I own wooded land in the US, What steps do I need to follow to have a custom home built?

Question

I have never purchased a home or had one built, and I do not want to buy what is commonly called a "custom home" in a cookie cutter subdivision. I have ideas for the design on the home and plan to be involved in the design and construction process. I just need to know how to get started.

Answer 1

join an owner builder program in you're area there should be one or contact you state construction license board and ask about such program's

Answer 2

First thing to do is to make sure you have water--either piped in from the water company or that the land 'percs' and a well would be adequate. You will probably need a loan at some point, so look into those. Then you need an architect/engineer. From there you'll be able to see what the next steps are -- clearing, making a foundation, and building the thing.

I understand that you don't want an ordinary home, but you have chosen the most expensive route to get there. You may have problems getting the loan because the house could cost more than its value, and it will take forever to get it finished. In addition to the time you will spend having it designed and preparing the land, the contractor building it will be way behind schedule when it comes time to put it up--building one house doesn't pay as well as building several at a time, so you will end up being a low-priority customer. It could be worth it to do this, but you might want to check into some pre-fab options--they are built indoors and you have a lot of options in how you want the house to be arranged.

Answer 3

find a custom builder. do a search on-line to find them in your state, and call them. or you can call a local real estate office and tell them you have land and would like a custom home built.

be prepared to pay a LOT

Answer 4

you need to clear the spot to where you are going to put the house and then get a building permit

Answer 5

get permit from the state