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Category: The Home Building Process

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The Home Building Process

Custom Home Land Search Tips

Considering or already looking for a lot for your home?

Acquiring the right piece of property to build you dream home can be a daunting task that is time consuming and monotonous.  Most people, armed with their Zillow App head to the hills to see what they can find in the land search quest.  This usually ends up with heat exhaustion, twisted ankles, mosquito bites, ticks and chiggars.  If your lucky, the rattlesnakes will leave you alone.

As things progress, questions will arise…

  • Where are the property lines?
  • Is this the lot?
  • Does the house I want to build fit the lot?
  • Is there power to the property? Is it overhead or underground?
  • Do I have to drill a well?
  • Septic Tank (eeeew… is that even sanitary?)
  • I don’t have a signal… Can I get a landline? Do I need one?
  • Can I build on the side of a hill? Is that going to cost more?
  • Can we maximize that view?!
  • Can we block the view of the neighbor’s house?
  • Is that a dry creek bed running across this lot?
  • Why is this lot so cheap compared to the others?
  • What school district is this in?
  • What are the county taxes?
  • Do I have to pay cash for the lot? Is it better to finance?
  • How much will it cost to build on this lot.

That’s just a few of the questions and concerns we’ve heard over the years; but that last one is in bold print, because it really is the bottom line.  When you’re looking at purchasing a lot, the evaluation process should focus on one thing.  With the budget I have in mind… Can I build the house of my dreams on this property?  Secondarily, Can/should I think about adjusting my budget if it checks all the boxes?

If you do decide to brave it alone and do your own homework, here are a few tips…

  • Take plenty of water and a few snacks
  • Have an idea where the closest place is for a potty break
  • Take a first aid kit
  • Narrow it down before you go
  • Be careful about trapsing through tall grass and wooded areas
  • Especially in Texas, respect private property
  • If you see anything painted purple turn around. Someone takes their private property seriously and know their rights
  • We recommend the Land Glide App at https://app.landglide.com/ to assist in determining (generally) where property lines are located Google Maps can be helpful too.

Download our Lot Evaluation Checklist to make sure you are asking the right questions and making informed decisions OR… Call our design center today to inquire about assistance with your land search.  We have licensed real estate agents available to assist you with your land search, make offers, and negotiate a great deal for you… All at a discounted rate!!! Let us do the leg work!

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The Home Building Process

Custom Homes vs. Spec Homes

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Affordable Renovation Services
Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or looking for a new place to call home, buying a house is never a small investment. Two terms every potential homebuyer needs to know when house hunting are speculative and custom. Both spec homes and custom homes are completely new on the market, but each type comes with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Spec Homes

A spec home is a move-in-ready home that is built with the average homebuyer in mind. This can be a pro or a con, depending on the way you look at it. Having the ability to see and tour the finished product of the home you are potentially purchasing ensures you’re getting exactly what you pay for. Purchasing a move-in-ready home also means you can move in as quickly as you’d like. Homes built to fit the needs of the average homebuyer also allow the homebuilder to buy their materials in bulk, making them very cost-effective. Buying a move-in-ready home, however, leaves the buyer with a lack of choice when it comes to the style, detail, and color scheme. If you wanted to change something about your speculative home following completion, it would be at your own expense. In some cases, if you find a spec home not yet entirely completed, there is the chance the homebuilder will allow you to have a say in a few finishes such as the color of the walls. You will most likely be choosing from their list of options, though, because of their bulk purchases.

Custom Homes

If you’re someone with a unique design in mind for your dream home, purchasing a custom home is your best option. Working with a builder to construct your one-of-a-kind home means you create the design and feel you want your house to have. This means you will be able to choose and approve every detail from the inside doorknobs and cabinet fixtures to the outside siding and shingles. Building a custom home also gives homebuyers a preference on the location, since they will have to purchase a lot to build on. Due to the freedom of choice and other appealing aspects custom homes offer, most homebuilders have clients create budgets for certain design elements to ensure the cost of your home won’t be more than expected when finished. Custom homes built to preference are obviously not move-in ready and can take longer than others to build. Once you see your dream home come to life, however, the wait will have been totally worth it. At Carson Custom Homes, we are ready to make your dream home a reality. With attention to detail throughout the entire building process and use of quality materials, your Carson Custom home will keep you content and comfortable for a lifetime. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to jumpstart the building of your custom home.

Want to build your dream home, but don’t know where to start?

Download The Guide to Your Dream Home Today

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The Home Building Process

The Best Time of Year to Build a House in Texas

You’re ready to make a move – your house is getting too cramped, and the grass seems so much greener on the other side of the city. You may be antsy to get started on building your new home, but you need to consider the timing for your construction.

There are many different factors that come into play when building a house. Read below to find out when is the best time to build a house in Texas.

Consider the Season

The weather has a huge impact on home construction. Texas is blessed with mild winters, but the state still experiences cold, wet weather in some of the winter months. Additionally, the summers can experience heat waves, which can make construction difficult.

You generally want to start your construction when the weather is cool and dry. If you start in autumn, you will be starting your construction in mild weather and your foundation will be built before there are any potential ground freezes. I

f you start in the summer, your contractors will have time to get exterior construction done before there are any freezes, but hot weather may delay work on your home. You will need to meet with your contractor to discuss which season will work better for your particular building needs.

Consider the Cost

Even if you’ve just won the lottery, you will still want to consider the most cost-effective time to build a house.

Building in summer may seem ideal because of the weather, but prices will be much higher because of increased building demand. Your home will be built faster, but you will have to pay more for materials.

If you are not concerned with building speed and want to save money, consider starting your build in the fall or winter. Fall is the off-season for contractors, so you will be able to take advantage of potentially lower prices. However, you will have to prepare for building delays and a longer build time.

If you’re searching for a custom home builder that can set you up with the best construction schedule for your building needs, contact Carson Custom Homes. Our experienced team of builders will help you design, plan, and build your dream home. Find out more and get started on your custom home today!

Want to build your dream home, but don’t know where to start?

Download The Guide to Your Dream Home Today

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The Home Building Process

Why Personality Fit is Important When Selecting a Home Builder

New Home Under Construction
Choosing a home builder means choosing a professional that will work with you through a long-term, intensive process. When you pick someone who will be helping you make personal decisions about your home, it is important to find someone who will align with your goals and personality. If you’re currently selecting a home builder, here are some tips on what makes a good home builder fit.

You Should Choose a Builder You Work Well With

Before starting the selection process, have a well-thought-out list of your own personality attributes and what kinds of personalities with which you work well. You should also have a plan for what you want for your house. Careful thought and planning will ensure that you get what you want out of your working relationship with your home builder and will prevent dissatisfaction later on in the process.

You Should Work With Someone You Can Trust

Some of the most important personality qualities in a home builder are cooperation and problem-solving skills. When you meet with potential home builders, ask plenty of questions to determine if they will be able to work with your personal vision for your home. Be sure to question them on what courses of action they would take if various problems arise during the building process. Anticipating delays in the building process ahead of time and working out a contingency plan with your builder will prepare both of you for later issues. Relationships can sour with even the most personable builder if your problem-solving skills do not align.

They Must Be a Strong Communicator Throughout the Process

Communication is another important attribute when you choose a home builder. You need to choose a builder who will keep you updated while your home is being built. There are many issues that can affect your home build, from building delays to bad weather to necessary changes in building plans. A good home builder will contact you immediately when problems happen and will be responsive when you need information about your home build. If you’re looking for home builders that fit your personality needs, get started on your custom home with Carson Custom Homes. Our experienced team will help you through the entire process of planning, selecting and building your dream home.

Want to build your dream home, but don’t know where to start?

Download The Guide to Your Dream Home Today