Building A House

• First and foremost you will have to find the finance to build your house. You could approach your bank or a mortgage company to provide you with the required money to complete your house.
• To decide how much finance you require you will have to budget. While making a budget you could consult a professional or do it yourself. Remember to budget for everything including fencing, landscaping and essential appliances and furniture within the house.
• If finances are not a problem and you have a plan for the house, then you will have to find a plot that fits your plot. Or the other way to do it is to find the plot and then plan the house to fit the plot. While making a plan keep in mind the budget and the lifestyle that your family can afford. It is easy to spend more than you have budgeted for. For this it would be best to hire an architect or a home designer.
• Once the plan is ready make a number of copies of the plan, as you will have to give copies of the plan to the various offices that will approve your house and finance it. Many sub trades would like a copy of the plan to give you an estimate of the cost of their job.
• Many subdivisions decide the color; type, roof style and size of your house and some divisions do not have any restrictions at all. While the plan permit is being processed, ask for quotations from reputable companies for all sub trades. Having more that one quote will help you select the best deal and using a well know firm will ensure that there is no problem later on and if it does arise they will respond immediately. Quotes must include good quality material and the services required.
• Once the subdivision approves your plan you can apply for a residential building permit. Apply at the City Hall with a copy of your plan and a plot plan. A plot plan shows where your house will be located and its position. It normally takes 2 to 6 weeks for a permit to be issued. Along with the permit you will be given certain conditions that have to be met before and during construction of your house.
• It is best to have a General Contractor who will oversee all the work. The first trades that he will have to contact are the Surveyors, the Framing Crew and Excavator. Inform the electric company that you will need a temporary power connection.