Creating a custom home from scratch is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most people. Indeed, complete freedom over design and location opens the door to exciting and personalized home features. Yet attaining the home of your dreams begins with detailed preparation. Your journey from construction to move-in will be smooth if you carefully select a budget, hire custom home builders, choose an appropriate lot, and design a functional floor plan.
Design and build your dream home with the full-service team at Biltmore Design Galleria. For over 17 years, we have proudly built and customized Northern Virginia homes to reflect the lifestyle needs of our clients. Call (703) 657-3303 or visit our Chantilly, VA, showroom to receive a free project estimate today!
Below, we discuss how to begin custom home construction:
1. Outline Your Budget
Building your dream home requires a budget that balances your aspirations with financial reality. So, you must honestly evaluate your financial situation and comfortable spending limit. Then, get quotes from custom builders on average construction costs per square foot for similar projects in your area. With that baseline, factor in the size and complexity of your desired home, including high-end or unique features.
You must budget for additional expenses beyond construction, including permitting, inspection, architectural, and landscaping fees. Also, consider allocating a contingency fund to cover unexpected costs during the building process.
2. Hire a Custom Build Team
Once you’ve determined your budget, find qualified professionals to complete your custom home building. Skimping on your build team can risk jeopardizing your dream, so you must hire well-reviewed, experienced home builders.
To find the best local contractor for your project, research and verify potential builders’ credentials, including their licenses, insurance, and relevant certifications. Also, review their portfolio of past projects for insights into their craftsmanship and compatibility with your vision.
You must also speak with your candidate contractors about your project in detail (including timelines, budgets, and potential challenges) to gauge their transparency and communication skills. Finally, have them draft a detailed contract outlining the scope of work, payment, and warranties to ensure clear expectations are set.
3. Find Your Lot
Once you’ve agreed to a builder, begin scoping out the ideal lot for your dream home. Look for a lot size that accommodates your desired home footprint but leaves room for future expansion and outdoor living space. Furthermore, research the area: is it close to amenities you value like schools, parks, or shopping? Ensure the location aligns with your commute and lifestyle preferences.
Furthermore, investigate practicalities like soil conditions, potential utility connection costs, and any zoning restrictions that could limit your home design. Homeowners who choose Biltmore can rest assured that our team will guide them through each phase of the construction project, including lot viability analysis. Through careful evaluation, you can choose a lot that enhances your home and sets the stage for a successful build.
4. Design Your Home
The final step of this preliminary stage is to draft a design plan for your home with your custom contractor. Your builder can help you sketch your ideal floor plan, considering how you’ll flow from room to room and balancing functionality with aesthetics. As specialists in new home construction and design, the Biltmore team can incorporate features that reflect your lifestyle, like a home office nook for remote work or a mudroom for active families.
Finally, personalize your space with unique design elements that showcase your taste and create a home that reflects you.
Collaborate with Custom Home Builders You Can Trust in Northern Virginia
Building your Northern Virginia dream home from scratch is no small feat. Indeed, it takes a village (and some patience!) to get from project conception to completion. Yet the custom home builders from Biltmore Design Galleria will help every step of the way. Call (703) 657-3303 today for a free estimate and make your dream home a reality!
