Signs You're Ready to Build a New Home

7 Signs You're Ready to Build a New Home


1. You Don't like Surprises 

Although older homes may come with a certain charm, unfortunately there are not a lot of guarantees. All those extra pop up expenses on maintenance are avoided when building a new home and you know exactly what you are getting into. 

2. You've Done Your Financial Homework

If you have been looking at houes you have probably done the math to figure out what you can afford. When you realize that the cost of building a new home is pretty comparable to buying an existing home and can be less expensive then renting the choice becomes a lot easier.

3. You Prefer Shiny & New

If you understand the value of being the first owner and getting what you want from day one it might be hard to be satisfied with a previously owned home. You appreciate a place with no history that allows you to make the first impressions.

4. You Love the Idea of a New Neighborhood

By choosing a new, developing neighborhood from the start you get to create your own sense of a community with the other new homeowners. 

5. You know What you Want

You've been called picky or a perfectionist. You can't find the right home for you because all those homes were built for someone else with different needs and desires. If you want something that is uniquely yours and has the space you need, you're going to want to design and build it.  






How to Make the Building Process Run Smooth




Deciding to build a home is not a small decision by any means but with proper planning and realistic expectations you can smooth out the building process nicely! Below are some tips to help making the building process go a lot easier! 

Tip #1 - Set a realistic budget: Make a list of all of the costs involved in the building project; this includes the construction, materials, building fees, property tax, purchase of land, design and engineering fees, interior design, home warranty insurance and landscaping.You will get a more accurate idea of the total cost involved once you’ve received quotes from several design professionals and builders. Always have good communication with  the builder of your choosing to make sure you are on the same page as far as the budget thru the building process. 

Tip #2 - Where are you looking to live. There are a lot of factors in deciding where to build your new home, whether its your commute to work, schools or entertainment around the area! Build Omaha provides a great way to start your search for different neighborhoods in the Omaha area. You are able to search the price range of homes in the area along with the different lot sizes! https://buildomaha.org/build/explore

Tip #3 - Research home builders. There is an overwhelming amount of builders in the Omaha area so how can you choose the right one for you? To get started take a look at Build Omaha's Find a Builder page with over 50 builders to choose from!  https://buildomaha.org/build/builders Once you have reached the page you are able to narrow down the list of builders through price range and how many years of experience. From there you are able to read a little bit about each builder. If you have found a couple builders in the area that interest you, click select and send them a message about what you are looking for! 

Tip #4 - Understanding the process. When you have selected your builder, it’s their job to explain the custom home building process to you. It may not seem that crucial to understand the process, but it really is. Every home builder does things a little differently, so it helps to know what’s going to happen before it happens. During this conversation, the builder should walk you through operations, costs, and timelines. It’s up to you to ask any questions you may have about the process.

Tip #5 - Have realistic expectations. Try to be realistic about the building process. There are a lot of trades and suppliers involved in the program of the build, and from time to time things won’t go to plan. It might be that the required trades have been delayed at another project or that the required materials have not been delivered.Changing the orders for your custom home builder during construction can cost you both time and money that you don’t want to lose – planning out the details of your new home before construction begins will save you a lot of frustration!Smaller details, such as finishes, can be changed without too much trouble, but the major decisions of your custom home build should be nailed down and made clear to your building team from the start. A strong relationship with your builder is important so you can comfortably voice your concerns or opinions. Don’t assume that everything is going to plan. Check in from time to time to see how construction is going.

Once you've narrowed down your list of builders, style and price range take some time to tour builder models and actual customer homes from that builder. A  tour will give you a better understanding of your likes and dislikes for certain features and design styles of your future home. Another option is to visit a local Parade of Homes. Build Omaha's Spring Parade of Homes almost here with 3 weekends to choose from  April 21st - May 7th!

How to get the most out of the Build Omaha Spring Parade of Homes 2017


The Build Omaha Spring Parade of Homes showcases the latest  in home design but that's certainly not all. The Parade of Homes is a great source to find the top trends in color, interior finishes, home technologies and architectural design. In addition, the Parade of homes showcases the work of top interior designers, landscapers, kitchen and bath designers and manufacturers and suppliers of building products and services.

Why attend the Build Omaha Spring Parade of Homes? You will personally get to see what cutting edge designs and craftsmanship the builders have put in their homes to stand out. In addition to the craftsmanship, the trending contemporary styles will make you appreciate what is new and fresh in the industry. Although the contemporary style is not for everyone, the Parade of Homes has a great blend of transitional styles and even the authenticity in historic styles will also shine through. 

When your at the Build Omaha Spring Parade of Homes don't forget to start your tour on the exterior of the home. The landscape design of a home can boost the curb appeal tremendously. Landscape designers know how to lay out plant varieties, textures and colors to maximize the look of the home. 

How to prepare for attending the Build Omaha Spring Parade of Homes:

1) PLAN IT OUT.
Is there a certain area of town that appeals to you the most?
If there is, take time to  plan your Parade route accordingly using the map. 

2) KNOW THE PARADE DATES & TIMES.
 You don’t have to see all the homes in one day or weekend. The Spring 2017 Parade of Homes is 3 weekends. April 21st thru May 7th!  Friday from 4-7pm, Saturday & Sunday from 12-6 

3)  IS THERE A FEATURE YOU CANT LIVE WITHOUT?
Need a certain size home, number of bedrooms or bathrooms? Review the floor plans and descriptions of the homes and put those at the top of your list when planning the Parade visits. However, plan to visit all homes. The Parade offers a wide variety of housing styles and living choices.

4) IS BUDGET A PRIMARY CONCERN?
Don’t pass up a chance to visit a home that may be on the higher end of your price range. Not only can you get ideas, you may find that with the current low interest rates you can afford more house than you thought.

5) PHOTOS.
Most builders will have literature available which includes photos, features, information, floor plan, etc. Please ask the builder or their representative if taking pictures are allowed in their home.

6) TAKE NOTES.
Parade homes have the latest in new home products and technology so make sure to take note of your favorites!

The Parade is a perfect way for prospective home buyers but also a fun experience for those who aren't in the market for a new home! We hope to see you all at the Build Omaha Spring Parade of Homes 2017!