You made the big decision, you’re building a new house! But what comes next? Having the opportunity to build your own home is certainly an exciting life accomplishment, with complete freedom to create a place that’s uniquely yours. You will have full control to customize the home’s style, layout, finishes, and so much more.

However, alongside the excitement comes the often-intimidating process of decision-making and uncertainty.

With over 20 years of experience in interior design, including designing for new construction homes, we understand the concerns and questions that might be crossing your mind right now. That’s why we’ve put together some key tips for building a new construction home, filled with useful insights to help you get started.

We hope these tips will help you become familiar with the process, reduce the stress of not knowing where to begin, and give you the confidence needed to embark on this exciting adventure! And remember, if at any point you need additional guidance, we’re just a phone call, text, or email away.

BUILDING A NEW HOUSE – SIX STEPS

1. CREATE A PRELIMINARY BUDGET

Before starting the process, setting a preliminary budget is essential. However, it can be challenging to determine where to begin.

Budgeting is one of the most difficult steps when building a new house, but once it’s completed, the process will feel much smoother. Just don’t skip ahead, unless, of course, there’s no budget!

There are three major costs to consider when building a home:

• The Land
• The Team – Your builder, architect, and interior design team
• The Home – Both the architecture and interior finishes, including furniture and home decor.

With a preliminary budget and a general investment figure, you can make the next crucial decisions: selecting the land and choosing the team of experts who will bring your vision to life. This team will also help you evaluate costs and create a more detailed budget, covering everything from construction materials to furniture.

2. DECIDE ON THE LOCATION

Selecting the right plot of land for your dream home may seem simple, but it’s actually one of the most critical decisions in the process. Whether you plan to tear down an older home or build on an empty lot, there’s a lot to consider.

When choosing a lot, research property taxes and any community or city regulations that may apply. Check lot setbacks to ensure you can build a one-story home if that’s your preference or to understand height restrictions for a two-story house.

Key factors to consider include land cost, size, accessibility, nearby amenities (such as schools or town centers), and views, all of which should fit your lifestyle. In Florida, proximity to water is another important factor, as it can affect foundation costs.

Once you’ve narrowed down your preferred neighborhood, consult with general contractors, realtors, and architects to understand local building regulations. Some cities have longer permitting processes, which can impact your timeline and carrying costs during construction.

A well-known luxury builder in Fort Lauderdale and Broward shared this advice:

The property location is the biggest factor, and you should build for marketability. Meaning, you wouldn’t want to build a $20 million home in a neighborhood where the average price is $5 million. Choose a location that supports the value of your home, and always make smart decisions—because things can change in life.

Questions to Consider When Purchasing a Lot:

• What is the average price per square foot for lots in the neighborhood compared to the price of the lot you’re considering?
• How does the price of the lot with an existing home compare per square foot?
  If the property is on the water, what is the condition of the seawall, and what are the city’s requirements for bringing it up to code?
• Are there zoning restrictions or complications that could impact new construction in this city?

3. SELECT AN ARCHITECT

Your architect will be responsible for creating detailed blueprints that reflect your vision while ensuring the design is structurally sound and compliant with city regulations. They will also lead the team of engineers needed to build a solid home.

When choosing an architect, find someone who listens to your current and future needs, rather than just focusing on how the home will look in their portfolio.

Key Aspects to Define with Your Architect:

• Square footage
• Number of stories
• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• General layout and functionality

Tip: Always choose a licensed architect with a solid reputation. Speak to past clients to gain insight into their experience.

Questions to Ask a Prospective Architect:

• Can you provide recent references from homeowners you’ve worked with?
• What are the biggest challenges you typically face when working with homeowners?
• What is the design process and timeline for completing our home’s plans?
• Can I hire my own General Contractor and interior designer?
• What is a ballpark price for your fees, and what does it include/exclude?
• How do you ensure the home design stays within budget?

4. HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER TO HELP BUILD YOUR NEW HOUSE

Before you get overwhelmed by endless design choices, select an interior designer early in the process.

Why Hire an Interior Designer for a New Construction Home?

An interior designer ensures that all interior spaces function perfectly for you and your family while creating an aesthetic that reflects your style.

Having the designer involved from the beginning saves time and money by preventing costly changes later. Early collaboration ensures that important details—like the best locations for electrical outlets—are considered before construction begins.

Questions to Ask a Prospective Interior Designer:

• Can you provide references from recent projects?
• Do you have experience working with General Contractors?
• How do you ensure the design stays within budget?
• What is your pricing structure, and are there any hidden costs or markups?
• Will you be available for builder questions after the design process?

5. START DESIGNING YOUR DREAM HOME!

Now that you’ve selected the land, architect and interior designer it’s time to start designing!

Before designing your home, think about your daily routine and how you’d like to make it better. A little planning can help your architect and designer include simple features that make a big difference in your life. Love having coffee before getting out of bed? A small morning bar near your bedroom could be an easy addition. Ever wished for a bench in your shower to make it feel more like a spa? With some planning, your team can find ways to bring in natural light or create that relaxing vibe you’re after. Of course, there will always be some trade-offs, so start by figuring out what’s most important to you.

By working closely with your team, you’ll ensure a smooth process, from architectural blueprints to interior finishes. This collaboration will help you stay on schedule and within budget, leading to a beautiful home you and your family will love for years to come.

Trust the process and let your team guide you. They’ve been through it all,what works, what doesn’t,and they’re here to help you make the best decisions for your home.

Need expert guidance? We’d love to help you bring your vision to life—just reach out!

6. SELECT A HOME BUILDER

Your home builder is one of the most critical team members, as they will oversee the entire construction process.

When choosing a builder, don’t base your decision solely on budget. You want someone who is responsive, experienced, and reliable—because they’ll also be the person you call after you move in for any repairs or maintenance.

Questions to Ask a Prospective Home Builder:

• Are you licensed and insured?
• What is your payment schedule?
• Can you provide recent references?
• What is your biggest challenge when working with homeowners?
• Will there be a dedicated foreman overseeing my project?
  

We asked a few trusted General Contractors how they recommend setting a preliminary budget. Here’s what they had to say:

When creating a budget, it’s important to consider a ballpark cost of $600–$800 per square foot for construction, excluding professional fees for the architect and designer The real budget will be better understood once the architect can guide you on the foundation costs based on the land requirements and the interior designer can guide you on the interior finishes.” 

—Mauricio, CH Construction

The best thing to do is speak with a builder you trust to get advice based on your general wish list. They can provide a price range based on quality, size, and cost, without requiring a formal commitment to build with them. We have extensive experience meeting with prospective homeowners and can typically forecast the budget after gathering key information from the client. For waterfront homes, a good baseline number is $1,500 per square foot.” 

— Luxury Home Builder, Broward

Usually, our process involves meeting with the architect and the owners to develop a design concept based on the structure’s requirements and the general number of spaces needed. We also discuss the client’s expectations for finishes, whether they prefer a more basic home or a more elaborate design. With this information, we can develop a preliminary budget to get started while the design process is completed.
Typically, the cost per square foot for building a home in South Florida ranges from $400 for a more basic home to $600 per square foot for a home with more elaborate finishes. This does not include the cost of the land.”

— Itsik Benzaquen, 518 Construction

 As you can see, pricing can vary, so it’s important to meet with multiple general contractors. The success of building your home depends on having a solid plan and the right team of experts. We hope these steps help you gain clarity on how to build your new home on time and within budget.

Now it’s time to team up with the right professionals and start designing your dream home! You’ll approve the interior designs, and then construction will begin, bringing the exciting process to life. While construction is underway, you’ll work closely with your designer on the finishing touches, selecting furniture and décor to make each space special. In the end, you’ll have a beautiful dream home that your whole family will love and enjoy.

Remember, building your home starts with a solid plan and the right team of experts. We hope these steps provide you with a clear path to completing your new home on time and within budget.

DKOR NEW CONSTRUCTION HOMES

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