The concept of a "semi-custom" home is an exciting project in which your floor plan comes with predetermined designs and features based on the community where it will be constructed. Then, you are free to make your customization preferences.

Many home builders have access to a collection of floor plans with predetermined features, such as the number of rooms and their placement. You can use these plans as customizable templates to meet your preferences once you have identified the floor plans that best suit your needs.

If this concept of building a semi-custom house appeals to you, you should be ready for the whole process. In this blog post, we will explore every step of the process, from deciding which builder to partner with to selecting your floor plan and closing your new home.

Looking for a Homebuilder

There is a step-by-step guide you can follow to help choose the best home builder you can work with within your semi-custom home project.

Step 1: Know Your Needs

Your options for floor plans that you can customize to suit your needs can be narrowed down by identifying your necessities. Start with the following inquiries:

• Is my budget fixed or flexible?

• Is my move-in date already final?

• Do I have a construction site in mind?

• Am I looking for a particular size or design of the house?

• What types of warranties do I need?

Step 2: Start Finding Local Builders

Get referrals from people you can trust. After you have gathered a list of local builders, visit their websites to discover reviews, warranties, and service guarantees. You can also look at the neighborhoods with up-for-grab lots and the home designs in those areas.

Then, ask yourself whether their specific home designs interest you. Or, whether you want the neighborhoods with available lots.

Step 3: Make a Shortlist of Your Preferred Builders

Once you have a list of several potential builders, use these criteria to narrow down your options.

• Locations of neighborhoods and building availability

• The average construction timeline

• Whether there will be any additional fees that can be incurred

• Whether the floor plans allow for customization

• Financing solutions they provide

Meet Your Chosen Home Builder

After researching about the home builder that meets your preferences, it is now time to meet them in person. The purpose of your initial meeting should be to determine the exact designs and customizations you want.

You can come prepared to the meeting with the floorplan details if you already have preferred floor plans in mind.

• Foundation types. There are three types of foundations: basement, slab, or crawlspace. Your choice of foundation type will depend on your budget and construction timeline.

• Interior finishes. The floor covering, lighting, cabinetry, and plumbing fixtures are the interior aspects of the building that must be specified according to your preferences.

• Exterior finishes. This aspect of the house includes roofing, doors, windows, patios, and porches that you need to discuss with the builder.

• Upgrades. This aspect may include crown molding, smart technology, and fireplaces.

Calculate the Estimated Cost

Understanding the projected cost is crucial to avoid incurring any unexpected expenses during the construction process. The estimated cost will depend on interior, external, and upgrade or extra costs. From your choice of closet storage to the roofing will all have an impact on your estimate.

There is little to worry about unwanted expenses if you work with a home builder that offers a fixed-price contract. With this arrangement with the builder, you can expect to see your estimated price on the contract. A price change will only happen if there are design changes in the course of the project.

Know Where to Get Financing

A construction loan has a different financing structure and application process than a conventional mortgage. As such, it is crucial to set your budget and determine what you can get approved for during the semi-custom build planning stage. You should know the two types of home construction financing available for you.

• Construction-only. This financing option pays the total cost of the build for your house upfront. Once the construction is completed, the debt incurred for the build process will become your mortgage, which serves as your second loan.

• Construction-to-permanent. This financing option lets your lender make installment payments to the builder at every completion of the building phase. When the house is completed, the loan carries over into your mortgage. You will only be paying closing costs once.

Endnote

Preparing for your semi-custom home build process is crucial. First, you need to find a home builder who will take care of the project and ensure its completion. Look for one who is trustworthy and can fulfill your build and design preferences. Next is to set an estimated cost to avoid unwanted expenses. Lastly, look for the best financing option that suits your needs.