NEWS

Building the house of your dreams is a true testament to working together as a couple. Building a home is different than buying a previously owned home. You get to choose design, layout, and architectural features that give your home a custom feel from the ground up. On average, building a home takes about six months, but keeping your mind on the end result will make the wait worth it in the end. If you’re building a home for the first time, we have some guiding principles that will help you know what to expect from the process. 

 

Getting it right in the planning phase of home buying. 

 

The planning phase is the best time to ask questions and weigh your options. This part of the home building process includes lot selection, blueprint creation, and all the other in-between decisions.  

 

After you’ve toured a model home and decided to move forward with a purchase, the first step is to choose your lot. Your lot selection is a major step in determining your future home happiness. 

 

Lots are usually sold in small groups. When you choose a lot, you are essentially part of a small group. If you’re one of the first to purchase a lot in your group, you will likely be one of the first to break ground. 

 

After you select your lot, you’ll finalize the blueprint of your home by making some architectural and design choices down to the last detail. In addition to choosing flooring, paint colors and finishes, typical questions that might come up at this time include:

 

• Are the windows maximized for sunlight and good views?
• Do the closets have enough storage? 
• Will you be able to hook up a gas line in the kitchen?
• Do you want to upgrade to a luxury kitchen?
• Do you want carpet in the bedrooms? 

 

If you’re getting help on design and floor plan choices, don’t be afraid to take your time and wait until you get it right. As a company that values thoughtful choices, we know the value of putting in the extra time and effort when it counts. 

 

Don’t sweat the small stuff. That’s your builder’s job.

 

You’re building the house of your dreams. This is a happy time! Keep that excitement going as you anticipate the day you get the keys. Don’t let those small blips on the radar dim your light. If you work with a builder with the personal care of family, then they will step in and sweat the small stuff for you. Hint: Porchlight Homes sweats the details. 

 

Because we choose to care for our families on a personal level, our process fulfills home buying dreams in a way no other homebuilder can. 

 

Go energy-efficient when possible. 

 

If you have the option and the budget to install energy-efficient systems in your home, we recommend taking the opportunity to do so. In the long run, you could save thousands of dollars in utility costs by using smart energy features. Some ways to make your home more energy efficient include: 

 

• Tankless water heater 
• Digital thermostat 
• Energy-efficient air conditioner 
• LED light bulbs 
• Energy-saving windows

 

Delegate part of your budget to overages. 

 

At the end of the day, you’re in charge of your budget. Many families are surprised to find that they should’ve budgeted more. This is because they underestimate the power of falling in love with flooring or finishes that they just can’t pass up, even when it’s over budget. Hello, beautiful hardwood and crystal chandelier!

 

When building a home, it’s easy to adopt the philosophy that if you’re going to build a new home, you should do it with the design choices you love. Even if that means you’re spending more upfront, it only means you’ll love the final result longer. 

 

We love bringing your vision for your dream home to life, and we recommend setting aside part of your budget for the moments when you want to upgrade. As a general rule, about 1/3 of your budget should be delegated to overages. 

 

Choosing the right builder. 

 

At Porchlight Homes, you’ll experience what buying the perfect new home should really feel like. During the home building process, communicating with your builder is key. We want you to feel comfortable coming to us with design ideas or construction questions throughout the process.

 

We take pride in cultivating a seamless transition to our craft neighborhoods. Because at the end of the day, we’re more than builders of beautiful homes, we’re builders of beautiful memories. For more information about our vibrant new home communities, reach out to us online or stop by for a tour.