When deciding to build a custom home for your family, Here are some basic things to consider:

1. Rank what is most important to you. How many bedrooms does your family need? Bathrooms? Does your vision include room for your family’s growth? Do you have a collection and want a feature that in the home design, for example, a controlled temperature wine collection space, or a book collection? What kind of gathering spaces are important to your family? Do you need extra storage space for a boat or dirt bike? Do you want the bathrooms to be more of a spa area or rather simple? Do you require easy access to all rooms for a disabled family member? The lifestyle you currently have and will have for the foreseeable future determine the answers to those questions.

2. Let’s talk about your property, lot, or building area. Does your property have an amazing view that we need to address in the design? Is your house connected to the sewer or do we need to get a septic system designed and permitted? Does grading need to happen for a pad? If so we will need a grading permit. Is your property connected to water and electricity? Will you be using natural gas or need a propane tank? Utility connections are a necessary consideration, sometimes an extra expense, but integral in house design.

3. Determine a budget of how much house you can afford and keep an extra 10% aside for unforeseen additional expenses. Building a home in California will cost between $200 to $500 per square foot. The Permit process averages $25,000 - $30,000 alone. Qualifying for a home construction loan can be complicated. Make sure you are talking to a lender early in this process. Most projects go over budget and it is good to be prepared for it.

4. Get your home design team started on your design today and contact us.