The idea of building a new house is both exciting and stressful. While it will be amazing to live in a house that you designed and built, it can also be stressful. A new home might be one of the biggest investments that you ever make, so you want to make sure that you get it right.
Understanding the process of building a new house can make it seem a lot less overwhelming. From vision and budget to design and financing, we break down each step of the process for building a new home in Delaware. If you’re ready to make the leap, our custom home builders can work with you to turn your dreams into reality.
Carl Deputy and Son Builders work with homeowners throughout Kent and Sussex Counties to help them build beautiful, high-quality homes. Our houses are built to last, and our outstanding customer service means that we’ll always be available to answer your questions and address your concerns. Reach out to our design and construction team today.
Have questions about building a home or making home renovations? Sometimes talking directly to an expert is easier than reading a post. Speak with a builder at Carl Deputy & Son Builders > (302) 284-3041
Thinking about Building a Home? Here Is What You Need to Know
Most people only build one house in their lifetime. That can make it difficult to know what to expect during the process. Fortunately, we have a lot of experience building homes. In fact, we have been building custom and semi-custom homes in Delaware for nearly 40 years.
Each home build is a bit different. However, there are certain steps that are the same for every home construction project. Below, we outline all of the steps involved in building a new house in Delaware.
Define Your Vision – and Your Budget
The first step in the process is to figure out exactly what you want when it comes to a new house. You’ll have to think about things like the style of house that you want, any special design features that you’d like, and whether you’d like a custom or semi-custom house.
With a custom house, you can design absolutely everything. You’ll work with our designers to come up with a floor plan before customizing the features and finishes. With semi-custom houses, you will pick from our selection of floor plans and then choose the features and finishes that you like best.
There is a lot to consider when it comes to the vision for your house. Coming up with a clear plan for your home build includes thinking about things like:
- What size house do you want? What is your ideal square footage?
- Do you have a set number of bedrooms and bathrooms in mind?
- Do you have any must-have features, like a home office or a playroom?
- What is your preferred house style?
- What is your ideal location?
For example, if you are older or simply want to plan ahead, you might decide that either a ranch house or a home with a primary bedroom on the main floor is what you want. From there, you can think about other features, like a large kitchen for entertaining, a home office, or plenty of space for guests.
When you have a rough idea of what you want, the next step is to figure out your budget. The cost of building a home can vary considerably based on your location, acreage, house size, and finishes. Custom homes often cost more to build than semi-custom homes, but in many cases, building a new construction house is much more affordable than you may think.
You should be as comprehensive as possible when setting a budget. Remember that many unexpected things can come up during construction, so it is best to account for that reality when figuring out what you can afford. You should include the cost of the land, permitting and inspection expenses, materials, construction labor, plus extra money for contingencies. Working with a financial adviser or other financial expert can help you stay on track when it comes to what you can afford.
At this stage, we usually recommend that people give us a call to talk over their vision and budget. Estimates for new home construction that you can find on the internet usually aren’t that accurate.
There are a lot of variables when it comes to home construction. We can review your specific plans, talk over your desired location, and give you a rough idea of what it might cost. We can also go over different options that may save you money.
Find the Right Lot
Location is incredibly important when it comes to building a house. Not only will it impact resale value, but it also matters when it comes to your day-to-day life. You will want to pick a plot of land that suits your lifestyle, whether you prefer a more rural setting or want to be in the heart of it all.
When it comes to the general area, you will want to consider the proximity of stores and restaurants, the school district (if you have kids), and what your commute to work might look like. For the land itself, you will need to think about things like zoning, access to utilities, soil stability, and flood zones. A site evaluation by a surveyor or engineer is often recommended before you purchase a plot of land.
Our construction team regularly works with clients to help them select a piece of property for their new house. We can offer input on the suitability of land for construction, plus refer you to experts for further testing. We can also give you an idea of the costs that might be associated with building on a particular parcel.
For example, if you have your heart set on a cozy house in the woods, we can make that happen – but it might end up costing more to clear the land compared to a plot of land that isn’t heavily treed. Similarly, if the land doesn’t have road access or utilities, then you will have to budget for these additional expenses.
We also offer plots of land that are ready for construction. Going this route is great if you want to eliminate the stress of an extensive search for exactly the right piece of land for your new house. It can also help to keep costs low since you will already know that the land is ready to go.
Choose the Right Team
If you haven’t already found a home builder, now is the time to take that step. Generally, we think it’s a good idea to talk to contractors early in the process so you can get insight into the budget and land. If you haven’t yet talked to a builder, now is the time.
Depending on your situation, you might need a few different professionals to help you. This could include a real estate agent and attorney to help you with the purchase of the land and other matters. You may also hire an engineer or other professional to assist with analyzing any potential construction sites.
Perhaps the most important member of your team will be your home builder. At Carl Deputy and Son Builders, our designers and contractors work together to help homeowners bring their vision to life. We will work collaboratively with you throughout the process, with a dedicated project manager to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Create Your Design and Construction Plan
Once you have chosen a home builder, you can get down to the details! You should already have a general idea of what you want in a new house. You can now sit down with our designers and builders to create detailed blueprints for your house.
This will typically include:
- Floor plans and elevations
- Structural engineering plans
- Energy efficiency and sustainability considerations
- Materials
- Finishes
Once you have a design in place, your builder will develop an estimate for you. If it fits within your budget, we can move on to the contract. If not, then we can work on the design and explore different options to make sure that your new home doesn’t leave you feeling “house poor.” We can then finalize the estimate and prepare a contract.
Get Financing
Once you have a contract, it is time to get financing, if necessary. Depending on your situation, you might need a land loan to purchase a plot of land, a construction loan to finance construction, or a combined land-and-construction loan (also known as a construction-to-permanent loan).
Each of these loan options has different features and requirements. They also tend to require a larger down payment and may have a higher interest rate compared to a traditional mortgage. You should work closely with your lender and other financial professionals to understand your options. If you don’t have a lender in mind, we can recommend one for you.
Start Construction
While you are working on financing, we will start on the bureaucratic work. We will need to secure the necessary permits, which may include a building permit, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits, and environmental or septic approvals. We will work with the local government in Kent County or Sussex County to get all of the required paperwork to start construction.
With the permits in place, we can start to prepare the site for construction. We will clear and level the land first. We will then excavate and pour the foundation.
The next step is to frame the house and rough in plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical systems. This is when your house will begin to take shape, particularly as the exterior walls and roof go up and windows and doors are installed.
At each stage of construction, we will work with local inspectors to get the necessary approvals. We will also invite you to the site for “muddy boots” tours so that you can see what is happening and ask any questions. Whenever possible, we will accommodate change requests during construction.
Construction will continue with the installation of insulation, drywall, siding, brickwork, and/or stonework. We will also work on the interior of the house, installing flooring, cabinets and countertops, lighting, plumbing fixtures, trim, and interior doors. Our team will paint your house, lay tile, and complete all of the cosmetic touches that will make your house absolutely gorgeous.
When construction is complete, there will be a final inspection to make sure that your house meets all safety and building standards. We will also schedule a walkthrough with you and create a “punch list” of any issues or final touches. Before closing, we will complete that list so that your house is finished to your standards.
Moving Into Your New House
Once construction is complete, we will schedule a closing to transfer the title to your new house to you. You can then start the moving-in process! You’ll set up utilities, register for manufacturer warranties for your new appliances, and get ready to enjoy your beautiful new home.
During the final walkthrough, we will also provide you with a new homeowner orientation. We’ll explain how to use and maintain the different features of your house. This will help to protect your investment and keep your house looking great for years to come.
Build a Stunning Custom Home with Carl Deputy and Son Builders
Building a new home is a major undertaking, but with the right team and a well-thought-out plan, you can have the home of your dreams. From budgeting to the final inspection, working collaboratively with your home builder can ensure that your house reflects your vision. Our team can help you make it happen.
At Carl Deputy and Son Builders, we have built a reputation for impeccable craftsmanship and outstanding customer service. We are committed to working with homeowners to help them build the home of their dreams in Delaware. To learn more about or to schedule a consultation with a member of our team, give us a call at 302-284-3041 or fill out our online contact form.
