Homeownership is part of the American Dream, but what if you are a perfectionist who can’t seem to find the right property on the open market? Every house is lacking something that is near the top of your priority list. Fortunately, custom home construction offers a solution for a tailor-made home that suits your every need.
Building a new home can be an expensive undertaking, but if you can manage the price, the result is a perfect vision of your ideal home. However, you may enjoy the idea of putting your own two hands to work on the finished product. Since you will design the house from the get-go, there may be fewer opportunities for DIY right off the bat.
In this guide, we will discuss some ways to incorporate your DIY skills into a custom home build.
Communication With the Contractor
The first step in navigating the relationship between DIY and custom home construction is to communicate honestly with the builder. Before you commit to professional builders, ask them what level of owner input they allow. Some contractors may collaborate only on design and material selection, while others may offer greater flexibility for the owner to handle certain aspects of the build. A quality home construction company like DG Builders will clarify your options, but only if you communicate directly and ask.
Design Innovation
While the builder will be the expert on structural elements, some interior design work can come from your mind. Maybe there is a specific layout for a mudroom that you like, or you have a unique vision for the master bathroom. Although the builder will execute that vision, your input will be vital to the final product. It can be very helpful to test your designs with rendering programs, especially for multi-use spaces. This strategy lets you flex that creative muscle without worrying about the actual construction phase.
Finishing Touches
Another way to incorporate DIY into custom home construction is to focus on the finishing touches. Let the contractor handle all early phases of construction, including the foundation, wiring, plumbing, structure, and drywall. Then you can take over for the finishes you want, such as shiplap walls in a hallway or a decorative wood beam in the living space. You can also handle some of the simpler tasks, such as painting the walls, staining wood elements, and adding fixtures.
Outdoor Living
Once the home’s main structure is complete and the construction crew is focused on interiors, you can lead outdoor projects that extend the living space to the rest of the property. A concrete patio with outdoor furniture and a decorative trellis can be built right off the back door to create an outdoor oasis where you can enjoy a morning cup of coffee or a meal with your family. If you want to work with your hands, you could build a small deck off the sliding glass door to combine outdoor living with interior comfort. No deck is complete without a table, some chairs, and some decorative elements.
Put in a Garden Shed
If there is still a lot of work happening around the main home, you may need to move further out into the yard for your DIY inspiration. A modern garden shed can be the perfect way to store your lawn maintenance tools and gardening supplies, paving the way for your landscaping goals. While it may be easier to buy a pre-made shed, you can also find plans for simple garden sheds to scratch that DIY itch. Get creative with the color of your shed, potentially painting some floral patterns on a white background to enhance the curb appeal of the property.
Post-Construction Additions
Once the home is complete, you can officially move into the property. Now that the construction crews have left, you have even more freedom to put the final touches on the house. You can design window planters to hang outside the home and add splashes of color with various flowers. Install floating shelves in the living room to store decor, board games, or books. Add a built-in bench in the entryway with storage to enhance the first impression of your home. These small touches will allow you to continue with creative ideas after the house is built.
Ongoing Home Maintenance
One of the major advantages of a new build is that maintenance is typically delayed for several years. After all, everything in the home is brand new. However, preventive maintenance begins immediately. To ensure longevity for all your appliances, structures, fixtures, and other elements, you need to maintain the home’s features consistently. Whether that means reinforcing structural components, repairing fixtures, or updating aging components within a few years, the opportunity for DIY maintenance will remain.
Custom Homes and DIY Can Go Hand in Hand
It is easy to assume that a custom home construction means giving up some of your DIY aspirations. In reality, it makes those dreams easier to accomplish. As professionals construct your home, you can focus on the specific touches you care about. You will still have a safe, structurally sound home, but you can take advantage of design input, outdoor projects, and DIY finishes to scratch that creative itch.
Regardless of the project’s scope, ensure you communicate your goals clearly and frequently with your contractor. The last thing you want is to get in their way when they are constructing your dream home.
