More and more people these days are taking the time to design and build their own dream home instead of buying previously built real estate. This is an appealing option as you can choose the design, layout, and features you want, instead of having to settle for things you’re not entirely happy with. Have you been wanting to build your own dream home for some time? Whether you’ve got plans or not really yet considered how to go about building a dream home, read on to find out our innovative top tips for making your dream home a reality! 

Benefits of Building Your Own Dream Home

Firstly, when you build a home for yourself, you can choose literally whatever you want it to be! As the knowledgeable guys over at AntaresProperties.com say, “there are so many benefits of building your own dream home!” and we couldn’t agree more. It can be a giant four-story masterpiece or a bunker conversion! You can use whatever materials you wish to use and place the home wherever you want on the planet. 

There is also no (or little) compromise when you build your own home. You don’t need to move into a place that was once designed by someone else you don’t know, who had very different ideas to yours. There won’t be little nuances of the home that you don’t like but had to settle for. Even with a renovation, you don’t get the same level of control as a complete new home build. You can build wherever you want with whatever you want, and there’s more on that later!

Online Tools

A great tip when you begin actually designing your dream home is to look for free online tools to help you. There are various tools available for planning floor plans and even creating a virtual visualization of what your home may eventually look like. Finding these free, or cheap, tools can save you time and money instead of immediately going to an architecture firm. It also means you can take your time, create multiple different ideas and options, and evaluate them over a long period of time to reflect on what you want!

Money!

The average home built in the United States costs around $250,000 and takes two years, so you need to be prepared and manage to raise that amount of capital in the first place! If you already own a home, you may have some equity or profit tied up within that home, but you may also need to save quite a lot for materials, labor, etc. which can’t be covered by a mortgage. Decide when you want to build your home and figure out how much you need. Divide that amount over the timeframe you have given yourself and save monthly. And, if you are willing, sell your current home and move into a caravan or temporary housing. 

Cheap Land

Different parts of the land cost different amounts! You obviously would love to live in a dream home in a dream location, but you may be able to save a fortune by simply looking for cheaper land. For example, moving just a kilometer inland from the coast could cut up to 25% off from the value of the land. And 1km is not a long walk to the beach! 

If you are really up for a change, look online for where the cheapest land is available in your country, state, or area. Go research that area, find out why it’s cheap, and you may find a hidden gem! We aren’t saying move off the grid and disappear forever (unless you want to!) but instead search for cheap spots which could save your budget!

Energy for Life

A long-term solution for the dream home is to use renewable energy. Not only is it better for the environment, but you could also save plenty of money in the long run. If your home is self-sufficient by using solar energy, you will no longer have to pay energy bills! Even a fraction of the energy coming from solar saves you money over the years. Also, using perfect materials for energy retention within the home such as great insulation and triple-glazed windows. Do your bank balance and the planet some good at the same time!

We hope some of these ideas help you get closer to making this dream home a reality. There is plenty more to consider, but hopefully, you can get the process of planning and saving for your dream home started thanks to these top tips from the experts! If you are building or designing we wish you luck!