OUR GUIDE TO BUILDING A HOUSE IN THE USA

OUR GUIDE TO BUILDING A HOUSE IN THE USA

In some cases, when you can't find your dream home on the real estate market, you prefer to build it yourself. Depending on a specific geographic area and specific criteria, it's entirely possible to build your own home in the United States. This project, in fact, gives free rein to customization. Of course, you must comply with local laws and zoning regulations, but when it comes to building a home in the United States, there are many possibilities. Investir US offers you a useful and practical guide that tells you what you need to know and the steps to take to build your own home.

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The 3 Approaches to House Building in the USA

The “spec homes”

The abbreviation for "spec" means "speculative." These are single-family homes built without the project being carried out for a specific buyer. The idea, for the builder, is to sell the house to the highest bidder once it's finished. Depending on when the contract can be signed, it will most likely be possible to choose the finishing touches of the house yourself, including flooring, kitchen appliances, and paint color, for example. In advertisements, these properties are sometimes listed for sale as "pre-construction."

Kit houses

In the case of a kit home, a developer purchases a plot of land and divides it into individual lots. Then comes the builder, who begins the work to erect all the houses in the designated area. The homes in question can be condominiums, townhouses, or single-family homes. Like a subdivision, the properties tend to resemble each other and share common areas. As with spec homes, it is possible to choose certain finishes in advance, depending on the construction schedule.

Fully customized homes

When building a fully custom home, the buyer typically locates the land themselves. They then hire a builder to construct the home they desire. One of the advantages of this type of construction is the control over the floor plan, layout, and finishes. However, this process requires numerous decisions, careful attention to detail, and strict budgeting. These homes, designed to specific specifications, are more expensive than other projects.

It is on this latter type of house construction in the USA that the following steps are based.

Check your financing options

Once you've decided to build a custom home, the next step is to determine how you'll pay for it. The traditional 30-year fixed-rate mortgage may not be the best financing option.

Unless you can pay for the entire construction project in cash, you'll likely need a construction loan. This loan isn't the easiest to get because you're borrowing money for a design, not a physical home. The lender will require collateral, a timeline, a budget, floor plans, necessary materials, and other details. Also, be aware that construction loans:

Feature variable rates that are often higher than traditional mortgage rates

Typically require a 20-25% contribution

May include land or cover only construction costs if you already own the land

May be subject to refinancing through a fixed rate mortgage

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Find the ideal land to build

If you don't already own the land you plan to build on, you'll need to look for one. A real estate agent can help you identify land for sale in the area you're interested in.

Select the lots you like, then work with an architect and your builder to ensure the chosen lot meets the plan and design needs of your future home. These professionals can help you check zoning laws and restrictions, as well as identify land features that could potentially make construction more expensive. For example, a steeply sloped lot may require more sophisticated engineering, and a lot in a secluded area may require the installation of a septic system.

Plan and design the house

Now it's time to decide on the size, layout, and style of the house you want to build. This can be done before or after choosing the land, depending on your plans. Within your budget, the possibilities are endless. Also, if you don't intend to live in the house for the rest of your life, consider how design decisions will affect the property's future resale value.

Rely on the professionals around you to help you choose the right style and layout. Don't hesitate to draw inspiration from homes in the area where you plan to build, from interior design, smart home features, and more.

Among the elements that should be considered as a priority:

The number of bedrooms and bathrooms

The number of floors (taking into account mobility)

Outdoor space (size, green spaces, etc.)

The degree of openness (open plan or individual rooms)

Style (aesthetics)

Interior design (classic? modern? both?)

Additional features (solar panels, eco-friendly materials, etc.)

The resale value of the house (by adding, for example, a swimming pool or a veranda, will the price of the house significantly exceed that of other properties in the neighborhood?)

Hire professionals

Building a house in the USA is anything but an easy task! It's unlikely you'll be tackling the project yourself. You'll need to hire several professionals to ensure your home is structurally sound, meets local codes, and meets your needs.

The builder

Hiring the right builder can transform your experience completely. Choose a licensed general contractor who can offer a portfolio of custom homes and successful projects over the years.

A good builder will inform you about:

The budget to consider

Zoning laws, including obtaining building permits and other prior agreements

Infrastructure needs (utilities, sewers, etc.)

The architect

In most U.S. states, architectural plans are required for permits. Discuss the following details with your architect before they create your plans, including:

The surface area of the construction

The number of floors

The number of bedrooms and bathrooms

The layout of the building

The interior designer

Some homeowners also hire an interior designer. They help with the finishing touches once the framework and structural elements are in place. From flooring and bathroom tiles to accessories, the design choices are numerous and can be overwhelming for the average buyer. An interior designer can be a valuable aid, both in making choices and managing your budget.

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Other professionals

In addition to the key players mentioned above, other professionals take part in the process of building a house in the USA. Some of them are hired by the builder or general contractor. These professionals may include, for example, land clearing specialists, a structural engineer, an inspector, a plumber, an electrician, etc.

The stages of building a house in the USA

Once the drawings and plans have been finalized and the various permits have been approved, construction can begin and the house is ready to take shape. The steps generally include the following:

Ground preparation

Site preparation involves clearing the construction area, digging trenches, and ensuring utilities are installed.

Laying the foundations

The foundation of your home will consist of poured concrete reinforced with steel rods. Depending on the region you are building in and the design of your home, the foundation may consist of a slab, a crawl space, or a full basement. Regardless of the type of foundation poured, it will be finished with a waterproofing material and inspected by the city before the frame is erected.

Frame (roof)

Once the frame is in place, the house's structure begins to take shape. The frame includes floor joists, subfloors, studs that form the walls, and roof eaves. During this stage, professionals will seal the house to protect it from moisture. If construction takes place during a rainy time of year, the builder may also install windows, tiles, and siding during this stage.

Plumbing, electricity and heating, ventilation and air conditioning

Once the house has been cleared of any moisture hazards, contractors install the main systems, including plumbing pipes, electrical wiring, and heating and cooling ducts. Each of these steps must be approved by a local inspector.

Insulation

Home insulation needs vary depending on the climate, but typically, insulation is applied to exterior walls, basements, crawl spaces, and attics. Fiberglass, cellulose, and foam insulation are all options to explore.

Drywall

The drywall panels are secured and then treated to accommodate the walls. The walls are then covered with paint.

Interior finishes

During this stage, most of the interior elements of the house are installed. Doors, baseboards, door frames, window sills, balustrades, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, flooring, etc. The installation of certain materials, such as wood, and paintwork generally comes last to limit the risk of damage.

Exterior finishes

Exterior finishing touches include driveways, walkways, patios, and final grading to deflect water away from the house. Landscaping and exterior decorating are also completed during this stage.

Installation of sanitary equipment

As the house nears completion, the toilets, faucets, switches, water heater, electrical panel, and other systems are all installed. Some items require another round of inspections. Fragile items like mirrors and shower doors are also added during this stage.

Laying floor coverings

Carpeting and hardwood flooring are installed during one of the final stages of the home construction process in the United States. Be sure to check with your builder about the progress of the finishing process for your hardwood and other potentially delicate or fragile surfaces so you don't accidentally damage them.

Final inspection

Once construction is complete, a final inspection is conducted by a local building official. If the inspection is compliant, you will receive a certificate of occupancy, which will allow you to finally move into your home.

Before taking possession of the premises, a final walkthrough is required with the builder. This involves identifying the items on the checklist that need to be repaired for the job to be considered fully completed. Commonly noted issues include electrical faults (outlets that don't work), wall damage, missing light fixtures, and so on.

Building a house in the USA is a complex process that can take more than a year depending on the situation. It's a good idea to seek the assistance of a real estate professional for personalized advice. Investir US offers a free and confidential consultation with a French-speaking US real estate expert. Click below to schedule an appointment.