How to Choose the Best Place to Build a Custom Home

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Building a custom home is a dream that many people share. According to Jill a business blogger of one of the top-rated Boerne plumbers Texans call when plumbing services are needed. She shares that a custom home lets you have a living space that meets your expectations regarding design and other features. However, this very nature of the custom home makes it more challenging to select the right site for construction. Here are some essential tips.

Practicality 

You cannot build a custom home anywhere. Some places are not suitable at all. A very steep slope may not be the ideal place for such a home. Therefore, look at factors such as the land’s topography to determine whether it is possible to build your custom house. Some places may also be remote and unoccupied. You’ll need to do more land preparation here.

Building Codes and Restrictions

Most places have building codes and restrictions that specify what kind of structures people can construct there and how. Determine whether a site has limitations that may prevent you from building that custom house. Always adhere to the relevant building codes and restrictions to avoid legal problems.

Neighborhood

Check out the type of neighborhood before choosing a construction site. An urban setting will not be ideal if you want a rural area with long distances between neighbors. Moreover, what kind of people or community do you want to live around? What are the crime levels? All these factors are essential.

Accessibility

You will need to move out of your custom home often, and you may also have visitors. Therefore, check where the place is accessible. Are there access roads to the area? What are the conditions of those roads? Even if you want to live an isolated life, you will need a way of moving to and from your custom home.

Parting Shot

Apart from considering these factors, be realistic when choosing the site for your custom home. Understand what you want and what the place offers.

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Material List for Building a New House

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Building materials account for significant expenses in a construction project. Each construction takes a path of its own, thereby requiring unique materials. However, some materials are common in virtually all construction projects. 

Material varies based on durability, strength, weight, and cost. There are standards and testing methods that govern the choice of building materials in the construction industry to ensure structural integrity. Here are standard materials for a home building project. 

Steel

The mighty steel is one of the strongest metals on earth. It is a crucial material in building a home. Steel is good because it resists corrosion and oxidation because of the additional chromium in its composition.

Concrete

Concrete comprises coarse and fine aggregate bound together by a liquid binder such as cement that hardens over time. After mixing cement and the sand, it becomes concrete. Concrete strength varies depending on the mix. Concrete also takes the shape of the form to which the builder pours it and takes about seven days to cure.

Rocks

Rocks have existed for as long as history can recall. It is the longest-lasting building material available and is readily available. The world has many types of stones with different attributes that make them better or worse for particular uses.

Wood

Wood offers a wonderfully natural look. Wood has strength, is lightweight, and can support itself. Wood is also electrical resistant and safe and stable as well. Wood absorbs sound and is excellent for the workplace and living spaces.

Glass

Glass provides that delicate and elegant look for any home. Glass delivers an excellent aesthetic appearance on the exterior, exposes lights, and allows light to enter spaces.

Take Away

Construction uses various building materials for different aspects of a home build. Many people want to build homes in the current world. Include these materials in your list if you plan to build a house.
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Types of Risks in Construction

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Risks in the construction industry vary depending on several factors. For instance, the magnitude and type of a construction project can dictate its external and internal threats. And these risks can affect a project’s timelines if you don’t address them in time. Therefore, project managers must observe strict laws, codes, and regulations to arrest challenges and risks in construction. Here are the main types of threats in building to be wary of when embarking on a project.

Management Risks

These include risks affecting project management effectiveness, and lacking project visibility because of communication breakdown can cause these risks. Centralizing information sources is a quick way to mitigate these risks. Also, keep in touch with all ground teams to speed up project flow while improving management standards.

Financial Risks

Project delays increase financial risks in construction. That’s because a delay in construction can cause legal battles, leading to penalties and fines. Consequently, delays are costly in most projects, especially if they involve the government. However, government projects always have a higher risk for delays due to bureaucracies. Project location can also cause financial troubles because of local taxation, location-specific inflation, and currency rates changes.

Legal Risks

Completing a construction project without legal claims is almost impossible. And this explains why a well-maintained, proper record is vital in construction. And this record should outline everything that happens on the ground. With such a record, a construction project manager can answer all questions quickly and convincingly.

Most claims arise from misunderstandings of contracts or lacking some information. What’s more, a project team may fail to explain quality issues or delays.

Environmental Risks

Natural and environmental events can affect a construction project’s progress. Therefore, contractors and project managers should examine ecological conditions before embarking on construction projects.

Other types of risks in construction include societal risks and logistical risks. Understanding all risks in construction can help you budget and plan your project effectively to avoid unnecessary and costly controversies.
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Construction Laws That You Should Know when Building a Home

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Architecture concept with drawing compass on blueprints.

You can indulge your creativity and imagination when planning to construct a dream home. However, you should familiarize yourself with certain construction laws before you start building your home. This should also be the case when planning an addition or a renovation project. When selecting and evaluating architects and contractors, as well as, the styles of decks and windows, you will face exciting and endless possibilities. However, you should be guided by construction laws. Here are some of the major construction laws that you should know when building a home. 

Lot Approval 

Land ownership does not mean you’re allowed to do anything you want with the land. What’s more, not everybody may have been careful with the lot and laws keep changing. Therefore, check the records of the property and then apply for construction permits. Check the land records to ensure that the lot has a clear record. You can check the county recorder’s office, county courthouse, city hall, or county department. 

Zoning Laws 

Zoning laws dictate how you can use the land or the type of structure that can be constructed on it. And, the public can access zoning information. Therefore, talk to the city hall, zoning office, or planning board about zoning information. That way, you will ensure that the lot is not restricted to specific uses. What’s more, obtain all necessary permits before you start building. 

Covenants and Ordinances 

Even small regulations and rules can interfere with a construction project. Therefore, make sure that your project complies with the local covenants and ordinances. Although your zone may be approved for a certain structure, the local ordinances can restrict its height or size. Therefore, check out the local covenants and ordinances before you start your construction project. 

Building Codes 

Zones determine how the land can be used. On the other hand, building codes regulate the physical structures and their details. Building codes are the standards that are covered by the International Building Code in the United States. Some codes address fire prevention measures. However, they can also reference and include the National Electric Code and International Plumbing Code. 

In addition to these laws, you should also learn about building plans and permits. Your building plan must be approved by the local code office for you to be permitted to construct it. The process of obtaining permits can affect your project’s timeline. Therefore, take the time to obtain it and take appropriate measures.
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Construction Financing- How it Works

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Most property developers work with banks or lenders to actualize their dreams in real estate investing. Construction financing is mostly determined by the purpose and complexity of a project. For instance, is the building for sale or rental? Regardless of the purpose of your building, here is what you should know about construction financing. 

Construction Loans 

Construction loans are mostly used to pay for the construction works of a project. This loan is available as the construction project progresses. The sequence for the release of the loan is pre-determined. It can also be based on the raised certificate for the construction project. 

Interest on the loan is paid on the released funds and the risk of the lender is reduced because they closely match the outstanding loan to the construction value. Most developers make interest-only payments at the time of the construction. This means they pay the principal amount and interest after completing the construction project. 

Faster completion of the construction project reduces the amount of money to be paid in interest. It also lowers the cost of the borrowed money. Selling the completed property can also enable the developer to repay the principal amount. A developer can also use rental income proceeds to repay the loan by converting it into long-term financing. 

Guarantees and Collateral 

The property that is being developed is mostly used as security. In some cases, a bank can ask the developer to provide guarantees. In that case, the investor can agree to pay the bank personally if the project does not succeed. Thus, the bank can ask for the net worth of the developer before lending the money. 

Securing construction financing requires time and good preparation. Nevertheless, you will get good financing for your construction project if you have the right documents and meet the lending requirements of the bank.
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Things that a Construction Contract Should Cover

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According to Guillermo of a roofing company online, he goes to share that there are some construction basics we all should follow and that similar to other kinds of business contracts, there are various provisions of a construction contract. Those provisions describe the terms of the agreement and other details of the project to ensure that each party knows and upholds their part of the deal. While the provisions may sometimes vary, the following are the main elements that every construction contract should cover. 

Project Title and Purpose 

A construction contract should start by citing the specific type of works to be done and, name of the area where they will be performed. For example, if you are composing a contract for installing lighting fixtures in the bathroom, the title can be ‘’A Construction Contract for Installing Lighting Fixtures in the Bathroom.’’

The purpose of the project can include details like the expected start and completion dates, and addresses of the property owner and contractors. You may also want to include a disclaimer in case you expect certain variable may affect the completion of the job within the given timeline. 

Project Description 

An ideal construction contract should also provide a detailed description of the particular works involved in the project. The description should not only focus on the expectations of the property owner but, also the specific works that the contractor has agreed to perform. The contract should describe all the specific activities that the workers will undertake during the project. 

In case of any changes to the scope of the work, both parties should agree on the same before they are implemented. 

Construction Materials and Labor 

A construction contract should also highlight the materials that will be required for the proposed works as well as the party responsible for supplying them. The provision should also outline the cost estimates for those materials. It should also state who will provide the labor and the costs of hiring them. 

Other key aspects that an ideal construction contract should also address include liquidation damages, insurance, payment schedule, indemnity, warranties, and a termination clause. Including these provisions will ensure a comprehensive contract where all parties clearly understand their responsibilities and rights. 
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Tips for Hiring the Services of a Building Contractor

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When it comes to engaging the services of a building contractor, you need to know certain things. A contractor is a professional whose services will affect many aspects of your construction project. As such, you should be very keen to choose the right professional. Here are tips to help you hire the services of the right building contractor. 

Get Recommendations

Don’t hire a building contractor just because they are friends with your friend. Instead, get recommendations from people that know contractors well. These can be people that have worked with contractors in the past. You can also get recommendations from neighbors that hired contractors to handle their building projects recently. 

Evaluate Different Contractors 

Take your time to evaluate different contractors from the recommendations. Find out what makes some contractors differ from the others, in terms of their services. For instance, what extra services does a contractor offer that makes them stand out? Choose a contractor that provides the services your project will need. 

Evaluate Bids 

Request free construction estimates from different contractors and evaluate them. Don’t just settle for a contractor because they charge the lowest fees. Instead, compare bids from different contractors alongside the services they offer. 

Research their Work

Hiring services of a building contractor is not just about the price. You also need to check out the quality of the work of different contractors. That means you have to research different contractors thoroughly. Find out what they promise and what they deliver. To do this, you need to ask for references from different contractors. Spend your time finding out more about the quality of the work of different contractors. 

Once you’ve identified the best building contractor, discuss the services they will offer and payment. Agree on the payment schedule and project timeline. Sign a written contract to ensure that every party fulfills the agreed responsibilities. 
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Tips for Choosing Your Home Builder

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Choosing your home builder is among the most crucial decisions to make when it comes to building a new house. The builder that you choose should be a true partner throughout the construction project. It should be a person that is determined to make your dream come true. They should focus on building a quality house that your family will be proud to call home. Here are tips for choosing the right home builder. 

Check the Quality of their Work 

Your custom home won’t be a temporary residence. It will be a home that you will live with your family for years. This is a place where you and your family should be comfortable living in. Therefore, to choose the right home builder, check the quality of the projects that different builders have completed. You can ask for references and ask questions about the used structural materials. Make sure that the builder you choose adheres to quality standards when choosing construction materials and building houses. 

Research Different Builders 

Don’t just choose a builder because they live near you. Instead, research the market to find a builder that has what it takes to construct a quality house. Check the floor plans of a builder and their portfolio. You can also ask around to know what people say about different builders before choosing the professional to work with. 

Transparency is Important

Choose a builder that is transparent in the way they operate. A good contractor should not hesitate to answer any question you ask them. They should also explain to you how they intend to build your house in detail. Avoid a builder that has problems answering your questions. A good builder should also be available to answer your questions or talk to you when necessary. 

You don’t have a silver bullet when it comes to selecting a home builder. However, following these tips will help you find a trustworthy builder that will use quality materials to build a good house for you. Follow them to work with a builder that will help you construct your dream home. 
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Things to Know when Building a Home

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Building a new home is an exciting experience for most people. However, any construction project comes with challenges. That’s why you should know some of the things to have in mind when building a new house. 

Ideally, building a new house should not be a passive exercise even if you will have a contractor. You will have important decisions to make throughout the construction project. Here are some of the things to know and consider when building a home. 

Numbers 

It’s important to know your numbers before you build a new home. Numbers should help you determine whether you have the necessary resources to build your dream home. In most cases, house plans provide accurate construction estimates. They include construction costs, tax benefits, down payment funds, and slush account. Make sure that you understand these numbers when building a house. 

Your Builder’s Reputation 

Don’t just hire a builder because their company showed up on the first page of the search engine. Instead, take time to research the builder. Find out what other people the contractor has worked with say about their work. 

Resale 

When building a house, think about when you will decide to sell it. What features will capture the attention of prospective buyers? It’s important to avoid including many upgrades because they will require you to overprice your home when selling it. And this will give other houses in the neighborhood a competitive advantage in the market. 

Go Green 

Maximize the energy-efficiency of your new home’s design. Work with your builder and architect to determine the best ways to make your house more-energy efficient. For instance, garages, laundries, and bathrooms should be on the south side of the home. To reduce heat loss, these areas should have small windows. Additionally, choose your HVAC and insulation systems carefully. Also, install energy-efficient toilets, faucets, and appliances. 

The most important thing to know when building a home is that working with your architect and builder can go a long way in making the house you have in mind a reality. Share your ideas and vision with these experts and they will help you build your dream home. For up to date tips, make sure and check out the home builders association site here.
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5 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Construction Contractor

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Hiring the right general contractor to work with is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make. A general contractor is a construction company whose role is to manage, supervise, and oversee every aspect of the construction project. The success of your project, therefore, depends on the kind of contractor you hire. Hiring the wrong construction company could cost you thousands of dollars in delays and mistakes. You want to avoid making the following mistakes when hiring a general contractor for your home renovation.

Choosing the Lowest Price

A home renovation or new construction can be expensive. You’re working hard to make sure your project is completed successfully, within budget and on schedule. When shopping around for contractors, you may be tempted to select the company with the lowest bid so you can save money. Well, cheap doesn’t always mean quality service. You could end up spending more in repairs due to poor quality service. Look for a combination of excellent value, high-quality service, and reasonable pricing instead. 

Failure to Ask for Guarantees or References

The process of hiring a contractor takes time. Ask the contractor to provide you with plenty of references so you can verify the quality of their service from past clients. Check out the most recent ones. Find out who offers the contractor guarantee for their work. A reputable and experienced contractor should be confident enough to guarantee their work. 

Not Getting into the Specifics

You’re the one who conceived the project and it’s important to make sure the contractor gets every detail. You also want to get as much detail from the contractor as possible. Find out how long they have been in business and if they’ve worked on a similar project before. What’s their work history? How does the contractor charge for construction projects? Do they have any legal disputes? Get all your questions rightfully answered. 

Not Getting a Written Agreement

Both parties are agreeing to certain obligations, which is why a contract is necessary. The contractor is expected to successfully complete the project while you’re supposed to pay them on schedule. A written agreement approved and signed by both you and the contractor is, therefore, important. It should contain the scope of work, payment terms, general plans, commencement date and time of completion, and other clauses. Take time to review the documents before signing. 

Getting Lured by Great Deals

Don’t be surprised when you come across some underground construction companies with some great deals for your project. Such companies care less about their reputation and are likely to disappoint. They’ll claim to offer discounts or have a low pricing when in real sense are planning to use low-quality materials and cut corners with your project. Don’t hire someone disreputable, regardless of their offer. Spare yourself a nightmare. 

Your goal should be to hire a qualified contractor who’s the best fit for your specific needs and expectations. Don’t just hire someone because you like them or are related to you. Avoid the mistakes mentioned about and you’ll have a good experience with your construction project.

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