Building a custom home in Houston is a big decision that can be overwhelming for first-time homeowners. There are many things to consider before you start building your dream home.

Custom homes are often a great solution for those who want to make sure that every aspect of their home can be tailored to their specific needs, wants, and tastes. 

Here are five things you should know before construction begins. These tips will help you maximize your budget, stay on budget and create a home that you love.

Consider the Square Footage

One of the first things to do as you get started with your custom home is to make sure that you have a clear idea of how big you want your home to be. It’s easy to fall in love with the idea of building a large home. But, if you aren’t prepared to pay for the extra space, you’ll find yourself in over your head after construction starts.

It’s important to do your research on how much space you really need. Think about how many people might want to live in your home. It’s important to think about how much room you actually need, not how much you want. 

Choose Your Desired House Style 

Another thing you’ll want to consider is the overall style of your home. You have lots of options for the type of custom home you’d like to build. The style you choose will dramatically affect the way your home looks and the materials that are used in construction. 

If you love a particular style like Tudor or Mediterranean, you might find it easier to find a lot or house plan to match your style. However, if you don’t have a specific idea of how you want your home to look, you’ll want to consider creating a floor plan that best suits your needs.

Specify Your Location

While you’re planning out your dream home, it’s also important to think about where you want the home to be located. You may want to build on a lot that’s already in your neighborhood.

It’s also possible that you might be willing to relocate. If you really want to build a custom home, you may find that there are lots of great locations to choose from outside of your neighborhood. You’ll have more freedom to build a home that meets your needs and wants. However,

Know the Detention Requirements 

When you’re building a custom home, it’s important to understand the detention requirements. This will help you avoid any surprises once construction has already started. 

For instance, for single-family lots in Houston, there were new storm detention requirements that went effective last April 2021. The minimum detention volume for 1 to 20 acres is 0.75 acre-feet per acre according to the supplemental changes in the Infrastructure Design Manual. As for tracts with more than 20 acres, you may want to consider the criteria from the Harris Country Flood Control District’s (HCFCD) Policy Criteria and Procedure Manual (PCPM).

Know the Flood Risks and Environmental Hazards 

Another thing you’ll want to consider is the risk of flooding. It’s important to know the flood risks that are associated with the property where your custom home is going to be built. This will help your builder avoid the risk of flooding and make sure that your home is built high enough off the ground to avoid damage. 

If you’re building a custom home in a flood plain, be sure to check with the federal government’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). They have maps of many areas that have been deemed high-risk flood zones, in an effort to help people prepare for any type of major natural disaster.

As for environmental hazards, you’ll want to check with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to see if your property has been deemed an environmental hazard. 

Conclusion

Before you start building your custom home, you’ll want to do your homework. These tips will help you plan a home that is in line with your budget and meets your needs. They’ll also help you to create a home that you love and will be proud to call your own.

Incredible Homes can help you with custom-built homes in Houston. We will work with you in conceptualizing your home to make sure that the structure is according to your needs and wants. Let us help you build and get settled in your new home. Contact us today to get started!