If the prospect of moving into a new home is just not exciting enough for you, the alternative is to build your own from scratch. Sure, it’s a big challenge that not everyone can take on, but if you’re up for it, constructing a house from the foundations up can be super satisfying.
Why Choose Maryland?
One of the first things you need is land. But where? The mid-Atlantic coast region offers economic opportunities, proximity to major cities, and stunning natural landscapes. So, it’s no surprise that many people up sticks and move here.
Whether you choose to relocate to Maryland or explore Lake Anna real estate, just over the border, both are excellent locations for a home-building project. It’s just a case of preparing yourself for the project. So, what do you need to know before you lay the first brick?
What Maryland Homebuilders Need to Consider
Likely, this is your first home-building project if you are scouring the internet for advice. But don’t worry, projects like these are achievable. You just need to know where to start and which pitfalls to avoid.
Where to Build
Now, the perfect location for one person might not be the ideal place for another. It all depends on your priorities. If you are building a family home and have young children, being close to good schools, parks, and grocery stores is essential. Whereas, if you enjoy coastal activities such as sailing, a plot of land close to the sea makes better sense.
Outline your wants and needs to find a location that can accommodate them. Make sure that you do your research both online and in person. Truly immerse yourself in the area.
If you really want to find out more about an area, perhaps ask real estate agents or locals about the pros and cons of living there. They might highlight an issue or a hidden gem that you hadn’t even considered.
Permits and Regulations
When approaching a building project in another state, don’t assume that because you know the rules and regulations in your hometown, it’ll be the same in another location.
The building permits you need to acquire vary from state to state. In Maryland, you must obtain the relevant forms from your local county office. You may also require additional permits, such as land disturbance and septic tank approval. If you are unsure, it is best to seek advice from the county permits office or hire a contractor who is experienced in complying with building laws.
The Costs of Building a House in Maryland
In terms of land costs, your money will go further in rural Maryland. Coastal or waterfront areas typically fetch higher prices per square foot. Additionally, if city living is important to you, expect to pay more due to higher demand.
Once you’ve budgeted for the land, it’s time to think about how you’d like your new home to look. A fully qualified architect can help you design the home of your dreams, taking into consideration your budget and the area of land you have to work with.
Then, there are the construction costs to consider. First, the land may need to be cleared in preparation for construction to begin. Then there are foundations to dig, a framework to build, roofing and exteriors to construct, and essential systems to set up, such as electricity and plumbing. The more complex your design, the costlier these will be.
Whether making small renovations or building an apartment block, any construction project can present unexpected problems. When drawing up your budget, be sure to include a little extra to account for potential additional costs.
Setting Timelines
Time, as well as costs, can spiral out of control, so it’s important that you set a timeline for your project, complete with achievable deadlines. Talk to your contractors to get a better idea of how long each stage should take to complete. There are also resources online that can help you break down tasks and keep track of progress.
Similarly to the budget, allow for extra leeway in case problems occur that set the project back. This way, you won’t feel pressured to rush the project or feel that you are losing control. You’ll remain calm and be able to take delays in your stride.
Which Contractors to Hire
A common regret many home builders complain about is the contractors they hired. It’s always the same story, too. Time and time again, people are tempted by lower rates and fail to consider the quality of work. Quality and attention to detail should be your number one priority throughout the project, from the architect’s design through to the decorator’s wallpapering skills.
Remember, hiring cheap, unqualified, and inexperienced contractors will ultimately cost you more in the long run. You will likely have to hire additional contractors to rectify their mistakes, doubling your overall costs.
