Prepare for New Home Construction

When building your dream home, there are countless details to consider. Here are three steps to take in the months before the shovel hits the soil.

• Visit as many properties on the market as you can. Touring houses will give you ideas to incorporate into your new build. Pay close attention to floor plans, color schemes and the extra bells and whistles you may not have considered.
• Make a "non-negotiable" list and a "wish" list. Amenities can quickly add up, making your new home more expensive. Compose two lists to help differentiate between what you absolutely must have and what you can live without.
• Research multiple architects and builders. These are the people who will actually design and build your dream home, so it's crucial to ensure they meet your expectations. Look at their portfolios, check their reviews and compare their fees to others in the area.

It's important to have your real estate agent join you on your first site visit so the builder knows you won't be using their representative.