Many homeowners dream of building their houses from the ground up.

If you own property, this may be something you’ve already thought about.

It’s easy to get swept away in plans to build a custom home on your own land.

But before you dive into the process, there’s lots to consider.

Building a home involves a lot of preparations.

You will need to think about your floor plan, utilities, and budget.

Building a home requires permits.

You may discover you can’t build your home on the land at all.

Before you invest money and time into building a luxury dream home, make sure you have a plan.

By avoiding common mistakes and taking the proper precautions, you will avoid unnecessary costs and delays. 

Here are the do’s and don’ts of building a custom home on your lot.

Do Consult the Experts Early

One of the best things you can do when you build a custom home is to hire a builder early.

If possible, consult an experienced realtor or builder before you purchase your empty lot.

It’s easy to get caught up in beautiful views, dream locations, or low market prices.

But before you purchase a piece of land, make sure you’re aware of any potential issues.

A builder can help you determine the best placement for your custom home. 

Builders also have a network of connections.

They can help you source building materials at a lower price, which can save you money in the long run.

Do Start Under Budget

An experienced builder can also help you create a responsible budget.

Builders will help you consider additional costs like the installation of a driveway, utilities, and water flow. 

They will factor in additional investments for features in the home like luxury kitchens, pools, or landscaping.

When you create a budget, make sure you think about the condition of the ground and any lot prep.

Start under budget.

When you build a home, it’s best to expect the unexpected. Lenders recommend adding twenty percent to any budget. 

Do Arrange Living Accommodations While You Build a Custom Home On Your Own Land

When you build your budget, make sure you consider where you’ll be living or storing your belongings while your home is being built. 

If you’re already living in a home, determine whether you’ll be carrying that mortgage while you build.

Will you be selling your current home before you begin construction?

If so, you’ll need to think about where you’ll be living.

Keep in mind that most homes face delays.

Allocate additional time to accommodate any hiccups that may arise during the build.

If you’re staying with friends, make sure your belongings are stored in a secure place, like a storage locker with heavy surveillance.

You may also consider securing a short-term rental while you wait for your home to be constructed.

Do Think About a Design Before Accepting Bids

You should have a design in mind before accepting proposals from building contractors. 

Think about your lifestyle.

Determine how you and your family will be spending your time in your new home.

Make a list of your priorities and non-negotiables before you build a custom home on your own land.

If you entertain, make sure you factor in features for hosting large groups.

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, think about adding landscaping features.

Hire an architect to help bring your dream home to life.

It’s also recommended that you choose a floor plan the builder is familiar with, as this can make the process go smoother.

Don’t Forget About the Exterior

If you’re building a luxury home, make sure you consider all costs.

While it’s easy to focus on the costs of your house, many homeowners overlook costs associated with the exterior of their home.

If you would like to add landscaping details like gardens, walkway stones, or patio stones, it can get expensive.

You should also consider any interlocking stone that might be added around a pool.

Speaking of pools, this is another monster expense.

But if you’re building your dream home, it may be a priority.

Make sure you get multiple quotes before you settle on one installation company.

When you build a home, it’s easy to overlook the addition of a driveway.

But it’s an important feature for any home.

Make sure it’s included in the initial sketch and that you understand the associated costs upfront.

Don’t Ignore Permit Requirements

Every city and county has permit requirements for a new build home. 

You must know what permits are required before you start building.

If you don’t meet the requirements, it can cost you money in alterations.

You may even be asked to remove the build entirely. 

Home contractors will assume responsibility for any necessary permits.

So while it might seem tempting to build a home on your own, it’s best to consult the experts.

Don’t Forget About Utilities

When creating a build, many homeowners forget to think about their utilities. 

Consider how you will set up gas, water, and electricity in your home.

There can be high costs associated with this, and in rural areas, it can be a complicated process.

Be aware of any challenges with utilities that you may have on the empty land you’re purchasing.

Build the Luxury Home of Your Dreams

If you own an empty lot, you might be wondering how you can build a custom home on your own land.

Creating a luxury dream home is a life dream for many homeowners.

But there’s a lot to consider before you begin your build.

Be mindful of these do’s and don’ts so you can avoid additional expenses and unnecessary delays. 

If you’re interested in building a luxury home on your land, we can bring your vision to life!

Reach out to our team today for a consultation.

Would you like to build a custom home on your own land? We can help! 4 Gen Homes, a top Phoenix custom home builder, has been helping homeowners with custom home designs and remodels in the valley for 20+ years. Contact us to set up a consultation. Call (602) 694-7030 today!

Read Related Articles: