23 May 7 FAQs About Building Your First Dream Home, Answered

Building your first dream home is an exciting time. From the time your plans begin to form until the day you hold the key in your hand you have countless questions running through your mind. Before you get too overwhelmed we have the answers to the top 7 questions about building your first dream home. 

The Top 7 FAQs About Building Your Dream Home

There’s a lot that goes into the design and construction of your first dream home. But in the end it is so worth it. You have the perfect opportunity to get everything you want and need, and just the way you like it. Your dream comes to life when you build a custom home design. Here are 7 frequently asked questions (for yourself and your design team) about building your first dream home.

1. What Are Your Specific Expectations?

Do you expect to make every decision regarding every detail when building your first dream home? Do you want to start with an existing floor plan and customize it where necessary? You need to decide just how involved you want to be from the beginning and make sure you and your design team are in agreement. Also be sure the level to which you want to be involved is made clear to the builder as well.

2. What Specific Needs and Preferred Features Must be Included?

Of course you have very specific ideas about necessary features in your custom home. That’s a big reason for building your first dream home. These necessary features can include anything from the practical such as wheelchair accessibility to those that enhance your lifestyle such as a hot tub, in-law suite or a garden room.

It’s important to be clear on these specific features and question your builder about their experience in building and installing such things. Ask for references. 

3. What is Your Budget?

For most people this would be the number one FAQ to consider. However your budget depends on your needs and expectations. At Seiffert Home Design we have many different opportunities for building your first dream home and we can work with any reasonable budget. 

4. Where Will You Build?

It’s often assumed in real estate that the primary selling point is “location, location, location”. Your lot is just as crucial as your custom design plan. First identify the area that suits your needs. If you have or anticipate having children take a look at the schools. Once you find the most suitable lot that’s available in that area consider things like traffic, proximity to doctors, hospitals, grocery stores and any other amenities that are on your list. 

Lot size is also an important factor when building your first dream home. Larger lots require more care such as mowing and landscaping. Do you have the time for that or the resources to hire someone? Of course you want something with a lovely view so assess the best location on your lot for your home.

5. How Can You Familiarize Yourself With the Builder?

How much experience does your builder have in creating the style of home you desire? 

Most builders are only too happy to showcase their prior projects. Ask for references and call on them. Ask about prices and whether or not appliances are included. Do they have specific resources for things like lighting, flooring, etc or can you choose the vendor? How much freedom do you have (and want-refer to FAQ 1) when it comes to choosing different aspects while building your first dream home?

6. What is The Typical Timeline for Building Your First Dream Home?

On average it can take around seven months to complete your custom design. Of course there are variables such as obtaining permits, inspections, supply chain issues and weather, that may extend the timeline. And that average timeline doesn’t include the pre-construction stage. Any changes you make during the construction period may also prolong the timeline. That’s why we offer our amazing VR tool. Our virtual reality tool allows you to see what your home will look like before your design is approved. This helps ensure you love what you’re building and prevents unexpected changes mid-construction which cost you time and money. 

7. Is Your Design Team Have the Know-How? 

An experienced design team has the answers you need. You want someone who is supportive and has the knowledge and professional experience to take your dreams and put them to paper in your home design. An experienced design team also has access to a network of builders, contractors and suppliers. 

Get Started on Your Dreams

For more questions please reach out to Seiffert Home Design. We’ve been the go-to for our Quad Cities neighbors for over a century and we are happy to help you when it comes to building your first dream home. Contact Seiffert Home Design today and let’s get started on your dreams.