There are endless possibilities to take into consideration when it relates to the construction of a customized home. Styles, features, floor plan options and color palettes are just some of the aspects that you will have to consider. It’s important to make all the right choices, perhaps most important is to find the best custom home contractor.

What criteria should you consider to determine a good contractor from a bad one? All home builders are going to try to attract your business, so it is very important that you know what to search for when you’re researching a quality builder.

Home builders with an internal design department are preferable

Having both builders and drafters available at the custom home builder saves you money as well as time. Running between locations will not only cost you time but will also affect the efficiency of the build. When everyone is on the same team, directions and design changes will be communicated more effectively and will offer more reliable results.

Choose a custom home builder that uses fixed-cost contracts

You should protect yourself from surprises; unpredicted situations that may arise that would affect your budget. Look for a builder whose contract contains clauses covering these eventualities. Should something occur that delays the build which is not a challenge on your end, it will save you from going over budget to have protection built into your contract.

A premier contractor will have an excellent warranty program

Structural stability is one of the most crucial considerations of any build. There are specific elements you will want to make sure are under warranty for a specified time period. Utility installations like plumbing and electric, attendant fixtures, tiles and even the quality of the wood used in the construction are often covered by the custom house contractor’s warranty for a period of 5 to 10 years.

Your builder should be able to offer quality advice

As building a custom home is usually a new experience for the buyer, your custom home builder should be able to offer quality advice with regard to location, orientation of the home on the property, and the overall design planning of your home.

They should be able to steer you in the right direction for all important design questions

Follow these guidelines to research and select your custom home builder. Finding the right builder to suit your requirements is vitally important for a successful build. Your new home will be enjoyed by your family and friends for years to come, so it’s worth the investment of time to locate the builder that is right for you.

 

Curb Appeal

You’ve built your dream home with a premier custom home builder, now it’s time to address your curb appeal. Doing so will increase not only the value of your home but also the overall value of the other homes in the neighborhood.

Even if you aren’t planning on selling anytime soon, ensuring your home is visually appealing from the outside is a valuable investment for your home. There numerous conceptual areas to consider in this arena. Whether your budget is $1,000 or $10,000, there are aesthetic improvements available to fit your budget. Consider your landscaping, trim, walkways and even hardware. Make a determination as to what area you feel needs the most help that falls within your budget and start there.

Trim maintenance

If your home is new you probably don’t need to immediately paint shutters and other trim areas of your home, but keep an eye on them. When they start to show wear, you will want to invest in refreshing them, even if it’s with the same shade you started with. Worn trim is one of the first things a passer-by will notice and it doesn’t leave a great impression. Be sure not to ignore your front door.

Hardware upgrades

Hardware upgrades will also improve the appearance of your home. Your kick plate, door knob, and door knocker, even the house number, can offer an opportunity for a relatively inexpensive upgrade that will spruce up the look of your home.

Landscaping

The next area you should focus on is the landscaping. Sidewalk detail improvements can make a huge difference to your curb appeal. Adding stone or brick to your walkway can create a cohesive appearance.

Check your flower beds and bushes for overgrowth or required trimming. Balance the view with added borders that match the walkway or particular features of your home. A container garden can be an attractive addition that will offer a pleasant impact to your landscape. A few colorful pots staggered on the steps or around the front of your home will make instant impact.

Lighting

Landscape lighting is available in a variety of forms. Add lights along your walkway or floods in the front; highlight particular features you enjoy and your neighbors will enjoy them as well. Be careful not to over indulge, but a few well-placed lighting features will vastly improve the appeal of your home.

Ongoing Maintenance

Once you’ve completed your landscape plan, continue to monitor your home’s exterior. If you have siding, make sure everything is still connected securely and there are no damages in need of repair. Ignoring a broken siding tile can lead to water damage or other challenges with your home. Paint should be kept fresh and any repairs you need to have done should be accomplished immediately.

No matter how long you spend updating the outside appearance of your home, it will be well worth the investment of time and money. Every time you walk to your front door you’ll appreciate your efforts.

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ABOUT STARSIDE CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS:

Starside Custom Builders creates extraordinary homes
for discerning clientele.  Our vision is to build wonderful
places to share life and make  memories.
Contact us today!  214-501-4084