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Step 1 : Pick a Lot
Selecting the Lot for your New Custom Home will be the most important decision you will make (other than choosing the right builder)! The location of where you live is the one constant that you cannot change later - unless you move and start over from scratch.
Many factors go into selecting the right lot:
Do you want to live in a neighborhood or would you like more privacy with acreage?
What are the minimum square footage and building requirements in the neighborhoods you are interested - and will you qualify?
Is Waterfront or Water View Important to You? If Waterfront, would a Non-dockable Canoe Lot be an option to save money?
Is the price of the lot and/or neighborhood requirem
ents going to allow you to still get the size house you desire without busting the budget?
Is the School System a factor?
Is access to the Airport or a certain part of Charlotte a factor?
Is the topography of the lot important?
Will a basement be mandatory due to the topography of the lot?
Will you want to plan for a future swimming pool or other outdoor retreats?
Solution: Scott Kuhlkin has lived in the Lake Wylie / South Charlotte area for over 40 years and has built over 400 homes. He knows all the neighborhoods and locations in the area. He has dozens of connections in the real estate industry to help you narrow down your choices and select the property which will serve all of your needs. Scott will personally meet you at these lots, consult with you, and, if necessary, make sure you are staying within your budget before you make the final lot purchase decision.
Step 2: Select / Design a House Plan
The right House Plan is crucial because it is an extension of the way you like to live your life. What is important to you?
What is your minimum square footage desired?
What rooms are the most important to you?
Are there any "must haves" in the layout (master must be on main floor, etc.).
What style of home is the most appealing to you?
What are the different building materials that are acceptable to use in your location?
How can you revise a plan to fit it into your budget?
What if you want to tweek an existing plan? Will an architect be necessary?
If you want to design your "one of a kind" custom home from scratch, what architects can you trust in the area that will share your vision?
Solution: Scott Kuhlkin is an expert when it comes to marrying the perfect house plan with the perfect lot (or vice versa). He will listen intently to your needs and desires and then give you several plans to select from as a basis. He will also verify that the house plans being considered will sit nicely on your lot. After all, you do not want to ruin your lake front view of the back of your home with large unused foundations and expensive retaining walls if it can be avoided.
Step 3: Begin Construction
Let the fun begin! At least - you hope. This process can be either enjoyable or a complete nightmare. Speak to several people that have experienced building a custom home and you are bound to find at least one or more horror stories. Make sure you have done your homework and have checked out our Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid when Choosing Your Custom Builder.
How will I know that the Builder I select will not leave me in a precarious situation?
How can I be assured that the project costs will not end up costing more than the amount agreed upon?
How can I realistically plan ahead for my move in date and avoid the project that never has an end?
What if I want to make changes after construction begins?
How can I be assured that I will not be forced into product choices and decisions?
Do I have to make all of my finish selections prior to the start of construction?
Where are the best showrooms in town that I can go to make my selections?
What if I don't live in the area yet? Will I be updated on the progress on a regualar basis?
How can I avoid the red tape of many personnel levels to get immediate answers?
Solution: Click here for these answers.
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