Many people dream of having a home in their own image, according to their tastes and needs, but also adapted to their budget and their family. A property that children will inherit later. But to prevent this dream from turning into a nightmare, there are several points to study. Discover them and choose the right home renovation experts.
Building the house of your dreams is the project of a lifetime. Unfortunately, it is not that easy. This is why, if you are building without a property developer, it is important to monitor the progress of the work. To simplify your project and make it possible, find out what to do before starting work.
Have several quotes drawn up by builders to get an idea of what the construction will cost you. Add the price of the land (between 25 and 50% of the total cost), ancillary expenses (surveyor, servicing, notary, etc.), and conscientiously ask yourself about the heating system you want. Once you have budgeted everything, you can make an appointment with your account manager at the bank to apply for a loan. With him, you will be able to discuss any aid to which you are entitled (1% social accession loan, European, national, regional aid, etc.).
Before starting your prospecting, determine where you want to live, what are the criteria that matter to you (proximity to a high school or an airport, for example) and in which regions you could possibly settle.
You must precisely define the area of the land you wish to acquire. Of course, it will depend on the location (city or countryside, US region or province…), the size of the house you want to build there and your tastes for the maintenance of green spaces. A large lot will distance you from your nearest neighbours, while a smaller one will cost you less to furnish and maintain.
If you buy it, it should not exceed 50% of the total price of your project. You must study all the characteristics, such as the exposure, the possible rights of way of the neighbours (indicated on the cadastre) and, necessarily, the servicing, but also the composition of the soil (to verify that your construction project as you hear it is achievable). You may need to rely on the skills of a surveyor to limit it. If your land is very isolated, connection problems (EDF, fibre, water, etc.) may emerge. So don’t underestimate this setting.
Before accepting a land offer or considering home renovation experts on land you have inherited, it is important to pay close attention to its immediate environment (air corridor, presence of wind turbines, schools nearby…). Make a list of all its faults and qualities, consult the urban plan (in town hall) to ensure that the price is justified and also to consider the trend in the event of resale.
Buy building land only if it is buildable! To make sure it is, ask the town hall to provide you with a town planning certificate free of charge: valid for eighteen months, it will notably inform you about the building rules in the area and existing public facilities ( connections, etc.). If necessary, depending on the location of the property (near a castle, a site with high architectural value), you will have to contact the architects of the buildings in the USA to find out what is authorized (colours, materials, etc. ).
Before you start digging the foundations, you will need to obtain a building permit. The file is to be deposited in a town hall with the plans of each facade, the ground plan and many elements to provide. The town halls generally respond within two months (authorization, refusal or request for modification). It may be good to have contacted your future neighbours beforehand and to be sure of their agreement: they have the right to contest a building permit.
To succeed, you will have to rely on the skills of an architect (it is also mandatory above a certain threshold of floor space). It will help you not to neglect any detail (exposure to the sun but also to the winds, size of the rooms but also of the cupboards…) and to imagine a house which corresponds to your lifestyle: if you have always enjoyed eating in the kitchen, your future kitchen must allow it; if your children prefer to play in their bedroom, a playroom may not be necessary; if you don’t have a permit, a garage is probably superfluous…
If he does not create a model so that you can better understand the volumes, he will make you at least a 3D plan on a computer that will allow you to move around virtually in your future home. You will then see if the wall/window ratio is respected and many other details.
You will have to spend a little time studying the energy capacities of this or that material, studying the costs and ease of maintenance, looking at what is being done in the region … As with the heating system, you will have to go fishing for information to find out what is best for you, your family and your budget, both in terms of investment and use.
Call on a trusted builder or the home renovation experts that we have recommended to you. In all cases, ask for several quotes before starting work. When the architect, builder or home renovation experts have finished your house, you will sign a reception report in which any visible or forgotten defects will be reported. Please note, you will only have eight days to complete it if you notice other elements to the record.
Remember that before the first blow, your construction site must be insured. Again, have several quotes drawn up.