|
Dreaming of Building a Custom Dallas Home?It's more achievable than you might Think! Here is how to get started.
With so many types of Dallas home building companies out there, its a little tough to figure out who does what and who builds what. Here is a quick run-down on how to tell the difference between custom and production (track home) building companies.
Custom home builders generally:
- Build on land you own. Some custom builders also build on land they own
- Build one-of-a-kind houses. A custom home is a site-specific home built from a unique set of plans for a specific client. Some custom builders may offer design/build services
- Build Single-Family homes
- Are generally small-volume builders (those that build 25 or fewer homes a year)
- Tend to build high-end homes
Production home builders generally:
- Build on land they own or control through a developer.
- Tend to use stock plans, but usually offer a variety of plan choices and options.
- Build all types of housing single-family, condos, town houses and rental properties.
- Are large-volume builders (those that build more than 25 homes a year).
- Generally build for all price points entry level, move up, luxury, etc.
When you hear the word custom home you probably think of a one-of-a-kind home with everything you ever dreamed of, right down to the door knobs. Usually at a very high price.
Today, there are numerous definitions of Dallas custom home options and a variety of different levels of custom home builders. There are still the full-time custom home builder that builds a few homes per year. There are higher-volume builders, who will customize a home by moving walls or adding square footage. There are even higher-volume builders who offer custom options in just a few areas of the home, such as kitchens with sunrooms and kitchens as part of the family room.
Keep in mind that a custom feature is not the same as an Optional Feature. Options are usually standard features that are perceived as adding value, such as built-in cabinetry, granite countertops or crown molding. Custom Features, however, are very personal. What one homeowner likes, another may detest. So added value is in the eye of the beholder. This is one reason why most builders will ask for you to pay for custom features up front.
If you know what you want, have a budget in mind and do decide to dive in to building a Custom Home, consider these important steps at the beginning of the process:
Decide on a Builder - ask around, drive through neighborhoods to pick homes that you might contact the owner to ask questions about their builder. Once you have a few names meet with the individual builder personally see their work and see if your personality meshes with theirs you will be spending a great deal of time with this individual. Also check with the National Association Home Builders organization www.NAHB.org review the process and terminology of the industry.
Design Plans - most architects are happy to include builders in the planning process. Your builder can be extremely helpful to you as the plans are being drawn. Check out estimated building cost.
Research Financing Options - now you have a builder, a lot, and architectural plans. Most financial institutions will reserve the right to approve the builder you choose and in many cases the plans for your dream home. Many financial institutions offer loans that finance the construction period and convert automatically to permanent mortgages when the home is finished.
Check out Our Recommended Loan Officers
Why You Need Us When You Build
|
Linda & Fred Lanham, Realtors ®
Keller Williams Realty
18383 Preston Road Ste 150
Dallas, TX 75252
Business: (972) 386-7454
Fax: (972) 468-7300
E-Mail: fred@DallasResidential.com
|