As in most life endeavors a little preparation can help you build the home you dream of. Don't just call a contractor and say I'm looking to build a house. Knowing what you want and can afford are critical to this major lifestyle decision.

A New Home is an Investment

For most of us, building a home is a major investment.  This investment should pay off for a very long time. this house should have the features and amenities you prefer to be happy.  The better you can communicate your "must have" , "dislike" and "would be nice" categories the easier it will be to get your project on the right path from the start.  

What is absolutely needed?

There will be a list of features that will be dictated by necessity. Such as the number of bedrooms and size and types of bathrooms that are the bare minimum for your standard of living.  If you may have guests or an expanding family be sure to consider this as well.

What would be nice to have?

When determining what extra features you may want in the home be sure to include the entire family in the process.  Hey if a child wants a guard tower, drawbridge and moat... well maybe the interior decorator can address that with a bedroom mural. Take the time to record everyone's desires for the home, but present the exercise as a fantasy of the ideal home.  Some ideas may be easily achieved or worth the money.  Often it is the smallest included details that makes everyone happy with the home. As you discuss the project be sure to think about all aspects of the house and equipment inside, outside and landscaping.  When driving about with the family point out different home styles and even visit some model homes to see what types of floor plans work best for you.  Walking through homes as a family will quickly give you a feeling of what will and won't work for you. Just don't listen to any high pressure salesmen at this stage.  The goal is decide what you want first, and then have it built by the builder who can give you the best value.

What is your budget?

Before contacting a builder or contractor it's best to have researched your financing in advance as well.  The idea is to know the greatest  loan amount that won't cause an unacceptable burden. 
Not that you need to necessarily spend that highest amount you can afford, but
it's information you must know to make proper decisions.

Check the Builder out

Finally check out any builder you are going to contact with the Better Business Bureau, and before you begin a relationship with that builder ask for references.

Oh and after you are ready to discuss your new home, if it is in western Ohio, please consider us for your project!