Building a home is a big decision. It is a major event in your life and something that you've probably been planning for a long time. You want to make sure that all your time and effort is worthwhile. Spend some time researching all available options to ensure that you get every detail correct and build the home of your dreams.

Location

The location of your future home is perhaps your biggest and first decision. You need to take into consideration the convenience factor of your location. Decide how close you want to be to your job, to your family, and to good schools if you have, or plan to have, any children. 

You also need to determine if you want to be within the city limits with easy access and convenience to restaurants and entertainment options, or if you prefer to be in the suburbs or even a more rural setting. Would you rather have a big backyard and privacy of a remote location? What you choose depends upon a number of factors and each should be considered carefully before making a choice.

Size

The size of your home and the features that you choose will be impacted by the area where you are building. You have to comply with any zoning rules and the available space for your home on the lot that you purchased. 

The size of your home will also be impacted by the amount of money that you want to spend. Consider what is most important to you. How many bedrooms do you want? Are you planning on having a home office? Do you have a family that will benefit from a large living room or playroom? 

Any special features that you want in your home will also contribute to how big it will be. Perhaps you want a large fireplace in the living room or a sliding door out the back with room for a patio and grill. 

Environmental Impact

You should also consider the environmental impact your home will have when you are building. You may benefit from using materials that limit waste or are made from recycled and prefabricated items. 

Making your home more environmentally friendly can also be more cost effective, both in building costs and in the future monthly expenses.

You may want to get a solar quote to evaluate the cost of solar panels. Solar energy can be a great option for your home that can save you money on your energy bills. 

Also, choose to install energy efficient appliances to reduce your energy use and save money.

Cost

All of these other features such as the location, the size, the types of materials you use, will all contribute to the cost of your home. Make sure that you planned accordingly and have the necessary amount of money saved or obtained through a home loan. Budget for supplies, time, and labor. Leave yourself a cushion for any unexpected expenses or last-minute changes. You don't want to be partway into building your home and run out of money. If you have a solid plan in place, you are less likely to have unfortunate complications.

Long Term Goals

When you are planning your dream home, you need to look to the future and not just the present. Where do you want to be in five, ten, or even twenty years down the road? If you are planning for kids, then take that into consideration when you design your home. What works for a newly married couple may not be the best option for a family. Think about your future needs so you can plan ahead and avoid any problems that may arise from short-sighted choices.

Building your dream home is an exciting time. In order to have the best possible experience and absolutely love the end result, take your time with the details so you are confident you'll be satisfied when it's all finished.