Tips on House Building

Basic Steps on How to Build Your Own House

Are you planning to have your own house? Do you want some tips or guidelines to help you with budget, legal and other concerns? This article will provide with the basics on how to make that dream house for you and your family.

Step 1: Pick a lot

A house for a small family will fit on a lot as small as 150 sq. meters. But if your family needs a large house, a property measuring at least 300 sq meters is needed. More so if you plan to put up a lawn or a garden. Buy only from reputable dealers.

Checklist for the site or location of the house:

· Is it conveniently located near your place of work, hospital, market, school and church?

· Is there available public transportation, water and electricity, waste disposal and security?

· Does it flood easily when rain falls?

· Is it safe from the breeding ground for mosquitoes, flies and other pests?

· Is there any factory nearby that could emit harmful gas, noise or foul smell?

Step 2: Analyze the space requirement of your family

One bedroom may be enough for a newly married couple; but a two-child family may need three bedrooms. If you must entertain guests often, perhaps you need a large living room or lanai. Any special needs, such as sewing room, music room or photo darkroom.

Be practical. Planning saves you from unnecessary expenses. You can have that dream house that fits your budget and needs if you make best use of your available resources.

Step 3: Determine what budget you can afford

Ensure that your family will have that dream house without sacrificing their other basic needs. List down your monthly take-home pay from all resources, minus taxes etc. Next subtract your family’s average monthly expenses for non-housing needs: food, clothing, transportation, tuition fees, recreation, etc. What is left is the income available for housing expenses.

Step 4: Choose the model that you like

Consult an architect, other housing institutions or read materials such as magazines or other publications about house plans and designs. It would also be better if you can incorporate your personal preferences in the design and plan of the house. Some design or plans may be good but need some modification to be more suitable for you needs and choice. You must prioritize the security and safety of the design in order to ensure that you are protected from any unlikely circumstances.

Step 5: Go find the money

You can approach financing institutions to ask for a housing loan. Be sure that you are completely armed with the required documents such as the house plan, Bill of Materials and the Specifications of Materials and Construction. To increase your paying capacity you may look for a co-applicant (can be a relative or not) with sufficient income.

Step 7: Secure a building permit

Get one from the city hall ( or any other government offices in charge of providing a building permit) of the locality where you will build your house. Be sure again that you have the complete required documents for this purpose.

Step 8: Recruit your builders

Read the accompanying article, “ How to Choose a Good Builder”.