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Tips on Building Your First Home

Deciding to build your own home is an exciting decision to make. Being able to choose, plan and live in a home that fits your personality and lifestyle is a dream for many but AW Allen can help make that vision come true. There are many important details to consider as you get started.

Style. Choosing the style of your new home is a personal preference. If you need inspiration, go to open houses or remember what you like about the design in the homes of your friends, neighbours and magazines. Make notes. If there is an interesting detail or feature write it down so that later it doesn't get forgotten in the excitement of building.

Location. Where you are going to build is very important too. If you already own the land you plan to build on, your options may be more open than if you are building in an established subdivision. Many subdivision developers have restrictions called "covenants" which may force you to build a house of a certain size or style. They may limit where you place your home on the lot, who you can choose to build your home, even what colour it is when finished. These covenants are in place to assure that all the homes in the area are worth about the same and this will protect the value your investment in later years. Remember that this is an investment and even if this is your dream home, there may come a day that you will have to sell it. Protecting your investment as you begin will help insure its value in later years.

Other things to consider when choosing the location of your new home are the distance to shopping, recreation, schools and work.

Contractor. Finding the right contractor is your next step. A new home is likely your biggest investment. Make sure you don't rush into it. It's always a good idea to get at least three bids and remember the old adage, "If it is too good be true, it probably is."

To ensure that both you and your builder are satisfied with the work, make sure the details are spelled out in a written contract. The time you spend at this stage will avoid any confusion later on. With the internet and groups like your provincial Homebuilders Associations reams of information is available to help plan your home. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation also offer useful information including valuable question and answer sheets. Their website address is http://www.cmhc.ca .

To find a good contractor, ask around. Ask family, friends and associates who has a reputation for good workmanship and honors warranty service. Ask your contractor to supply the names of satisfied clients and talk to them.

The contractor will also be handling the scheduling of other trades such as electricians, insulation and drywall installers and any other specialists that may be required to complete the construction of your home.

Other. Beyond choosing a good contractor, you will also need a lawyer and a banker to handle legal matters and financing.

And remember many home builders are more concerned about structural integrity and the attractiveness of your home from the outside. The interior should be designed for practical concerns like - will all that furniture you already have fit?

Researching and planning before the first nail goes in is the key to making your new home a great castle to be enjoyed for years to come.

Visit Beaver Homes & Cottages by Home Building Centre, to get some great ideas and learn more about the endless possibilities of home design!