Building your own home can be very exciting. It can also be stressful as there are a lot of decisions that need to be made. It starts by reviewing the local Gainesville, FL, home builders in your area. Which one offers premium services for a reasonable price?
While it is important to stay within your budget, there are other aspects you should keep in mind when selecting your custom home builder. The company of your choice should have a tremendous amount construction experience and offer features other contractors ignore.
When researching your construction crew, ask if the following attributes can easily be completed:
1. A solid foundation – It should have 3,000 psi concrete reinforced steel with wire mesh. That prevents water intrusion. Ask if they can also make a step down into the porch, garage or lanai.
2. 30-Year architectural shingles – The ones from Owens Corning last longer than traditional roofing solutions.
3. Superior siding materials – Some exterior applications are backed up by a 50-year manufacturer's warranty. That includes the siding, exterior trim, soffit, and fascia.
4. Premium paints – Inquire which paints are used in your home, inside and out. They should be rich with a glowing finish for long-lasting, durable coating. The paints should be washable.
5. Quality caulk and foam weatherproofing – While often overlooked during construction, these materials are important as they are used throughout the entire house around windows, doors, ceilings, and walls. They seal your home. When done right, they lower your utility bills.
6. Effective soundproofing and insulation materials – They raise the energy efficiency of your home, and reduce the noise between the rooms.
7. Electrical services - Find, Gainesville, FL, home builders applying additional circuit breakers to your home to accommodate future electrical needs. You never know when you will add a shed or buy a hot tub.
8. Phone, television, extra lighting, etc. – The electrician incorporates features that permit future expansions. That gives you a lot of flexibility, and can save you money later when you do not have to call someone else to increase your existing electrical system.
9. High ceilings – Modern structures often incorporate 10-foot ceilings. Make sure that your builder can handle that request throughout the entire house.
10. Granite countertops - Many homeowners prefer durable, granite countertops, tile backsplashes and deep dual basin sinks. Inquire if your builder has the necessary skilled laborers who can handle this task with ease.
There are, of course, many other home features that you may consider. Write them all down and present them to your contractor. If he hesitates because of one of your requests, move on to your next candidate on your contractor’s list until you find the one that can actually complete your dream home - from start to finish.