Posted in Homestead or Bust

While searching for your homestead slice of Heaven, don’t immediately rule out the potential for building your own home.

After we exhausted all possibilities of buying land with existing homes – knowing our personal limitations with regard to restoring and updating an old home – it became evident that we would build our home.

It was one of the greatest personal projects my husband and I have shared.  It requires knowing what you want (remember those lists you’re making?), being organized and taking matters one step at a time.

Don’t be intimidated.  Like any project, break it down into prioritized categories and steps.  Keep your perspective, remain flexible and never forget – nothing is impossible.

• Establish  a budget maximum (depending on your mortgage options and cash investment(s) in your property, you may have to play around with figures and contact mortgage companies to determine what you can realistically afford).
• Look for at least three (3) house plans (you may be surprised to find out that the one house plan you’re in love with, is not suitable to build on the land you want to purchase); have a back-up plan or two that are comparable.
• Will you need to sell your current home before you are able to begin the building process?  If so, should you rent locally while your home is being built, lease temporary housing (mobile home or RV) to live on site while the building is underway?
• How often are you able to travel to and from the building project each week?  Our drive time was two hours from our old home to our farm; we originally planned to visit twice a week to check on progress and deal with any changes.  Our builder had email and this made communicating much easier.  There were times when we were unable to visit each week.  However, by the end of the building project, there were weeks it seemed we had to drive out three and four times a week.  Geography is a major factor for your move.
• Will you be able to have other projects underway while your home is being built (i.e. fencing, outbuildings and barns built, etc.)?

Once you have found your land, research the area for existing and future utility options and accesses; know what is and is not available to your potential land purchase.  Contact local banks to discuss construction loan options and to obtain local builder referrals.  It is a good idea to plan to interview a minimum of three or more builders before making any final decisions.  Request references from any builder and/or contractor who you are considering contracting with to build your home.  Ask to see their work.  Talk to the local county zoning department for building requirement permits that may be required of the property owner in addition to those that the builder must obtain.  Don’t hesitate to ask questions – this is your life, your dream and your investment.

Don’t rule out other home options.  The Manufactured Home industry has changed tremendously over the years and has well built homes at very affordable prices.  The sky is literally the limit when pursuing your homestead dream.

HomesteadBloggers – share your moving experiences!  Be sure to leave a comment linking to your blog posts.

Have a great week!

Harriette

The Jacobs have lived in rural East Central Georgia since December 2003.  They raise heirloom chickens, garden and continue to learn the homesteadin’ life.

Visit Harriette at:
South of the Gnat Line

http://www.homesteadblogger.com/southofthegnatline

Jacobs Academy: A Dirt Road Education

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/jacobsacademy