Design Guide
What style of house are you looking for?
There are a wide range of styles available in homes, do you prefer a modern look or something more classical? Think about the materials and finishes not only on the outside but the inside of your home as well. Display homes are a great way to see how you can use these features
Take into account the amount of bedrooms and living rooms you think you will need now and in the future. Do you want a terrace for outdoor entertaining or maybe a larger kitchen because you love to cook? It is also important to take into account any landscaping features you will want in the future: barbeque areas, feature gardens, swimming pools, everything about your block is a part of your design.
Do you own any land or are you looking?
We can help you find the right block of land for you, our consultants keep up to date with the latest land releases, prices and have years of experience in finding the right land for our clients.
What is your land like?
It may be flat or have a slope, is it an irregular shape? With the right design these differences can compliment your home.
Do you have a location in mind?
Do you want to build in a new development? If so there may be encumbrances & design guidelines for that area, these are a set of rules to maintain a certain standard of design within a development and are a part of your land contract with the developer. Our consultants are experienced in knowing exactly what is needed in each development and their knowledge is helpful in knowing what is required before you start choosing designs. Our sales consultants will be able to advise you of which designs will suit certain developments, and display homes are a great way of seeing encumbrance approved plans first hand.
Tips to Help You Navigate the Home Building Process
“What is my budget?” “Will I have enough storage space?” These are only a few of the questions you may be asking as you begin to think about the home building process. Building a house from the ground up allows you to create the perfect space for your family’s needs—from selecting the floor plan to customizing finishes suited to your lifestyle and taste. Take into consideration these tips to help guide you through the various steps to building a house so you can create a space that is a perfect fit!
Budget for More Than You Expect
Regardless of how carefully you budget for your new construction home, there is always the chance costs may change. Whether it be an element not included in the original estimate provided by the builder or project extensions, costs can be tricky to calculate from the start. For example, your builder may not factor additions like electrical and gas meters or window coverings into an initial figure. Elements such as landscaping or fencing might also be costs not covered by the estimate. Additionally, it is wise to budget for last-minute changes like swapping out any fittings or materials that do not match your expectations. The more room you leave yourself in your budget, the better.
Choose the Right Builder
This is likely one of the most important decisions you will make during your home building process. Make sure any builders you consider are licensed and insured in the state you live in. You will also want to ensure your chosen contractor is a member of the National Association of Home Builders. Browsing a builder’s past work can help you determine whether their designs suit your style. Some home builders may specialize in constructing traditional two-story homes, for example, while others offer expertise in open-concept single-story houses. Reviews are another great resource to consider when searching for a high-quality building partner.
Understand Your Agreement
Carefully read through your builder contract to ensure you understand its contents fully. It is important to know exactly what the construction costs do and do not cover so you are not taken by surprise by any extra lines appearing on the final invoice. Additionally, check to see if the contract includes warranty and insurance information
Have Your Finances in Order
In order to start the home building process, you will need a construction home loan. This type of financing is structured so that the lender will not release all the funds at once. Instead, the lender will determine how much you need for the project and then release the funds in periodic payments, or draws, to the builder. These draws will be paid out after each stage of construction is finished.
Tips for Working With a Homebuilder
Many of us aspire to build custom homes. The idea of creating your own living space appeals to many people. What most people do not know is how frustrating, tedious, and time-consuming the process can be. However, there are ways to avoid most issues by working with a licensed home builder. How you communicate your desires and needs with the homebuyer will determine how much you love the final product.
Be Picky When Choosing a Builder
Before you get the ball rolling on your home building project, you need to spend time and due diligence finding the right home builder. You will be working with this person or company regularly for a significant period of time, so you want to find the right fit.
Make Construction Choices Before Breaking Ground
Once you are full-steam ahead with construction, any delays can cost significant amounts of time and money. This means you need to choose your materials, paints, appliances, finishes, textures, landscaping and other custom elements. If you have not made choices early you could also run into a situation where you cannot find the necessary materials in time.
Stay in Regular Contact With Your Builder
Communication is absolutely essential to the building process. When you regularly communicate with your builder you are tuned into the process in a way that more hands-off clients are not. If you have any questions about the process you can simply call, text or email the builder to get more information.
Be Understanding When Delays Happen
Unless you work in the construction field, you have no idea how many different things can go wrong at a job site. There are rain and bad weather delays, code enforcement issues, labor problems, vendor hassles and so many more things that can go wrong when building a home.
Your Building Journey
There’s something very special about building a new home. From helping you choose the perfect design through to handing over the keys to your new dream home, we’re proud to be part of the whole journey.
Steps to prepare your building site
We can’t wait to deliver your dream home. In this video we’re going to take you through the key steps needed to turn your raw block of land into a site that is ready for the build of your home to commence.
Choosing your design
After experiencing our display homes or viewing them online our Building and Design Consultants can walk you through designs that align to your lifestyle needs, block of land and budget. Should you like to modify a design they will work with you to achieve the home you desire. We’ll help you find the best home design. Once you have selected your preferred design we’ll then undertake a site inspection, complete soil tests, conduct a land survey. Once complete we’ll meet again to discuss the outcomes, present the quote, generate a Consolidated Tender and outline the next steps.
A little help from the MyChoice Experts
Once you have selected your preferred design and provided a deposit we will start to work with you to create a home that is uniquely yours. Our team of interior stylists will work with you to select your home’s colours, fixtures, features and appliances, all within a central location at one of our MyChoice Design Studios.
Building layer by layer
When all approvals are finalised and we have received Authority to Commence Construction we’ll move to the build phase. Our Construction Team will now order all materials, schedule labour and prepare your site for work to commence. During this exciting period you will see your home progress from excavation and pouring of the slab, through to seeing your home visibly take shape as the frame and roof is installed. Your Construction Supervisor will invite you to visit the site on numerous occasions throughout the build including prior to the installation of linings and the kitchen, we’ll even meet to discuss your ceramic tiling.
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BUILDING YOUR DREAM HOME ON A BUDGET
If you want to build a home on a budget, your homebuilder will be your greatest ally. Working with your goals and financial plan, a dedicated builder will develop a personalized plan to maximize your vision. If you are just starting to explore the homebuilding process, start shopping around for an experienced home builder who is committed to great communication and flexible pricing.
Find an Experienced Builder
When a tropical storm makes landfall in southwest Florida, or the summer sun beats down on your home for months on end, you’ll rest easy knowing your trusted your custom home to an experienced builder. Unlike other industries that can skate by faking expertise, for home builders, the proof of workmanship is in the product. Even before you meet with a new builder, take the time to conduct preliminary research online. Do they showcase pictures of completed projects? Are they just starting to build homes or do they have a list of satisfied customers? Most of this information will be available on their website.
Shop Around for Pricing
Since it can be difficult to gauge a competitive price, never settle with the first estimate. Multiple estimates give you a great frame of reference for negotiating the best value for your dollar. Once you gather multiple estimates, take the time to weigh the costs and benefits of each one. Although one builder may give you a better price, it may lack a make or break feature.
Communication is Key
Once you’ve shopped around for a builder, but before you sign on the dotted line, communicate all your needs and concerns with your home builder. Are there any special design features you want to include? Do you have any major pricing concerns or timelines restraining your budget? Get all of your questions answered before the build team breaks ground. If major design changes need to be made after the process begins, it will cost you time and money.
Construction Decisions Save Money
A great builder can save you money, but the price of a home is mostly determined by decisions you make during the planning process. These decisions include factors like construction materials and location. The more you know before the initial consultation, the better prepared you will be to save time and money.