STEPS IN BUILDING YOUR OWN HOUSE

Study magazines and tear out pictures and articles that illustrate features that you like, or don’t like. Don’t forget to pay attention to the advertisements in the magazines, too. They are a great source of information on the latest building supplies and appliances, many of which are still too new to be included in a completed house featured in these magazines.

Also, note that many of the shelter magazines include long lists of pamphlets and brochures available, usually for free or a nominal charge, from housing supply manufacturers.

Pick a lot and study its views carefully to determine how you want to orient your house. Pay attention to such details as the closeness of neighbors, wind patterns, sunlight and shade, and nearby sources of noise.

Select an architect, designer, draftsman or whatever professional you want to work with you on laying out the house and drawing its blueprints. You may want to bring an interior decorator in on the project at this point. Although it is not crucial to the outcome of the project, you may find it valuable to determine at the outset how your house will be furnished before you settle on the size of rooms, placement of electrical outlets, lighting and other details.

Many professionals also suggest hiring a landscape architect at this point so that the exterior and interior of the house flow together smoothly. This is especially important consideration in California where outdoor living is a possibility most of the year. This also helps ensure that you provide all the necessary electrical, gas and water outlets you need.

Once the plans are completed, they must be submitted to your local government for review, a process that will eventually lead to a building permit. Since this can take several months or longer in many fast-growing areas of Southern California, this time can also be spent securing a loan and soliciting bids from contractors. If your local planning department requires significant changes in your plans, they should be resubmitted for bid. By the time your building permit is issued, you should have picked a contractor and secured a construction loan.

Once construction begins, plan on checking the job site or talking to your contractor at least once a day.