Building your own custom home is one of the most exciting decisions you can make. It's also one of the most daunting, especially if you don't know what to expect. It's hard enough to figure out which features are important and how much they'll cost without having to worry about contractors who will try to take advantage of you by quoting a price that isn't accurate or by just disappearing on you after accepting payment. Here are some things you should know before building your own custom home.

1. You Need an Architect

An architect is not just someone who can draw up blueprints. They should be involved in the design process from the beginning, right after you've figured out what type of house you want to build. The architect will help guide your vision to create something that meets both your needs and your budget.

2. Layout Is Crucial for an Efficient House

No matter how big or small the house is, you'll want to make sure that it's laid out in such a way that no space goes unused and everything is easy to access. You don't want to have to go through multiple doors or hallways just to get from one room to another, so take the time to plan everything out in advance.

3. Budgeting Is Essential

Why get your heart set on a house that you can't afford? You'll want to crunch some numbers before signing anything, whether it's with an architect or contractor. It's important to know exactly how much money you can spend and what you need to include in this budget. This way, there won't be any surprises later on.

4. Lay Out a Timeline with Construction Dates

You don't want to start building your house and then find out that something won't be completed when you need it or that too much time has passed and the cost of labor is going up due to inflation. Make sure you know what each step of the process entails and when it should be completed so you can plan accordingly.

5. You Need to Know Your Options

There are many different types of materials available for building a custom home, not just lumber and concrete or brick, that are available at most local hardware stores. Knowing the benefits of each material will help you choose what type is best for your particular situation.

6. Choose Your Custom Home Builders Wisely

Not every custom home builder is going to be a good fit for you. You'll want to look around and find someone who has experience in the type of custom home you're building, so you know they will do their job right. And it's always important to check references when searching for custom home builders.

7. Get Everything in Writing

Whether it's the price, back and forth quoting, exactly what you want in terms of custom features and materials, deadlines for completion, and more, everything should be included in writing because custom homes are complicated. Contracts should be made to protect both you and the custom home builders.

The custom home industry is on the rise as more people want something custom-built for them. In fact, according to Marketwatch.com, housing starts increased by 5% in December 2019. Permits rose by 17%. It was the highest level of housing starts seen since 2006. However, for many people who are building their own custom homes or having one built for them, this can be an overwhelming process at first. There are several steps involved in getting everything set up and completed properly, but following these seven tips can help make the process easier.