By Meghan Belnap
Building a dream home from the ground up is one of the most exciting things that you can do, but you need to be sure you're investing your money in the right places.
Related: What REALTORS® Need to Know Before Recommending Custom Home-Building
With a little bit of planning and research, your new home will be the perfect blend of form and function. Here are some of the best areas to invest the most money in:
HVAC System
Your HVAC system could be responsible for most of your energy usage, which is why it's crucial that you invest in an efficient system. Once you have the exact dimensions of the space, speak with an HVAC contractor about the size of the unit you're going to need and where all of the vents should be placed. An HVAC contractor will also be able to help you come up with a plan for where your ducts are going to be installed in the attic.
Roof
Your roof will protect your home from the elements, and you should never go with a second-rate company or shoddy materials. Luckily, installing a roof is a relatively straightforward project. With the proper maintenance, your new roof should last well over 40 years.
Appliances
No one wants to move into their new home only to realize that all of the appliances are hard to use or inefficient. When you're conceptualizing each room, you might want to spend a little extra time figuring out where the appliances are going to be placed. After you have those dimensions, you can then take a look at some of the leading manufacturers, read reviews and even ask for recommendations from friends.
Insulation
Even though your insulation will most likely need to be replaced at some point in the future, you should still consider going with high-quality materials. The insulation in your new home is going to have a huge impact on your monthly energy bills, as well as your family’s comfort, and purchasing the right materials will be a wise investment. In addition to traditional batts and rolls, you might also want to take a look at high-efficiency blow-in cellulose insulation.
When building a custom home, you must also make sure you have an excellent insurance policy. Without the proper coverage, a single accident or mishap could end up ruining your finances for years to come.
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She finds happiness in researching new topics that help expand her horizons.
