Build your dreamhouse!!

Many people have the desire to build their own home, but just do not have the "know-how" or are scared of the unknown.  We have compiled a list of things to consider when building your home to get the most out of your buck.

1.) To begin, you need to plan, plan, plan.  This cannot be emphasized enough. The longer  you think about and plan your home, the smoother the entire process will go. It is fun and exciting, which is why you need a good path to follow.

2.) Give yourself at least a good year to plan for your construction.  This can entail determining how big of a home you can afford, the style you want to build, what type of materials you want to use, and where you want to build.

3.) While in the planning stages, it is very easy to develop your own custom floor layout, which can ultimately save you architectual costs. The easiest method is to use graph paper and begin drawing, using 1 square equal to 1 square foot. This should be one of the first things you do because as you draw, more and more ideas will develop. Rooms and walls will change constantly as you develop the layout that is best suited for your lifestyle.

4.) After the layout is complete, choose and architect to develop the elevation plan(what the outside will look like). Again, have a general idea of what you are looking for on the outside(brick,vinyl,roof pitch, etc.). This too can be extremely involved as you may make several changes to their plans to get it to your liking.

5.) Upon completion of both plans, finding a reputable builder to give you bids is the next step. Here is the catch--you need to work into the bid your ability to contract the tradespeople you desire. If you can do all of the contracting, this can save 15-30% of the total cost of building a new home. The bids should be itemized to indicate allowances for each element that goes into the house (lumber, drywall, lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, etc.). After receiving 4 or 5 bids, you can decide on a builder. If you play your cards right, your builder will work with you to guide you through the phases of building a home.  This will allow you to get bid from different individual contractors for each phase. If you are handy some phase can be done or partially done by you (insulating walls, finish electrical, painting, etc.).

6.) Probably the most difficult portion of the process is picking out the particulars for the home (cabinets, floor covering, countertops, etc.) that will fit into your budget. Again, this is where good planning comes into play.  Too often than not, the items you like will not fit into your budget. You will have to find a happy medium so that you do not allocate to much money to fixture when maybe you should spend more on carpet.  Do not forget about the internet when looking for supplies.  We recommend homeclick.com and totaltoolandhome.com for these items. Homeclick offers a variety of plumbing and lighting fixture, while totaltoolandhome.com offers a spread of power tool and accessories that are helpful while building the house.

7.) Order your fixtures as soon as possible. Once you receive them verify that none of them are physically damaged or defective. Check for all parts that are supposed to accomodate each item. There is nothing more annoying than trying to finish a job and the parts are missing.  This can bring the entire project to a halt in a hurry.

8.) Expenses--keep the best track of them as you can.  You do not want to ask for more money from the bank when you get to the end and discover you are going to run out of money.  Stay within your means.

9.)Remember there are many expenses to consider for a new house, when you are determing how much you can afford.

Taxes - you may be able to pay your mortgage, but your taxes may be outrageous. Be aware!!

Energy Costs - the bigger the house, the higher the utility costs. Do your research on alternative energy sources(geothermal heat, solar panels, foam insulation etc.).

Landscaping - this can easily result in serious investments. If this isnt listed in the bid, be prepared to foot the bill out-of-pocket.

10.) Get everything in writing!!! Ask for warranties on all work. Drywall may crack and need repainting, tile may lift from the house settling, or lights may stop working from a bad connections. You should be able to get a 1 year warranty with no problem--if not the contractor may not be the right one. Also, you may want them to include any change work in writing!!!  Many contractors will add costs if you decide you want to move walls, add outlet, or add windows--make sure you and them are on the same page before you get the final bill and are shocked because of added expenses.

These are just a few helpful tips when building a home.  There are many things to consider and process will take shape faster than you can believe.  Having a good plan and sticking to it will help the entire construction process move smoothly and easily.  Stay tuned for more helpful construction tips from totaltoolandhome.com.

Totaltoolandhome.com specializes in providing power tools and accessories for the do-it-yourself individual. We have low, low prices and an ever expanding line of tools. We carry DeWalt and are currently concentrating on Dremel and the Bosch line products.  If there is something you need that you do not see on our site just email us at sales@totaltoolandhome.com. We can usually get any item you may need.

We hope these tips were helpful and look forward to posting more. Stay tuned!!