Building your own home allows you to fulfill the dream of having the exact space you’ve always wanted. The planning stages of building your own home can be exciting, but also stressful. It’s important to realize the initial cost of building a house, as well as the unexpected costs that pop up throughout the process.
Within the current housing market, the prices of existing homes continue to rise. It’s easy to see why people are considering custom-built homes. There will be obvious building costs, but then there are the bills you may not have even considered. And they add up in a hurry! At Natale Builders, we have extensive experience with custom-built homes, so we know what to expect.
When budgeting to build a house, consider these 10 expenses:
1. Buying the Land
The vision you have of your dream home probably involves a great view. Whether you’ve decided upon the perfect neighborhood closest to your favorite spots or a location off the beaten path where you can enjoy some privacy, you’ll need to make sure the home site is 'buildable' and can accommodate your home before you begin the process of making a purchase. The price of acreage differs greatly from county-to-county in New York State. We can help you through the process of buying the land before you begin to build.
2. Excavation and Preparation of the Site
In a perfect world, the plot of land on which you choose to build your home would be free of trees, rocks, and challenges. It’s much more likely that there will be plenty of preparation work before the framework is erected. Grading and leveling the land, removing trees and debris, and setting the right foundation could add up to tens of thousands of dollars. Having an intelligent strategy for your home’s build parameters, site characteristics, and placement is critical to the process.
3. Installing the Roof
A roof is your home’s first line of defense against harsh Western New York elements, and that defense could cost you $10,000 or more depending on the size of your home. While your first instinct might be to save as much as possible, the cheapest roof is not necessarily the best. You should consider how different roof types and materials (asphalt, clay, concrete, metal, etc.) affect utility costs and your long-term budget. Some materials are more efficient than others, and you might be eligible for Federal tax credits.
4. Landscaping
Your beautiful new home won’t be what you imagined until you’re able to dress up the property, but gardens and professional landscaping can be pricey. Before you rush into planning an intricate landscape design involving expensive trees, plants, and garden structures, take the time to consider what would work best within your budget.
Landscaping is an investment with several benefits. Landscaping makes your house appear more like a finished home as trees and bushes protect your home from harsh elements and water damage, plants and flowers can add those personalized touches, and many landscaping plans can even add value to your home.
5. Furniture & Appliances
This might seem obvious, but it’s important to consider how high the bill can be when furnishing a new home. You’ll need just about everything to match the style of your newly built home. Beds, couches, appliances, area rugs, and fixtures add up quickly. There might be additional rooms in your new custom-built home that do not exist in your current residence. Budgeting to build a house must include the personal touches that make it yours. Take a look at some of the homes we’ve made a reality for Western New York families and how much the furniture and accessories matter.
6. Builder Fees
The majority of your home-building budget will go to construction. Thinking about the planning, carpentry, framing, electric work, and plumbing can be overwhelming. Once you’ve decided on the style and layout of your home, everything will fall into place. It all starts with a sound architectural plan. We can take you step-by-step through your home’s floor plan to make sure you get the design you want while staying within your budget.
7. Window Coverings
One of the most wonderful things about owning a new custom-built home is enjoying your brand-new windows. The view of your new backyard is even more enjoyable when seen through clean, bright, energy-efficient windows. While you might plan to bring your old window coverings from your current house, it will be difficult to match the style to your new space.
Curtains, blinds, and window coverings can be more expensive than you think, so do your homework to make sure they fit within your budget.
8. Finishing Touches
When was the last time you had to purchase a mailbox? They can range anywhere from $20 to hundreds of dollars. That’s just one small item you might not have considered in your home-building plans. You might need new trash bins, patio furniture, or fencing. If you’re moving to a new neighborhood, research potential fees for trash removal, recycling, and snow removal. Leave room in your budget for unexpected costs that put the perfect finishing touches on your new home.
9. Moving Costs
Moving your things to your new place can be the most trying task of them all. If you don’t have a dozen friends with pick-up trucks, you’ll need to budget moving truck rental or the services of a moving company.
Moving your belongings might also involve storage fees if the timing doesn’t work out perfectly. As a precaution, investigate whether there is a storage facility close to your desired location to make it more convenient when it comes time to move. You can also save some money by collecting boxes and packing materials now rather than paying marked-up prices that some moving companies might charge.
10. Closing costs
No one looks forward to the hours of paperwork that come with closing on your new home, and that unavoidable task also involves closing costs. It’s a good idea to get at least three recommendations from lawyers who handle the closing of a new home.
We Can Help
For more than 50 years, Natale Builders has helped people prepare for the unexpected costs of building a home. We’ve streamlined the home construction process to ensure families can have the “forever home” of their dreams. Contact us today and we’d be happy to answer any questions you might have about built a home.
