3 Tips On How To Buy Land And Build A House In Arizona

Having a custom built home is the dream of most hard working people in Arizona. Whether you are looking for a primary residence in a small but beautiful community or looking for a get-a-way home in the Sonoran Desert, the process involved in finding the perfect lot, purchasing the and building a home is not as complex as you might think. In fact, by sticking to three basic steps involved in building a custom home in Arizona you’ll minimize mistakes, simplify the process and end up with the quality built home of your dreams.

Noted below are three important tips on how to buy land and build a house that will expedite your vision and ensure your custom home is built by the right contractor.

First – Create a Plan of Attack

Regardless of the type of project you undertake, having a detailed plan of attack is typically the best way to begin. It is often assumed that the first step that anyone should take in building a custom home is purchasing a lot. However, those who start this way typically discover that although the property might be one that fits their vision; it’s not practical to host other elements of your home. This is why anytime you consider building a custom home in the Phoenix area, formulating an effective plan needs to be the first step.

Here are a few specific items to consider.

• Decide on the most important elements of your custom home for the long term. Many people tend to build custom homes after they’ve established a solid career and are looking to develop a home that is unique to their style, tastes, and current needs. However, as people age their needs evolve as well. Case in point, it’s important for any home owner to consider health care options, especially for those that are planning to retire soon. This would include defining where hospital locations are, how close you are to your primary care physician and also how quickly emergency services can arrive.


• Determine utility needs and availability. Living in the desert comes with two basic necessities; clean and drinkable water and electricity to power cooling and heating systems. Most custom built homes are located “off the grid”, so deciding what water sources are available and how you intend on supplying the home with electricity is an important step. This can play a large role in determining lot costs, as well as understanding where the lot is located in relation to the flood plain, drainage easements, etc.


• Determine the best location for today and tomorrow: Although it’s impossible to predict the future, once you’ve narrowed down possible areas and properties, you should consider the properties access to common everyday needs. Is the property easily accessible during all seasons? Is it located near industrial areas, or is the area zoned for certain projects like schools, business or residential development? Will you have to stock up for months at a time by driving 90 minutes to the closest Costco? These are all things you need to determine to ensure your custom home is perfect for your needs today and tomorrow.

 

Second – Find a Quality Home Builder

Once a plan has been created, and you’ve factored in the items included in step one, it’s probably a good idea to find a quality-driven Phoenix Arizona home builder that has experience building homes in that area; before your purchase the lot. In most cases, an experienced custom home contractor can provide you with a unique insight into how easy or difficult it will be to build your dream home where you have decided. There are a few common traits that the best custom home builders in Arizona have in common. Here are a few important qualities that you should look for in any architect.

• As stated above, make sure they have built homes in the area you’ve picked. Different locations in Arizona have unique attributes including bedrock, access to clean water and electricity. Getting their feedback prior to buying property can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars and a significant amount of stress.


• Make sure they are licensed, insured and bonded to complete ALL home construction projects – from developing a blueprint to hiring all contractors. It is not recommended to hire an architect or draftsman, get plans completed – and then go find a builder. A builder should be working closely with the architect during the design phase to ensure a budget is monitored and your design needs are also being met.


• Hire a professional custom home builder that offers references. Anyone you trust to build a custom home should have a solid reputation of completing projects on time and can ensure every legal step (including permits and zoning requirements) are taken care of efficiently. They should also be open and transparent with you, including putting you in contact with previous clients with similar projects as yours.

 

Third – Take time to Plan the Entire Build

Once you’ve found a good home builder to work with, the final step is to plan the final project. This is a step that shouldn’t be rushed. When you work with a professional custom home builder, they will ensure that every “T” is crossed and “I” is dotted. It will also be a priority for them to communicate efficiently with you – involving you in every phase of development – from planning to construction and even the closing.

The truth is that building a custom home on a private lot is a lot of work.  But if you follow these steps for learning how to buy land and build a house in Arizona, the process will be much easier, cost-effective and ensure your dream home is built on time – and within your budget.

 

3 Tips On Custom Home Building from Peak One Builders & Restoration

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Contact the Scottsdale home building experts at Peak One Builders & Restoration to learn more about creating a custom home. Request a free estimate or call 480-378-0611 now!

 

Read more articles about custom home building:

• 3 Interview Questions For Scottsdale Home Builders


• Luxury custom Home Building In Scottsdale Is On The Rise


• How Involved Do You Need To Be In The Custom Home Construction Process?

 

 

3 Tips On How To Buy Land And Build A House In Arizona

[New Post] Choosing An Energy Efficient Homebuilder In Scottsdale AZ

Choosing a Custom Homebuilder in Scottsdale that Focuses on Energy Efficiency

Truth be told, there are many custom homebuilders in the greater Scottsdale area. However, there are very few that focus on ensuring that your custom home is energy efficient. The fact is that energy rates are skyrocketing in Arizona. Whether it’s due to our resources or economic reasons, finding affordable ways to integrate energy efficiency when choosing a custom homebuilder in Scottsdale has become a priority for many new homeowners.

Five Important Factors To Consider When Choosing An Energy Efficient Custom Homebuilder

First – Define Your Individual Needs

Before you begin to interview custom homebuilders, the first thing you need to do is determine exactly what you’re looking to build. Believe it or not, different custom homebuilders often have individual specialties. So before you start searching, know exactly what type of home you’re intending on building.

Second – Depend On Experience With Energy Efficient Homes

As you begin to look online for custom homebuilders, it is important to begin narrowing down the field to a group of less than five. One way to weed out contenders is looking into their experience in building energy efficient homes. If energy efficiency is important to you, only work with a homebuilder that has extensive experience in building homes that are energy friendly.

Third – Look For Previous Customer Input

If you’ve narrowed down your list of potential custom homebuilders in Scottsdale, you’ll want to ask them about references from previous customers. If they are willing to provide you with list of clients, ask these about what steps the homebuilder did to focus on energy efficiency.

Fourth – Does The Builder Integrate Style Into Energy Efficient Designs?

Another question you should ask is whether or not the homebuilder has experience integrating some stylistic features you desire into an overall energy efficient custom home. After all, you need to be happy with the aesthetics of your home, first and foremost. Just make sure that they have the creative ability to infuse some efficiency standards along the way.

Fifth – Ask To Tour A Few Previous Custom Homes They’ve Built

A great way to get a look at some of the homes a custom homebuilder in Scottsdale has previously built is to ask to tour one personally with the builder. During your visit, ask the homebuilder a few important questions in regards to the energy efficiency of the home including:

• What type of HVAC system did you install inside this custom home and how is that system more or less energy efficient than other models that you might want for your own home?


• How did the homebuilder insulate the home? Believe it or not, insulation is also used as a protective barrier to keep heat from entering a home during the hot summer months.


• What feature about the electrical, plumbing and other household systems help conserve energy on a monthly basis?

When you stick to these five important steps to choosing a custom home builder in Scottsdale, it’s highly likely that you’ll find one that will build you a very efficient home that can save you money each month on utility bills.

Still undecided about your choice? Click here to read some of our testimonials.

Read the full story at: http://peakonebuilders.com/choosing-an-energy-efficient-homebuilder-in-scottsdale-az/

[New Post] New Home Construction: Buy New or Build New?

If you’ve been looking to upgrade your home but are wondering to yourself, “Should I buy a new home or build a custom new home,” we have some very important factors for you to consider. Believe it or not, this is a common question asked by many Arizona homeowners. Whether you’re living a lavish lifestyle and searching for your dream home or simply looking to upgrade and expand your home due to new children or other factors, debating on new home construction methods is often a point of contention for several homeowners.

Three Facts To Consider When Choosing Between A New And Custom-Built Home

Fact #1 – New Home Construction Permits Freedom Of Choice

We all want certain elements inside our home and more often than not, we have to accept the reality that we can’t always get what we wish. But, when you make the decision to build a new home, your freedom to add certain ‘wants’ becomes much easier. Custom homes are ‘custom’ in every sense of the word. There are several benefits to building a new custom home including:

• You can have the homebuilder create custom floor plans that fit your lifestyle perfectly. Every family is unique and it’s simply impossible for a new home shopper to find all the elements they need in a pre-fabricated new home. But, when you start with a custom floor plan, you can have a professional contractor build the home with the exact floor plan that fits your family needs and desires best.


• You have the freedom to include different materials that fit your social agenda. Another benefit to custom new home construction is that you have the freedom of choice as to the material you will use. This is especially important for people looking to create a highly energy efficient home in Arizona that will be well insulated. And with rising energy costs, finding affordable ways to keep your home comfortably cool in summer often begins with quality materials.

Fact #2 – New Home Construction Is Affordable

Another myth about custom home building is that it’s much more expensive than buying a cookie-cutter home. The truth is that custom new home construction can often be very affordable for homeowners for several reasons:

• You dictate your budget, not the home-builder. When you work with a custom home-builder, they’ll create your floor plan and home design based on your needs and budget – not set a price based on market value.


• You can create plans for future upgrades. If you have your eyes set on growing and expanding your home, it’s much easier to accomplish this with a custom-built home that is designed for future expansion. Most pre-fab homes simply don’t offer this option and can cost a ton of money to remodel in the future.

Fact #3 – New Home Construction Offers A Sense of Accomplishment

When you build something like a new house from scratch, the end results tend to inspire an amazing sense of accomplishment. The process is very detailed, but not as stressful as one might think. In fact, many experienced new custom home-builders have created highly successful plans that streamline the process, while allowing the homeowner to be an important part of the building project.

Debating on new home construction often begins and ends with the proper education. Take time to research and contact a custom home-builder for a free estimate when you’re shopping around for your next new home. When you have the opportunity to move into a cookie cutter home vs. building your own custom home for roughly the same overall cost, which one would you prefer?

Like what you’ve read? Click here and complete the form to receive a free estimate!

Read the full story at: http://peakonebuilders.com/new-home-construction-buy-new-or-build-new/

[New Post] 3 Tips On How To Buy Land And Build A House In Arizona published on

It’s often the dream of every home owner to build a custom house on their own private lot. Whether it’s primary home in the pristine Sonoran Desert  or that second retirement home with a perfect view of the mountains, buying a plot of land and building a new home includes many important steps. And if the idea of doing this sounds good, you’ll need to learn how to buy land and the process to build an efficient house in Arizona. Here are a few important steps to follow.

Important Steps To Effectively Buying Land & Building A Home

First – Create a Plan of Attack

Most people think the first step of building a custom home in Arizona would be to purchase the land. However, those people often find themselves back-pedaling quickly. Just like any other major purchase or project, it’s critical to formulate a plan of attack to ensure the process is as smooth as possible. Here are a few things you should include and consider within this plan.

1)     Decide on what elements are important for you – not only today, but also in the near future. A great example of this is considering health care options for those that are planning to retire soon. This would include defining where hospital locations are, how close you are to your primary care physician and also how quickly emergency services can arrive. It’s something that most people never want to consider, however, the reality is that when you age – you’re going to require more medical attention. So make sure any new home and property you buy calculates this important step.

2)     Determine utility needs and availability. The next thing you need to consider is the utilities like power and water for your new custom home. Understand where the utilities are located, and what the cost is to bring them to your property.  This can play a large role in determining lot costs, as well as understanding where the lot is located in relation to the flood plain, drainage easements, etc.

3)     Consider location. Finally, after narrowing down potential areas to live based on your living requirements, consider the location of the property. Is the property easily accessible? Is it located near industrial areas, or is the area zoned for certain projects like schools, business or residential development?

Second – Find a Quality Home Builder

After you’ve formulated a plan, and have picked and purchased your lot, the next step is to find a quality-driven custom home builder that has experience and resources to build your dream home on time – and always within your budget. Here are a few important qualities that you should look for in any architect.

1)     Make sure they have experience in building custom homes in the area your lot is located.

2)     Make sure they are licensed, insured and bonded to complete ALL home construction projects – from developing a blueprint to hiring all contractors.   It is not recommended to hire an architect or draftsman, get plans completed, then go find a builder.  A builder should be working closely with the architect during the design phase to ensure a budget is monitored and your design needs are also being met.

3)     It’s always best to retain the services of a professional custom home builder that has a solid reputation of completing projects on time and can ensure every legal step (including permits and zoning requirements) are taken care of efficiently.

Third – Take time to Plan The Entire Build

Once you’ve found a good home builder to work with, the final step is to plan the final project. This is a step that shouldn’t be rushed. When you work with a professional custom home builder, they will ensure that every “T” is crossed and “I” is dotted. It will also be a priority for them to communicate efficiently with you – involving you in every phase of development – from planning to construction and even the closing.

The truth is that building a custom home on a private lot is a lot of work.  But if you follow these steps for learning how to buy land and build a house in Arizona, the process will be much easier, cost-effective and ensure your dream home is built on time – and within your budget.

Read the full story at: http://peakonebuilders.com/3-tips-on-how-to-buy-land-and-build-a-house-in-arizona/

[New Post] How to Build A Custom Dream Home In Scottsdale published on

It’s the goal of many hard working adults to someday build a custom dream home in Scottsdale. But when that opportunity arises, it’s amazing how many of us simply don’t know what steps to take in order to transfer our dreams into reality. Fortunately, we’ve got a solution for those looking to build a custom dream home in Scottsdale or any other city in Arizona.

5 Actions To Take When Planning Your Dream Home

The first thing you should do in planning to build a dream home is to start with detailed list of items you want to include at your dream home. Here are a few examples of specific items to jot down:

First – Total Rooms

The first detail you should write down is how many rooms you’d like to include inside your custom built home. A great way to streamline this process is to document rooms in sections such as:

1. Bedrooms


2. Living, Entertaining or Social Rooms


3. Bathrooms


4. Storage Rooms


5.  Dining or Cooking ‘Rooms’

 

Second – Total Floors

Once you’ve determined how many rooms you want, the next step is to decide how many floors you need to create a livable home. This is often determined on the size of your lot and local zoning requirements. It’s a good idea to meet with an experienced custom home builder when planning this stage as they can provide you with professional input in regards to construction costs, permits required and practical construction requirements.

Third – Outside or Detached Construction Needs

In this section you’ll want to document how many detached elements you want to include on your property. This often will include several specifics including:

• Garage Space


• Detached Apartments / Casita / Guest House


• Backyard design: pool, landscaping, fire pits, outdoor cooking area, entertainment patio, and other outdoor elements


• Front yard landscaping, courtyard entrance, driveway, entryway construction

When building a dream home, you’ll want to make sure to create a theme that is consistent throughout the inside and outside of the property. Again, sometimes there are restrictions based on HOA’s or other local laws, so make sure to speak with your home architect about any and all restrictions.

Fourth – Interior Design

After you’ve picked the basic construction process, you’ll want to plan the interior elements of your dream home in Scottsdale. Some of the specific features you’ll want to discuss with your contractor include:

• Electrical needs: What electronic needs or wants do you have? Can you power these items with traditional power supply or will you need custom electric?


• Plumbing needs: Based on how many bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor water elements and other items we’ve discussed above. This applies to both water and natural gas.


• HVAC needs: Living in Arizona requires a good, energy efficient HVAC system. You’ll want to work with your homebuilder to find a good solution here.


• Flooring, Walls, Ceilings: Planning all of these areas in order to create the look and feel that is uniquely yours.


• Appliances, Storage, Countertops, Cabinets, Closets, Offices and other Interior Décor ideas

Fifth – Fine Tuning Needs vs. Wants vs. Reality of Budget

The final step to build your custom dream home in Scottsdale is taking all of these ‘wants’ and placing a cost to the entire package. Once you determine how much your dream home will cost to build, you’ll be in a better position to fine-tune the entire project to fit within your actual spending limit. If money isn’t an issue – have fun! But for the other 99% of us, it’s important to create a detailed list of important items and upgrades that you would like to include in your dream home.

Read the full story at: http://peakonebuilders.com/how-to-build-a-custom-dream-home-in-scottsdale/