Moving to Westfield NJ: Preparing for a Custom Home Build

Moving to Westfield NJ: Preparing for a Custom Home Build
05/10/2018

Let’s say you’re in the market to build a new home in Westfield, New Jersey.

You’ve been through all of the options, you’ve weighed the pros and cons of building a custom home, and you’ve decided to go for it. What’s next? How do you get started on the project?

Making the decision to build a custom home is monumental — possibly one of the most critical investments you’ll make in a lifetime – so you need to be fully prepared, and you need to work with the right qualified professional.

Here are the 5 most important ways to prepare for your custom home build:

1. Create a Budget

Before you begin down this path, you need to figure out if this type of build fits your family’s budget. We can help you figure out what that is, and we’ll never steer you wrong. Our guidance will always reflect what’s best for you and your family.

Also, it’s helpful to start talking to mortgage specialists, since paying for a custom home build is slightly different than obtaining a conventional mortgage. Construction loans require a little more work, but they are virtually the same as a regular loan when you work with the right team.

2. Create a Vision

Our project section is an ideal resource for inspiration because we include floor plans. Bring your builder a floor plan that most resembles your desired size and layout. How? Start with basics like how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need. Then start getting into specifics: For example, do you do a lot of entertaining? What would work best for your family?

Figure out the things you definitely want and don’t want in your new home. The more specific you can be about your wishes, the easier it will be for your builder to make them happen.

3. Find a Builder You Can Trust

I can’t stress this enough: finding the right builder is paramount to the success of your project, so start early! You’ll want to get involved with your builder at least a year or more before you want to move. In these early discussions with my clients, we talk about how much space your family needs and determine the ideal layout and square footage of the home. We hammer out every detail from floor to ceiling, and work up an exact price for the build. Then we discuss the ideal location and come up with a game plan for finding the right lot.

4. Consider Temporary Housing Options

One of the less exciting but absolutely crucial decisions to make is where you and your family will live during the build. Once you have the lot, I can have you in your home in 5 months, but you have to have somewhere to live in the meantime. You may be able to remain in your existing home until the new one is move-in ready.

If you do plan on selling your home, there are a variety of good options: find an apartment with short-term leasing options, rent out a home for a few months, or possibly even stay with relatives. For most people, this decision depends mostly on preferences, finances and the size of their family.

5. Get Excited!

If you work with me, you’ll know exactly how long the project is going to take and how much money you’ll have to spend. There are no surprises at the end. So, that means the only thing left to worry about is making a toast at your housewarming party!

Has anyone been through a build? Do you have any additional helpful tips to share?

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    “ I can’t say enough good things about what a great experience this has been…”

    - Heather B. | Westfield NJ