Select a Builder
The first step is to decide on a builder. You can begin by interviewing several builders who have been recommended to you by friends and associates who built custom homes. For a free copy of the Home Building and Remodeling Guide, which includes a list of custom builders who are members of the Builders Association of Georgia. Be sure to talk with the builders' referrals and look at their work. Any builders should be willing to show off custom work they've done in the past. Make sure you feel completely comfortable with your builder before you tackle such a large project.

Personality is as important as the portfolio in home building. Meet face-to-face and spend some time talking about the builder's philosophy of business. You will spend many months together, so you need to feel this is someone you like and trust.

Choose a Building Site
By choosing your builder first, you get the benefit of their assistance as you make decisions about the lot the architect and the financing. Have the builder evaluate the lot you're considering and comment on its appropriateness for the home you have in mind. Working with your builder to select the right lot can help ensure you don't discover any unexpected problems or costly modifications that need to be made to it before you start building. Invloving your builder up front also can prevent you from overspending on the lot, preventing you from building the type or size of home you were planning.

The homeowner should take time to research the location, and judge it on more than just appearance. Whether you build in a subdivision or on a secluded plot of ground, your site will have specific requirements that need to be addressed. Some subdivisions have certain covenants with respect to the size of the home and the type of building materials that can be used. Other site selections may require a well and septic because no city utilities are available. All of these factors have a bearing on price and the value of your new home, and should be considered in determining the actual price of you home.

Design Plans
Most architects are happy to include builders in the planning process. The design/build team of owner, builder and architect allow all three to comment during the design phase and make innovative suggestions. Your builder can be extremely helpful to you as the plans are being drawn, commenting on construction details and costs to help keep the home within your budget parameters. This is where having a specification sheet comes into play.

The specifications of your new home are just as, and sometimes more important than the blueprint. It ensures the builder builds exactly what the consumer wants. It is a good idea to have the same spec sheet for all prospective builders.

Research Financing Options
Now you have a builder, a lot and architectural plans. Most home buyers now need a construction/permanent loan to finance their dream home. The banks will reserve the right to approve the builder you choose. Many banks offer extremely attractive loans that initially finance the lot and construction and then convert automatically to a mortgage loan. These construction/permanent loans have made it easy to finace a custom home. Some custom builders may be willing to purchase the lot for you. When the home is completed, you can roll the amount of the home and lot into your mortgage.

Smart builders can save the homeowner a lot of money down the road. They can build a quality product by using the best products and services and maximizing the client's dollar, and lowering maintenance costs while increasing the resale value of the home.

With some research, careful planning and a little know-how, building your dream home can become a reality.

Courtesy of BAGI

More Information You Can Use:

Why You Need Me When You Build

Ask the builder If you want to build a new home, there are things you need to know.

Choosing a homebuilder How to choose a builder.

Georgia association of home builders Need a Builder to assist you?