6 Home Building Choices To Make Before Breaking Ground

There are a lot of choices you’ll need to make during the home-building process. But ultimately, living in a house that perfectly aligns with your lifestyle, family size, and aesthetic makes it all worth it.

To ensure the entire process goes smoothly, you’ll want to find a custom home builder that provides support from the first planning meeting to the day you have your keys and all the way through your warranty period. They’ll help you work through a multitude of choices to ensure they’re building the home of your dreams when the process starts. Give yourself a leg up on the home-building process by considering these six decisions you’ll have to make before your home builder breaks ground.

1. Location & Lot

The first step in the home-building process is deciding on a location. Likewise, you’ll have to determine if you’re building on a vacant lot or an already developed one.

Keep in mind that some home builders only build on their lots. For that reason, you’ll want to inquire about your preferred builder’s policy to make sure they’ll build on your lot. For instance, Maleno will build on any lot—it doesn’t matter whether we sold the land to you.

When it comes to building a home on vacant land, you’ll need to be prepared for an extended timeline. Also, keep in mind the costs of adding wells and septic systems, connecting to sewer, water, power, and gas, and filing all the necessary permits. Of course, if it’s the lot of your dreams, then the costs are simply par for the course.

But if you need to be more considerate of your budget and timeline, think about building on developed land. Lots within a neighborhood have been fully prepared for home building by a developer. Although you may have a little less flexibility on the size and style of your home, you get the massive benefit of a shovel-ready lot.

LEARN MORE: Is Vacant Land Better Than Developed Land?

2. Architectural Style

With your location and lot squared away, you’ll want to consider the architectural style of your home. Choosing an overall aesthetic can be overwhelming, but a seasoned custom builder can help you hone in on your preferences, determine a look that works in your neighborhood, and align with your budget.

There is a long list of architectural styles and even more variations. Some of the most popular options include:

• Ranch
• Two-story with first-floor primary bedroom
• Modern/Contemporary
• Farmhouse/Modern Farmhouse
• Traditional

3. Foundation Type

Custom homebuyers can select from a variety of foundation types, such as slab-on-grade, crawl space, basement, and pier-and-beam. When soil conditions and site topography are amenable to any option, most people opt for a basement. This option also allows you to finish the basement from the start or down the line.

As a custom homebuyer, there is a variety of considerations before the construction process starts, including but not limited to:

• The type of foundation you want
• Construction expenses
• Long-term value
• Living & storage space opportunities
• Energy efficiency
• Utility maintenance and accessibility

Switching your foundation choice after the construction phase starts is highly disruptive and expensive. Working with a qualified builder will help you make the best decision for your custom home right from the beginning.

4. Exterior Finishes

In conjunction with the architectural style of your home, you’ll need to consider the exterior finishes. It’s important to note that you may need to get approval for your exterior finishes (and architectural design) if you’re building in a neighborhood with a Home Owners Association (HOA).

To choose the right material, consider your climate, region, budget, maintenance preferences, and aesthetic goals. From vinyl and wood to brick and stone, there is a wide range of styles, prices, and levels of durability.

5. Floor Plan

From the size of your family and your lifestyle to practical storage and aesthetic preferences, there is a lot to consider when creating a floor plan. We recommend working with your home builder’s design team to help ensure your bases are covered. To get the process started, consider:

During this phase, you’ll want to discuss your must-haves and wish list items with your builder to ensure they’re possible with your preferred style, budget, and location. We recommend browsing a few design and architectural magazines to get inspired.

That said, it’s important not to let social media trends dictate your vision. Home design trends are constantly changing, so you need to consider what will be timeless in your eyes, not an influencer’s. Also, with so much information at our fingertips, it’s easy to get analysis paralysis.

*Good to Know: Some builders may have their own plans they offer which sometimes can be a cost savings to the homeowner!

6. Interior Finishes

You don’t need to select every single interior finish when constructing. However, it’s helpful to start thinking of some essentials early in the process. To ensure there is a cohesive look throughout the house, we recommend working with your builder early to select:

• Appliances
• Cabinets
• Countertops
• Fireplace
• Interior doors
• Lighting
• Plumbing Fixtures
• Tubs/Showers

Choosing these finishes earlier in the process will help you make certain you have the space and layout for all of your must-haves and hopefully many of your would-be-nices.

Building it Right From Start to Finish

With nearly five decades of home-building experience, Maleno has streamlined the home-building process to reduce stress, optimize completion time, and ensure custom homebuyers have the home of their dreams at the end. As a leading custom building company in Erie, PA, we’re here for you from start to finish. When you’re ready to invest in your forever home, contact Maleno to learn more about our team and building process.