Interested in having your dream home built in Jacksonville, FL? It can be an incredibly exciting time, but it is crucial that you know how to work with builders in the area. The process differs significantly from what you would go through with a conventional builder, and especially when buying an existing home. What should you know?
Have a Budget
Before approaching any builders in Jacksonville, Florida, you need to make sure of your financing. Work with a mortgage broker to nail down your financials. This ensures that you know what you have to spend on a home, and it tells the builder that you’re serious.
Choose Your Builder
The next step is to choose the builder that is best for your needs. There are far fewer custom home builders in Jacksonville, FL, than there are conventional builders, so your search won’t be exhausting. However, you’ll need to do a few things once you’ve created a list of potential builders. One of those is to arrange an interview with each builder. Sit down and discuss your vision, your goals, and your plans. You should also see examples of what the builder has been able to create for previous customers. If possible, an in-person visit is best, but video and even photographic proof can work.
Create Your Plan
Once you’ve chosen your custom home builder, you’ll need to set your overall budget. Just because the lender approved you for a specific amount, it doesn’t mean that you have to spend it all. You can shoot for less than the total, which will give you a lower monthly mortgage payment. Discuss the overall layout and design of the home with your builder, as well as any specifics that you want to ensure are in places, such as the number of bedrooms, the size of the bathroom, the type of roofing shingles or the type of flooring, and more. Hammer out a complete plan and a budget.
Make Deposits and Start Construction
The next step is to make needed deposits. Pre-construction deposits are needed for many things, ranging from construction permits to arranging for scrap dumpsters. Your builder will be able to explain it all to you and make sure to ask for clarification on anything that you don’t understand. After the deposits are paid, construction will begin. Keep in close contact with your builder throughout the construction period to ensure that everyone is on the same page and to minimize any potential misunderstandings.
