Are You Considering Building A Custom Home? Let Us Advise You!
First, what sort of home are you planning? Size, features, setting?
Second, what is your budget? Can you really afford to buy a lot and build the home you want with your desired features and still stay within your budget? Do community specific construction requirements increase your cost? All of the planned communities have specific building requirement. There requirements enhance the overall beauty of the community, but they can also increase your construction cost. Check out Ford's Colony's building requirements
Third, do you already own a lot? If not, make sure do your due diligence before you sign a purchase agreement. If you are working with the developer's representative to find a lot, make sure you ask about lots on the re-sale market. You may find a great lot for less. Make sure you get a soil study and that you have a builder verify that the lot will accommodate your desired house and that the house can be built on the lot within your budget.
Fourth, choose your builder carefully. Interview several builders. Make sure you are comfortable with the builders communication style as well has his price and quality. Ask for references from previous clients! Ask past clients about the final price vs the quoted price. Was the project finished on time? Also, ask about the builders follow-up on punchlist items after closing. Finally, make sure you have a price quote BEFORE you give the builder a deposit.
Fifth, carefully review your proposed floorplan before the builder breaks ground. Think about the size of the rooms, the traffic flow through the house, your furniture placement, etc. If your builder has built the plan before, ask if he can arrange for you to walk through the house.
Sixth, your builder will give you a list of the choices you need to make and the timeframe within which you should make these choices. Make sure you stay on schedule. You are likely paying interest on a construction loan, and delaying your choices may delay construction and cost you money.
Finally, check on the construction progress frequently. Many buyers will move to Williamsburg and rent while their homes are under construction. It is important to check on your home frequently, and to ask questions if you don't understand any part of the construction process. Remember, if you see a problem, it much easier to fix it early. If you are building from afar, we are happy to assist you by taking photos weekly, sending you progress reports, and keeping a watchful eye on your home's progress.