Building a home can be very costly, and most of the time, people under budget. There are a few steps you can follow to make sure you don’t make this mistake during the building process.

1. What Is Your Budget?
How much can you afford to spend? Compare this to how much the house you want is going to cost. Think about the mortgage and construction loan. It’s never too early to see how much a bank is will loan you. Knowing the costs can help you alter your plans to stay in your budget.

2. Where Are You Building Your House?
Make sure that the lot you’re building your house on is suitable to sustain a house. Check the zoning and building codes for your city, soil quality, and drainage. When in doubt, ask the pros!

3. Pick Your Pros
Research and check the quality of your choice of builders, excavators, architect, home designer, and surveyor. Unlicensed contractors may cause numerous problems.

4. Pick A Plan!
This can either be chosen from stock plans, or you can customize it with the help of an architect. Check to see if the architect you’d like is licensed.

5. Sign The Contract
Always get a written contract that’s date and signed by both you and the builder or contractor, or you and the designer or architect. The contract should include the details for the parts of the house and a listing of everything to be done to complete the house.