Proper Steps to Take When Thinking About Building a Home

Hiring Good Builders

• Finding quality builders to construct your new home is of the utmost importance in the early stages of planning. Check all potential bidders' background against Better Business Bureau complaints and check out their previous work. If possible, look at a few samples of homes they've built and try to find one they are working on to see if they use quality materials and craftsmanship. Ask around about the company's reputation and find out how long it has been in business. A new company could be fine, but one that is established is more likely to be around to do any warranty work after the job is finished.

Consider Tax Advantages

• Inquire with local authorities about the property taxes in the area you want to build. Sometimes just a few miles difference can make a large impact on your annual tax bill. Consider the cost of the house now too so that you will know what kind of mortgage you'll have and how you can best take advantage of tax laws on the interest on that amount. New homeowners can reap significant rewards into the tens of thousands of dollars in the first few years of ownership in some instances.

The Location

• Think about the location, assuming you haven't already purchased the property to build on. If you have young children, or are planning a family, check that the schools in the area are up to your standards. Check out the local crime rates and other statistics so that you are certain you want to live in this area and to help ensure you have a valuable property with lots of equity down the line.

Build Green

• Energy efficiency is on everyone's mind these days, and it should be on yours too. Go green from the beginning, even if it adds a few dollars to construction costs. Many of the things you can do now will help you avoid government efficiency mandates in the future, will save you money on utilities, make your home more valuable and be generally good for the planet. Many state or federal laws also allow for huge tax advantages when a homeowner installs more efficient appliances such as solar hot water heaters and the like. Some utility companies offer rebates. These advantages often more than pay for the installation cost in the long run.