Building your home can be fascinating, and you can tailor it to your specific preferences. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the average person spends around two years living in their home before moving on, so it’s essential to get it right. Here are some statistics to back up why customizing your home is a smart choice:
- You’ll likely spend less on monthly utility bills since you can design the home to be more energy-efficient
- In many cases, you’ll also enjoy a higher resale value for your home
- You can choose finishes and features that appeal specifically to you and your family, creating a more personalized space
Of course, preparing to build your home is a process in itself. There will be plenty of factors to consider before you can set up the walls and pillars of your residential property. You will start with setting up the foundation, which can be a challenging step because of its importance to the home structure. Here are a few tips to help you create a solid home foundation.
Get the Appropriate Licenses and Permits
Before you begin construction on your home, you’ll need to get the appropriate licenses and permits from your local government. This step is crucial because it ensures that your home meets all the safety standards set by your jurisdiction. It also allows authorities to track your construction project’s progress.
You’ll need to submit a building permit application to your local planning office to get started. The application will likely require information such as the property’s dimensions, the proposed use of the space, and the building materials you intend to use. Once you’ve applied, a Building Inspector will visit the site to verify that it meets all the requirements for a permit.
If everything looks good, you’ll be able to start construction. If not, the Building Inspector will let you know what needs to be changed before you can begin work.
Hire a Qualified Contractor
The next step is finding a qualified contractor who can help you build your home according to your specifications. This professional will be responsible for overseeing the construction process and ensuring that everything goes according to plan.
When hiring a contractor, ask for references and look at their previous work. You should also make sure that they are licensed and insured. Once you’ve found someone you’re comfortable working with, be sure to go over all the project details, so there are no surprises down the road.
However, you might have the skills and knowledge to accomplish it yourself, which can save you money. If you choose to be your contractor, ensure you’re familiar with the building process and local regulations.
Create a Budget and Construction Schedule
Now that you’ve found a contractor and have all the necessary permits, it’s time to create a budget and construction schedule. This strategy will help ensure your project stays on track and within budget.
Start by creating a list of all the materials you’ll need for the project. Then, get quotes from different suppliers to see how much each item will cost. Once you know the total cost, add a 10-20% contingency fund to cover any unexpected expenses.
As for the construction schedule, work with your contractor to develop a project timeline. This plan should include milestones for each phase of construction and a completion date. A program can track the project’s progress and ensure everything is on track.
Prepare the Site
Once you have your budget and construction schedule in place, it’s time to prepare the site for construction. This step involves clearing the land, leveling the ground, and excavating foundation trenches.
The first step is to clear the land of any trees, brush, or debris. You’ll also need to remove any large rocks from the area. If there are any underground utility lines on the property, mark their locations before you start digging.
If you perform the construction yourself, you should consider investing in an excavator. What is an excavator? It is a machine used to dig trenches, footings, and foundations. Excavators can save you a lot of time and effort when preparing the site for construction. Building the foundation will not be possible if you do not have an excavator.
If you don’t want to purchase an excavator, you can always rent one from a local equipment rental company. There are two types of foundations to consider once you clear the site.
The first is a poured concrete foundation. This type of foundation gets made by pouring concrete into forms. Once the concrete dries, the forms get removed, and you have a solid foundation.
The second type of foundation is a block foundation. A block foundation is made by stacking blocks on top of each other. The blocks can be from concrete, cinder, or stone.
Once you’ve decided on the foundation you want to use, it’s time to excavate the trenches. The depth and width of the trench will depend on the foundation you’re using.
Conclusion
Creating a solid home foundation is essential to the overall structure of your house. By following these tips, you can ensure that your home gets built on a solid foundation that will last for years.
