TIPS FOR BUILDING IN BOZEMAN

Deciding to build a home will be one of the biggest investments you ever make. It’s an undertaking that is best approached with extreme care and foresight. While it’s an enormous task, building your own home can also be one of the most rewarding investments you make. We’ve put together our best list of do’s and don’ts when it comes to juggling all the glass balls it takes to make a house come to life.

THE DO’S

Do your homework.
Before you settle on a builder, shop around a good deal to make sure you’re getting a fair and realistic price. Once you find a builder you feel suits you best, dive in and do your research. Drive past previous homes the builder is responsible for and see if you can speak with tenants about their overall experience—if the project was on time and budget, and of good quality.
Do lawyer up.
When it comes to your contract, consider hiring a lawyer to help you. You’ll want a professional to comb through every detail of the binding document with you to make sure you aren’t agreeing to anything you’d later regret. Consider it a small investment in saving you what could be thousands in corrective measures further down the road.
Do make a nonnegotiable list.
Before the first shovel hits the dirt, compile a list of nonnegotiable aspects your house must have. As you budget, budget for these necessities first so your builder can include them in your quote. This way, you know you have enough finances to make your must-haves a reality (i.e. don’t end up with copper patinaed countertops and no storage space).

THE DONT’S

Don’t forget to consider spacing.
As you begin to concept the layout of your home, plan your space with care. Consider important factors about what makes a home flow. You don’t want to put the master bedroom right next to high noise and traffic areas. Likewise, unless you feel like hauling your groceries upstairs, you don’t want the kitchen too far from the garage or another point of entry.
Don’t look at just your neighborhood.
Where you choose to build is about a lot more than just your selected lot or neighborhood. Consider what the surrounding area is like. Is it expanding or fizzling? Do you see growth, such as other new homes or businesses moving in? What is the school district like? How are the crime levels in and around your neighborhood? These answers will be imperative not only to your happiness in your home, but your opportunity for a good resale value if you ever choose to move.
Don’t overdo it on design.
When it comes to the actual design of your home, keep it simple. By simple, we don’t mean understated, but timeless. Steer clear of current trends when it comes to things like fixtures and finishes. As trends go out of style (which they will), so will your home. You’ll also want to keep all home fittings within the same vein. Things like faucets, tiles, and light fixtures should have a consistent feel. Plus if you order some of these in bulk you save on cost.

For any questions about working with builders in our area, please don’t hesitate to contact us.