Custom Home Building Process

After looking at dozens of homes in the Austin area, you may still be unable to pinpoint the perfect one. Some homes may have a few of the features you want, but they may lack a few as well. If you want every last detail to be just right, it may be best to have a custom home built to your precise specifications. The best luxury home builders in Austin can help you build the home of your dreams, but it's not going to happen overnight. The process is very involved, but the end result is well worth it.

Steps to Building a Custom Home in Austin

• Choose a Location - You can't build a custom home without having a place to build it. You may already own vacant land, or you may have your eye on land that you've seen advertised locally. If you are at a total loss about the available options, an Austin luxury home builder may be able to help. Many custom home builders qualify for special discounts on vacant land, and they may be able to pass those savings on to you if you hire them to build your house.
• Select a Plan - Some people love the idea of designing a house from scratch while others find it to be too overwhelming. If you have a very clear idea about the kind of home you'd like, you could hire a designer and work together to create a truly custom plan. If you're not feeling quite that ambitious, you could browse available plans and choose one that suits your needs the best. You can always tweak an existing plan to achieve a design that's entirely your own.
• Choose the Features You Want - Many luxury home builders in Austin provide customers with long questionnaires about the kinds of features they want in their custom homes. This is one of the easiest ways to convey what you are looking for in a luxury home. Try to be as detailed as possible. You can also make a list of must-have features and another list that includes things that would be nice to have but aren't mandatory. This should help the builder get a feel for the price range of the home of your dreams.
• Set a Budget - At this point, you should set a budget for your custom home project. Without one, you're sure to run into serious trouble. Nothing is more disappointing than getting your heart set on certain features and finding out that you just can't afford them. It's important to be practical when building a custom home, so sit down and figure out a realistic price. At the very least, have a range to provide to the builder.
• Arrange Financing - Don't wait until later in the process to line up financing. Make sure you will qualify for the amount you will need. At this point, you can at least obtain a pre-approval. In fact, many builders won't move forward without one.

• Meet with the Builder - The next step is to sit down with the builder and get down to business. The proposal process will begin in earnest. You can expect to be given several drafts, and this phase will probably take several weeks. You will have to sign off on a dizzying array of things, including pricing and features. This process is designed to protect you and the builder, and you shouldn't rush through it.
• Sign a Contract - Once the final proposal has been drafted and approved, you will need to sign a contract. This is another way to protect you and the builder. The contract will include a construction agreement that outlines the work that will be performed. You should also be provided with in-depth information about warranties. The builder will also require you to pay a deposit, so you should be prepared to do so. The deposit is usually non-refundable because the builder is now committed to doing a great deal of work, and he has to be assured that he'll be reimbursed in some way.
• Finalize Financing - Your custom home project can't move forward until the builder obtains a draw schedule, which is basically the series of payments that will be used to pay for the project. Therefore, you need to finalize financing with your lender.

• Build Your House - At this point, the project will begin in earnest. You can expect it to take anywhere from six to nine months. The exact length of time will depend on various factors. Time estimates should have been hashed out earlier in the process, so you should have a pretty clear idea about how long it will take.
• Finalize Features - Once the house is built, you will probably meet with an interior designer to finalize things like finishes, colors and appliances for your home. In other words, the really fun part begins!
• Move In - Before you know it, you'll be moving into your custom-designed house, and you'll finally be the proud owner of the home of your dreams.