The process of building your own house may be both extremely thrilling and stressful. But when the house of your dreams is completed, and you can enjoy all of your hard work and effort, it is an experience you will not regret. With its dynamic culture and stunning scenery, Raleigh is the ideal place to call home. Now that you have an idea about Raleigh as the place to be, let us talk about how to construct this dream house!

Why Choose Raleigh? 

Vibrant Community and Culture

Booming Job Market

Raleigh, which is a part of the Research Triangle, has a booming job market, especially in the fields of education, healthcare, and technology. Future homeowners will find it to be a wise investment because of the area’s economic growth, which supports a steady housing market and attracts new people.

Quality Education

Many families relocate to Raleigh because of the area’s outstanding school systems and the abundance of educational options provided by its proximity to esteemed universities like NC State, Duke, and UNC.

Beautiful Nature

Raleigh has stunning landscapes that improve the quality of life with its verdant parks, picturesque lakes, and proximity to the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains. There are many outdoor activities available to you, such as biking, hiking, and having picnics in the park.

Building Your Home

1. Define Your Essentials

Before the building process, spend some time defining your priorities. Consider factors such as:

• Size and Layout: Are you planning for a family or future family? It’s important to think about the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the size of the living room, and the backyard.
• Style: How do you see your dream home being styled? Would you prefer a more modern look that highlights a more open floor and minimalistic aesthetic with a neutral palette and bold accent, or are you seeking a more traditional style with the classic gabled roof detail and decorative molding with warm and earthy tone decor and furniture, or perhaps a mix of both?
• Special Features & Amenities: What are your must-have features? These features can be an open-concept kitchen, a home office, or including energy-efficient systems.

2. Establish Your Budget

Establishing a reasonable budget is essential before beginning the construction process. Consider various options for financing, including conventional mortgages, construction loans, and, if appropriate, VA loans. You can better grasp your alternatives and negotiate the best rates by speaking with a local mortgage broker. Depending on the location, materials utilized, and size of the house, costs can vary significantly. Here are some things to think about:

• Permitting and Fees: In order to start building, Raleigh needs a number of permits. Include these expenses in your budget.
• Land & Construction Costs: Depending on the caliber of the materials and finishes used, the typical cost to build a home in Raleigh is estimated to be about $100 and $200 per square foot, typically vary depending on the neighborhood.

3. Choose Your Ideal Location 

There are a few things to be mindful of while choosing the perfect location for your dream home. These factors can include, but are not limited to, determining whether the property is designated for residential use, verifying the availability of utilities like power, water, and sewage, looking into any possible flood zones or environmental limitations that can have an impact on building, and the more generalized factors such as proximity to work, schools, parks, and community services. Look at specific areas of Raleigh that suit you:

• Downtown Raleigh: a bustling metropolitan area with restaurants, theaters, museums, and a vibrant nightlife if you want to be near the action. If you are looking for a contemporary, international lifestyle, building here might be perfect.
• North Raleigh: Well-known for its suburban atmosphere, North Raleigh is known for its larger houses, family-friendly communities, and proximity to excellent schools.
• South Raleigh: Known for being more affordable than other regions of the city, South Raleigh has experienced rapid development. For people who want a little more room but still want to be close to downtown, it is perfect.
• East Raleigh: This more varied area of the city has a range of new construction, historic residences, and more reasonably priced housing alternatives.
• West Raleigh: This neighborhood, which is home to NC State University, has a variety of single-family and multifamily residences. It is ideal for people who wish to live near the university or who want to live in a more diverse, emerging neighborhood.

4. Find Your Team 

The next step involves finding a team that will help with taking your vision of a home and making it a reality. Your team should consist of experienced experts to avoid any potential issues.

• Find a Reputable Builder: Find Raleigh local builders who have a solid reputation. When looking for a builder, it is crucial to take into account the builder’s knowledge of local laws and ordinances, their prior work to make sure their aesthetic fits your vision, and client endorsements. There are different types of builders you should know about as well, including custom home builders, semi-custom builders, and production builders. Find the type of builder appropriate for you. You can view some of our recommended builders here!
• Contractor: A trustworthy contractor will oversee the building process, handle subcontractors, such as plumbers and electricians, and make sure the project is completed on time and within budget.
• Consult an architect: Hire an architect to help bring your vision to life. They can help you create designs that meet your needs while making sure your plans are in line with local regulations.
• Interior Designer: An interior designer will assist with layout, furnishings, color schemes, and other aesthetic features, while the architect concentrates on the structural components of the house.
• Work with a Real Estate Agent: Real estate agents can assist you in locating a good lot that meets your goals and budget. They know the cost of land and the possible future value of your property because they are up to date on home market trends. To further streamline the process, they put you in touch with reputable and trustworthy contractors and builders. Overall, employing a real estate agent is the best choice to saving you time, informing you about permits and regulation, and creating your dream home inside your financial budget. Learn more about our steps in this process!

5. Design Your Home 

Since you’ve already defined your essentials, it’s important to relay this information to your team to build and design. This step involves setting the foundation, framing, roofing, and interior work. Understand the number of rooms you want, including guest rooms or extra office space, the size of the kitchen. Establish the structural style of the home and whether it will be more open or closed concept. Decide on the window structure and sliding doors in key areas, specifically think about how you want natural light to illuminate your rooms.

6. Permits and Regulations

Prior to construction starting, become familiar with Raleigh’s zoning laws and building rules. Although your builder should help with this, it’s helpful to know the basic permit requirements such as occupancy, plumbing, electric, and building permits. Additionally, Raleigh has setback requirements that establish the minimum distance between a structure and a curb, property line, or other structures. So, it’s important that your builder assures those requirements. Also, to make sure local codes are being followed, a number of inspections are required during the building process. Maintain contact with your builder to arrange these inspections on time. To find out the most recent rules and permits required to build your new house, check out the Development Services department for the City of Raleigh.

7. Construction Process

During the construction process, it is important to keep a few things in mind

• Frequent Communication: Stay in touch with your builder on a regular basis. Plan site visits to keep an eye on developments and resolve any issues. Your vision will be fulfilled with the support of your team as long as you regularly communicate with them.
• Remain Flexible: Unexpected difficulties may arise throughout construction. Keep your overall objectives in mind, while remaining adaptable and receptive to changes and adjustments to your home or regulation changes that make arise.
• Understand the Timeline: Depending on the project’s size and complexity, building a home usually takes six to twelve months. A thorough timeline should be provided by the builder, but be ready for any delays brought on by bad weather, problems with the supply chain, or unanticipated events.

8. Final Steps

• Final Walkthrough: After building is finished, take your builder on a comprehensive walkthrough. Look for any problems or incomplete tasks, and everything lives up to your expectations. Prior to completing the procedure, make a punch list of the things that need to be fixed.
• Moving in and closing: Finish the closure procedure once you are satisfied with everything. It is time to move into your dream home after all the paperwork is completed!

Conclusion

Building your dream Raleigh home is a fulfilling endeavor that requires careful planning, cooperation, and flexibility. You can quickly navigate the process and create a space that fits your unique needs and style.

If you’re ready to start your journey, consider connecting with us to help you start!

See you at the next Blog,

XO Jacie & Co