For most of us, buying a home is the largest investment we will ever purchase. It’s the ultimate statement of personal accomplishment. However, you don’t just want any home, you want to build a dream home that is personalized for you and your family. Not someone else’s dream. So how do you start the process of building your dream home?

Step 1: Have a Budget

It’s exciting to start looking for homes when you know the time is near for having your own home. It’s possible you will research many homes in various price points to get ideas. That’s ok just to get ideas, but don’t let your wish list grow bigger than your budget.

Learn about your budget by contacting your bank or mortgage broker. They will provide you a “mortgage pre-qualification”, which is an estimate of what you can afford based on your income, employment, and bank and credit criteria. This is not a loan commitment.

Before moving on to other steps, this step is the most important. It gives you creditability and lets the homebuilder and/or real estate agent know you are a serious buyer. In most cases, they won’t give you much of their time without a mortgage pre-qualification.

Step 2: Have a Schedule

Your excitement builds and your plan is to be in your new home quickly. Be patient and do your research. There are an abundant number of new homebuilders in Charleston, SC and they all have something to offer. Some can deliver your dream home faster than others. Understand each homebuilder’s process and delivery schedule. Typically, production or track builders (i.e. developed neighborhoods with a couple floor plans and elevations available) will be faster than a custom homebuilder.

Step 3: Location, Location, Location

Now that you know your budget, you need to decide where you want to live. Location can determine your dream home style and size. Here are common residential locations:

Suburban – are common neighborhoods or communities within commuting distance to the city. The most common neighborhoods include shared amenities (i.e. pool, park, workout facility, etc.), but have association dues that help maintain shared spaces and keep your neighborhood looking great.
Urban – is city living. Property, land can be less than a half acre. Multi-story structures are common.
Rural – is an open swath of land that has few homes or other buildings, and not very many people. Property typically has enough acreage to build any size home you want and meets your budget (remember the budget). However, your commute to work and shopping could take a few extra minutes than those living in urban and suburban areas.

The Charleston, South Carolina area offers all three property types. If you need help with locating property, we can help.

Step 4: Your Dream Home Design

As mentioned above, your property location (and budget) will determine your dream home design. In addition, your age may also be an important factor in your home design.

Young Professional: may not be married yet, but looking to invest instead of renting. Consider a small home design that will be easy to flip.
Young Married Couple: kids are in the future. Don’t think today, but tomorrow in your home design.
Empty Nesters: kids are gone; consider downsizing. Common trend are “aging in place” home designs.

Step 5: Enjoy the Experience

Your dream home is now in the process of construction, relax and enjoy the experience. Expect some delays from time-to-time, which is common in new construction. Don’t be afraid to ask the builder questions throughout the process.

About Insulsteel Homes

We integrate home design, architecture, engineering and home building all in one place. Our approach is to design and build custom homes with your long-term cost of living budget in mind along with showing your personality. Our homes not only include high-end features you’d expect in a custom home design, but also the main structure of our homes are engineered to reduce your energy demand, improved indoor air quality (a necessity for seniors and anyone with allergies) and can withstand winds up to 200 mph (see real life example).

When you decide to build your dream home, be sure to reach out and schedule some time with us during your new home research – I’m ready to learn more about Insulsteel Homes.