners place high value on community, and there is priceless value on friendly neighbors. Certain neighborhood characteristics can encourage community involvement, including central clubhouses, neighborhood swimming pools, clubhouse restaurants and a community golf course.
Efficiency
Energy efficiency is increasingly becoming the way of the future. The people of Austin know this better than anyone, as the Capital is the first city in Texas to place restrictions on plastic bags used by local retailers. Homeowners who plan to build in Austin should make sure new homes not only meet, but exceed the energy standards of today. Choose a builder and community that values energy efficiency and understands the most effective ways of improving energy usage in a home.
Decisions and Flexibility
Consider that when building Austin luxury homes, there will be countless decisions to make. From paint colors and floor plans, to landscaping and door hardware, every detail of a house will be approved by the new homeowner. In order to be prepared for these responsibilities, homeowners must research home products and preferences before beginning the building process. Even after making decisions about the property, new homeowners must be tolerant to possible changes. Although a builder may work hard to accommodate construction preferences, there may be certain specifications or restrictions that require greater flexibility.
Schedule
Finally, buyers must have patience when building a custom home. Often, the building process does not go according to schedule, meaning the move-in date could fall before or after the original scheduled completion date. Unexpected circumstances, weather, local governmental regulations and other situations may delay the building process. Remember, the scheduled completion date is merely an estimation, rather than absolute.
Ready to Build?
If you are dedicated to building a beautiful luxury Austin home and are ready to start the building process, consider our luxury Austin neighborhood as the site for your next Hill Country home. Located near great shopping and in the midst of a well-equipped community, you will experience nothing less than opulence and grandeur inside our gates. Contact us today for more information!
