Building Your New Home

For most of us, building a new home is the not only the largest personal investment we make, it’s also the biggest single project we’ll take on. Your new house is much more than a home. With so much at stake, you need to make sure everything is done right. We can help you do just that.

At Nuzum Design Center we have the experience and knowledge to guide you through the entire process. There are many, many steps that go into building a new house. 

Once you determine your budget, and choose your building location make an appointment to come talk to us.

Begin by choosing a designer/architect and interviewing contractors. Our “Home Designer”, Jon Zahm, is here to create the plans that will make the most of your building location, your needs, and lifestyle. We’ll look at plans to discuss what you like and dislike about other houses you’ve been in. When you leverage our many connections with both builders and building suppliers, your new home will be a source of pride for many years to come.

We know all the local builders, so you can choose the right team for your project. When you have the best people, using well designed and thought out plans and using top quality materials, the end result is always fabulous.

Here’s a brief overview:

1. Plan Your Budget
   1. Contact Local Builders
   2. Contact Local Banks
   3. Count the Square Footage
   4. Expect Some Features to Cost More
   5. Be flexible
2. Choose Your Lot or Building Site
3. Line Up Your Team
   1. Interview Contractors
   2. Line up a Building Designer or Architect
4. Choose a plan to fit your needs
   1. Fit the house to the lot or building site
   2. Be Open-Minded
   3. Exteriors Are Easy to Change
   4. Don’t judge a home by its appearance
   5. Plan from the inside out
   6. Hidden Potential
   7. Perfect Homes Don’t Exist
   8. What features are most important to you – must have/want to have
   9. Blueprints Can Be Changed
   10. Square Footage May Change
5. Negotiate a Contract
   1. Understand Your Contract
   2. Contractors Information
   3. Detailed description of the work to be done. Specify the materials to be used: quality, quantity, weight, color, size, brand name, etc.
   4. The starting and completion dates
   5. The labor cost and the material charges
   6. Information on how and when you must pay
   7. Any warranties and guarantees of workmanship
   8. The method for debris and material removal when the job is complete
   9. A “right to cancel” clause. This gives you time (3 days is the standard) after you have signed the contract to change your mind. The clause should also describe what happens if unexpected problems occur after the work is begun.
   10. Check Building Codes
   11. Be Flexible
   12. Keep Records
   13. Be Businesslike
   14. Be Safe When You Sign
   15. Never sign a contract unless it is filled out completely
   16. Read the entire contract carefully