Building a home is a big undertaking that requires a lot of planning. Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or hiring a construction company, there are many costs to consider, including the price of the land and the labor needed to construct the home. In addition, you’ll need to factor in the cost of utilities and a septic tank.
Before you begin, decide on the type of home that best fits your needs and lifestyle. This can help you plan your budget and avoid costly mistakes that may occur during the construction process. You should also consider the impact of building a home on your family’s finances, as it can take time to build and may require a mortgage or other loans.
Choosing a Location or Lot
One of the most important steps in the building process is determining your land’s location and zoning laws. The area you choose should have adequate water and waste disposal, as well as access to public facilities like schools and libraries. You should also be aware of any local zoning restrictions, which may prevent you from building a certain size or type of home.
Using the Land
Once you’ve found a suitable plot of land, you’ll need to start digging the foundation for your new house. Depending on your building site, this can take several weeks or even months.
Laying a Foundation
Once the plot has been prepared, a crew of specialized contractors will lay the concrete foundation for your home. This step is vital to the strength of your home and should not be underestimated.
The type of foundation will depend on your land, local building codes and any additional features you want to incorporate into the design. Generally, the strongest and most recommended type of foundation is concrete block.
Insulation and Walls
After the foundation is in place, your contractor will install the exterior walls of your home. They’ll then finish them with stucco, masonry or bricks to complete the look of your home and protect it from weather damage.
Your contractor should complete the interior of your home as well, putting in the flooring, tiling and installing walls. Traditionally, this is done with gypsum wallboard or wood paneling, but there are other options available. The installation of this material can be a labor-intensive process, so it’s important to hire someone with the skill and experience to do it correctly.
Throughout the construction process, your contractor will need to monitor and make adjustments to the house as needed. They’ll also need to perform quality checks and ensure that the structure is code compliant, as required by law.
It’s always a good idea to have the site surveyed and the footprint of your house marked before obtaining any permits. This will ensure that your house doesn’t encroach on your neighbor’s property or the city’s.
As a general rule, it’s best to find a reputable construction company in Boise to do the work. You can do this by comparing their services with those of others in your area, and reviewing their credentials, such as membership in industry associations, and quality policies that build customer confidence.