Financing construction can be complex and challenging, as it involves securing the necessary funds to cover the costs of building a new structure or renovating an existing one. Several different financing options are available, depending on the size and scope of the project, as well as the borrower's financial resources. Some standard financing options for construction projects include traditional bank loans, government-backed loans, private equity investments, and crowdfunding. It is essential to carefully evaluate the pros and cons of each financing option before making a decision, as each option has its unique benefits and drawbacks. In addition to securing financing, construction projects require careful planning and management to stay on budget and schedule.

• Don't forget to budget for the driveway, sidewalks, landscaping, fencing, blinds and maybe even some new furniture or appliances.

Building plans are detailed diagrams or drawings that outline the design and construction of a structure. They typically include dimensions, materials, layout, and special features or requirements. Building plans are essential for ensuring a structure is safe, functional, and compliant with building codes and regulations. Architects or engineers typically create them and may require approval from local government agencies before construction can begin. Building plans can range from simple sketches to highly detailed technical drawings, depending on the project's complexity.

• Before you choose a plan, take into account your lifestyle and your budget. It is very easy to go over budget or choose a plan that looks ideal on paper but does not suit your family.
• There are many design books on the market or you could hire an architect or a home designer to design a house for you.
• Make sure you have enough copies of your plan, 10 would be nice. Your building permit will take 2 or 3 copies and you will probably have to leave a plan at your place of lending. That leaves you with 6 or 7 copies left. Many of the sub-trades need a plan to price out their work, make sure you remember who has a plan and get it back when they are finished with it.
• Most subdivisions will require a set of plans.

Subdivision typically refers to partitioning a piece of land into smaller parcels. This is often done to facilitate the sale of individual lots for development or housing purposes. Subdivisions can range from just a few lots to hundreds or even thousands of lots, depending on the size of the original parcel of land and the intended use. Creating a subdivision can involve many legal and regulatory requirements, including obtaining permits, conducting environmental studies, and complying with zoning and land use regulations.

• A building scheme is when the subdivision owners or the city have placed restrictions on the type, color, roof-style, size, basically, it could include anything to do with the house or the lot. Some subdivisions have many restrictions and others have none

Put an offer on the lot, and make it subject to financing and in certain subdivisions, subject to the building scheme.

Read more about Purchasing the Right Property

Estimates are cost projections or calculations that approximate a particular project or service cost. They typically help individuals or businesses plan and budget for upcoming expenses. Various professionals, such as contractors, engineers, or financial advisors, can provide estimates. They may be based on different factors, such as labour costs, material costs, and timeframes. Estimates are not binding agreements and may change based on unforeseen circumstances or changes to the project scope. It is essential to obtain multiple estimates and carefully review them before deciding, as they vary widely depending on the provider and the project requirements.

• Make sure that you get several quotes from each sub-trade, at least 3 or more, stick to REPUTABLE companies and you will be able to ELIMINATE a lot of problems afterward. Compare all the quotes to make sure they include the same materials and work, and of course the quality of the material. Cheaper is not always better. Have the material list checked by someone who knows a little about it. Do not be afraid to ask questions.

6. Financing and Insurance

Home building insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage for damages or losses to a residential property during the construction process. It typically covers fire, theft, vandalism, and weather-related damage. Lenders usually require home building insurance to protect their investment during construction. Once the construction is complete, the insurance policy can be adjusted to cover the completed structure. It is essential to carefully evaluate the terms and coverage of each insurance policy to ensure that it meets your needs and provides adequate protection for your investment.

Arrange suitable financing.

• Your mortgage provider will require that appropriate insurance is in place at the start of the construction and you will want to make sure that your home is protected in case of fire, theft and other problems that can affect the value of your home.

You must apply to the local government agency responsible for building permits to obtain a building permit. This application typically includes plans and specifications for the proposed construction, information about the property and any necessary permits or approvals from other agencies. Once the application is submitted, it will be reviewed to ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations. A building permit will be issued if approved, allowing construction to commence. A building permit ensures your project is safe, legal, and up to code.

• A Plot Plan is a drawing of how and where your house will be placed on the lot.
• Depending on the time of year and how busy they are it could take from 2 to 6 weeks before the permit is ready to be picked up.
• When you receive your building permit, you will receive a list of conditions that must be met. Example: some beams must be engineered or the soil must be tested.

While you are waiting for the permit, you have time to organize and start arranging for the first sub-trades that you will need. Ensure that the sub-trades you have chosen to do the work fit into your schedule and time frame for completion of your home.

• If you are your own General Contractor the first trades to contact are the Surveyors, Framing crew and Excavator.
• Contact the electric company to get temporary power and if this takes to long, there is usually a friendly neighbor who will let you use their power for a small fee.
• You should contact all the trades you have selected to confirm their availability and when confirming ask each trade during what stage of construction they need to come in to do their job.