There is no shortage of inspiration when it comes to the importance of planning. Here are a few of our favorite inspirational quotes about this important activity.
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” ― Benjamin Franklin
“If you don't know where you’re going, you'll end up someplace else.” ― Yogi Berra
Most of us wouldn't argue about the importance of planning. It's how to get it done that sometimes trips us up. Building a new home is one of those endeavors in which good planning is absolutely essential in order to get the results you want. With that in mind, here are a few key thoughts on how to plan for building a Poconos home.
Choose Your Location
Deciding where you will build your new home is one of the most important things for you to consider. We’ve all heard realtors talk about the importance of location. Location, however, isn’t simply about coordinates on a map or a street address. It has more to do with things that are important to you. Do you want great views? Are you seeking a place that’s quiet and remote or are you after a place that’s easily accessible and close to activities and amenities that are important to you? Here’s a look at another article that takes a look at what’s important in choosing your location.
The actual lot you choose is also a big part of the location equation. In addition to the considerations mentioned above, you really want to pay attention to the suitability of the specific lot you plan to build your home on. Will you have to do a significant amount of pre-building preparation (such as grading) before you can build? Are there building restrictions or covenants you'll need to take into consideration? Here’s a post that provides valuable insights into things you need to know before you buy a lot.
Figure Out Your Budget/Financing
There's an old parable that says, "who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?" That's good advice about a key element in the homebuilding process. You want to have a realistic budget for the home you're building—neither too high nor too low. Here’s a helpful article that shows how to budget for your Poconos home.
In addition to budgeting, you’ll also want to take steps early on to get your financing in order. It can be terribly frustrating to have all your plans ready to go—only to have to wait for financing for your mortgage. Plus, going through the approval process can be a big help in determining exactly how much home you can truly afford.
Find the Right Floor Plan
Building the right home doesn't just happen. You'll want to consider things such as the style, the size, and the design or layout of the home. Your needs and desires are unique. Something that looks good in a magazine, online, or at an open house may not actually suit your lifestyle. That's where perusing and considering different floor plans is so helpful.
As you do that, however, you’ll want to think about your future plans and needs. Maybe you’re considering building a vacation home now, but what about 10 or 15 years from now? Will you want it to become a home you can retire to? What things do you need to plan for so that the home will be one in which you can age in place?
Educate Yourself
The more familiar you are with the whole home building process, the easier your decisions will be. It makes the whole experience much more enjoyable. Download our home design guide for free to get a good basic overview of the process and the decisions you’ll need to make. Click here for a host of other free resources that can help you plan for the Poconos home you really want.
Take Yogi’s advice and know where you’re going, so you end up with the Poconos home that’s right for you—and don’t end up someplace else!
