What is a custom home?

Some people think a custom home has to be expensive. Not necessarily! Any kind of home can be custom built, from a mansion full of expensive fixtures and materials to a tiny economical cottage. What they have in common is that the features are specified by the homeowners, rather than the builder.

When building a custom home, options are evaluated only on the basis of what is important to the homeowners. Any home may be kept from becoming more expensive than necessary, by eliminating wasted space, unnecessary maintenance, and unwanted features. Simple design details, not expensive to build, can change a plain design to a charming one.

There are, of course, degrees of custom. It might be just choosing flooring, cabinets, or where to place extra mirrors. It might be making minor alterations to an existing plan to better fit personal needs. A fully custom home is designed and built entirely to your specifications. It blends your dreams and heart's desires with the property of your choice and is tailored to fit your budget. Here are some steps to building your custom home.

• Step 1: Design or locate a house plan you like, either working with an architect or through a service providing existing plans.
• Step 2: Locate a building site you like.
• Step 3: Check out the site thoroughly to ensure that you can build without difficulty.
• Step 4: Find an experienced builder.
• Step 5: Execute a contract with the builder to construct the house (after you've agreed on the price for the services).
• Step 6: Arrange construction financing with your bank if required.
• Step 7: Obtain a building permit from the municipality, usually by submitting several copies of the house plan with an application and fee.
• Step 8: Have your builder begin construction.
• Step 9: Make all your selections (tile, flooring, cabinets and so on) in a timely manner and far enough in advance to allow for items that need to be ordered.
• Step 10: Review the house carefully with the builder upon completion, making a list of any items needing repair or further work.
• Step 11: Move in after a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued by the building department.
• Step 12: Update the repair and completion list ("punch list") after 30 days in the house, removing work completed and adding new problems you've discovered.

Don't try to save a few dollars by skimping on professionals. Make sure your attorney is experienced in land acquisition/development and new construction. Real estate is a heavily regulated industry - do your best to avoid any difficulties.