Build It or Buy It? Here’s Why I Chose to Start From Scratch
Ever dreamed of designing your perfect home? Oh, I know I sure did. A few years back, I finally took the leap, fueled by visions of cozy nooks, a kitchen designed for laughter over meals, and that extra closet space I never seemed to have anywhere else. Spoiler alert, though? Building your own home is a rollercoaster. It’s exciting and empowering—but also nerve-racking at moments. Yet even with the highs and lows, I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Today, I’m walking you through what it’s really like to make your dream home a reality. Whether you're already sketching plans or just toying with the idea, I'll unpack the perks, challenges, and lessons learned along the way. There’s even a quick-guide of actionable tips at the end to keep you grounded through the process.
Why Build When You Can Buy?
Before I get into the deep end, I’ll tell you why I chose to build instead of buy. For me, it was all about customization. Nothing out there quite fit my vision, and I wanted every inch of my home to feel authentically mine.
Plus, as suggested by Harvest by Hillwood, new construction homes often come with advanced materials and technologies that reduce the need for frequent repairs. This means lower maintenance costs compared to older homes, which makes building a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Now, whether you’re dreaming of designing your perfect sanctuary or just considering the idea, here are some of the biggest perks I’ve found in going the custom route.
1. The Customization Advantage
Building gives you total creative control. From the number of bedrooms to those little details everyone else overlooks (hello, pop-out outlets and oversized pantry, you lifesavers), you get to call the shots. For me, having an open floor plan and a massive kitchen island was a non-negotiable. I spend so much time there with family and friends that it made sense to make it the heart of the house.
And I’m not alone in this. When you build, you can cater to your lifestyle. Whether it’s a home office, an extra garage for your projects, or even a dedicated yoga nook (yep, that’s a thing), the possibilities are endless.
2. Energy Efficiency for Extra Wins
Here’s the other biggie. By designing my home from scratch, I got to pick modern energy-efficient materials and appliances. The difference in my utility bills makes me do a little happy dance every time I check them. Building smarter upfront means you’ll save long-term. Imagine triple-pane windows that keep your home cozy while slashing heating costs or solar panels soaking up the sun to power your gadgets. This stuff adds up fast.
3. Less Maintenance, More Enjoyment
Another perk? When everything’s shiny and new, maintenance isn’t something you need to worry about in the early years. I can’t tell you how nice it feels to not have to replace a leaky roof or patch up creaky floors. By building new, you’re starting with a clean slate.
Before You Buy That Plot of Land
The thrill of picking a location for your dream home is real. I remember hunting for the right spot and feeling like I was auditioning the neighborhood, schools, and even the local coffee shops. But here’s the thing—I also learned a ton of lessons the hard way.
1. Location Is the Star of the Show
The number-one tip? Location, location, location. You can design the jazziest house, but if it’s dunked in the wrong area, its value might tank later. Go beyond the view (though hey, nice views are great!) and think resale value, school districts, and proximity to your job or family. Even if you’re building your forever home, life changes, so protect your investment by choosing wisely.
2. Know Your Zoning Rules
Lesson two from my experience? Zoning laws and building codes. Don’t glaze over this part! These rules can majorly cramp your style if you’re not careful. For example, I had my heart set on a detached guest suite. Turns out, local zoning didn’t allow it. Cue me heading back to the drawing board.
3. Build, but Don’t Overdo It
Customizing is great, but I’d caution you against going too personal. Ever met someone who painted their house bright purple because it matched their vibe? Yeah, cool story until your future buyer hightails it out the door because they can’t unsee the Barney resemblance. Keep future marketability in mind while also making your home “you.”
The Step-By-Step Blueprint
Building a home isn’t a one-and-done thing; it’s a process. A long one, if I’m being honest. But when broken down, it’s totally manageable.
Step 1: Finding the Land
This was my favorite part because it meant exploring new areas and imagining what life would be like there. Just make sure the land you pick is ready for building. That means checking the soil (shoutout to my geologist friend for helping me here) and verifying utility access. I can’t tell you how many plots I toured that looked great online… only to discover they were off the grid.
Step 2: Getting the Money Right
Financing can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Construction loans were a new concept to me, but they’re what you typically use to fund the build. My advice? Work closely with a lender who’s handled these before. They’ll guide you through the timelines and rates, so you’re not left staring at spreadsheets and stress-eating your weight in pretzels (just me?).
Step 3: Designing Your Space
This was where my inner HGTV nerd truly came alive. I worked with an architect who took my Pinterest boards and random doodles on napkins and turned them into something incredible. Figuring out the flow of space and choosing materials felt overwhelming at times, but it’s also wildly satisfying when it all clicks.
Step 4: Construction Begins
Watching your dream home rise from the ground? Unreal. That said, brace yourself for hiccups. Weather delays, material backorders, and surprise costs cropped up more than once for me. Patience is key, as is staying proactive with your builder to keep things on track. Oh, and don’t forget regular site visits! You’ll want to catch issues early, not after walls are up.
Budgeting Like a Pro
Speaking of hidden costs, budget wisely. Construction is notorious for veering off-plan. I learned quickly to set aside a contingency fund of roughly 15% of my total budget. Guess what? I needed every cent of it.
Plan Your Priorities
Splurge where it matters and save where it doesn’t. For instance, I invested in premium flooring, knowing it’d last decades. But light fixtures? I kept it budget-friendly since trends change anyway. Make a list of must-haves versus nice-to-haves so you can spend intentionally.
Regularly Check-In
Set a rhythm for checking the books. Whether it’s daily, weekly, or bi-weekly, staying on top of expenses will save you headaches later. Few things feel worse than discovering you’ve blown past your limit. Trust me.
Hurdles You Should Brace For
Building a house is no breeze. Sometimes, it’s more like walking into the wind with bricks in your backpack. Here’s a peek at a few challenges you might face, based on my (sometimes chaotic) experience.
1. Time, and Lots of It
It’s no secret that building takes forever. Weather delays were my nemesis, and waiting for shipments could feel eternal. You’ve got to have patience for the months-long timeline.
2. Decision Fatigue Is Real
There’s an endless parade of choices to make. From paint colors to sink faucets, you’ll eventually reach the “just pick anything” phase. My trick was to set aside decision-making days, knocking out multiple choices in one go.
3. The Stress Factor
I won’t sugarcoat it. At times, the stress got to me. Coordinating with contractors, approving designs, and hitting snags all tested my limits. Having a strong support system (and plenty of coffee) helped keep me grounded.
Quick Bytes!
Here’s your bite-sized guide to surviving and thriving during your home-building adventure:
- Research Resale Value – Even if it’s your dream home, think long-term and avoid over-customizing.
- Hire the Right Builder – Reputation is everything! Vet your builder thoroughly.
- Create a Contingency Fund – Set aside 10-20% of your budget for unexpected costs.
- Stay Organized – Use tools like budgeting apps or a good old spreadsheet to track expenses.
- Enjoy the Process – It’s easy to get caught up in the stress, but don’t forget to celebrate the wins along the way!
Start Dreaming, Start Building, Start Living
Deciding to build your own home is a wild, sometimes bumpy, but ultimately rewarding ride. For me, the payoff wasn’t just in the outcome (though wow, my new laundry room alone makes me swoon). It was in learning what I valued most and putting my creativity to work.
If you’re ready to take the plunge, go for it! With solid planning, a realistic budget, and the right team, building your home can turn from stress-inducing chaos into one of the most fulfilling journeys of your life. And before you know it, you’ll be standing on your front porch, breathing in the satisfaction of knowing, “Yep, I built this.”
