Are you looking to build a home in Phoenix? We don’t blame you! This is one of the most sought out places to live, work, and raise a family. With great weather year-round, it’s a fantastic city to retire and settle down after a long career. The activities are abundant and the food scene is amazing. The next question you should ask yourself is whether to build or buy a home in Phoenix.
If you’re thinking about building a home in Phoenix, you’ve come to the right place to start. We have put together a list of factors to consider before making that decision. Phoenix is a massive, sprawling metro area with many attractive and inviting communities to choose from. Plus there are a lot of lots available too, with a wide variety of prices and sizes.
#1 – Put Together a Solid Plan of Action
The first step in deciding to buy land is putting together a plan of action. One mistake that many make is buying land and then the planning begins.
You need to plan ahead. The problem is that once you purchase land, you need to fit your vision into that, rather than finding a lot that fits your vision. By creating a plan ahead, you can make the most important decisions based on it, rather than having to change plans down the road.
We strongly suggest renting a self-storage unit while you start the plan of action. That way, you’ll have a safe place to store your items and supplies while your new Phoenix home is being built. At Arizona Storage Centers, you can access your belongings 24/7, through gated access. Our facilities are well-lit at night for extra safety and monitored by video cameras 24/7. There is also an onsite manager for added security to help you if you have any questions.
You can send everything for your new home directly to your storage unit. That way it will be safe and sound until your contractors are ready to use it. Appliances, furniture, windows, and high-end items will be safe in climate-controlled units.
#2 – Location is Everything
This is very important for several reasons. Depending on your circumstances you should look for an area that will suit your needs. Do you have kids and need to be a good school district? Do you plan to golf a lot because you’re retired? A golf community might be your best choice.
If you need to be close to the hot spots of town, you’ll want a lot that’s not too far from outside the city limits. On the other hand, if you want a quiet area, maybe a lot further out in the Sonoran Desert might be best. Also, make sure you’re not too close to an industrial-zoned area, which is always a good idea.
#3 – Choose The Most Important Elements
This is a unique situation for every person. Deciding on a home to build is a huge investment, so make sure you choose wisely. For example, do you need 4 bedrooms or will you be fine with 3? Do you want a ranch-style home or are you leaning towards Colonial? Is an open kitchen concept important or do you need more cabinet space? There are, undoubtedly, many choices that you’ll need to make which leads us to our next tip.
#4 – Choose a Great Local Architect
Don’t slack on this one. Choosing an expert is important when deciding on home design as they can save you lots of money in the process and protect your investment. Someone willing to work closely with you is needed here as they help fine-tune your vision. By the way, we suggest choosing an architect that is from Phoenix or an area that is close. Southwest homes are different from the rest of the country as they pose several challenges for the summer heat. Also, local architects will be able to incorporate local building supplies and techniques.
#5 – Find a Reliable Home Contractor
Once your architect delivers the completed plans for your new home, you must find a local contractor who can make it happen. You’ll want to look for a contractor that has extensive experience building homes in your area. We highly suggest that you hire a home contractor before purchasing a lot so they can survey the area. Their input can save you thousands of dollars and an awful lot of stress from buying the wrong lot. Of course, you’ll want a contractor who’s licensed, insured, and bonded. It also might be a good idea to find a contractor that works closely with the same architect. Many times architects have referrals and this is the best practice for a successful outcome.
#6 – You Can Build Your Own Phoenix Home (But Do You Want to?)
This is a question that many ask when considering a new home. Can I build it yourself? The short answer is yes. Under Arizona law, you can build your own home anywhere in the state. However, the bigger question is do you even want to do that and, even more importantly, do you have the skills and expertise needed? Some might answer in the affirmative because they were once a contractor or have the experience. That’s great, but there are a lot of pieces that go into building a home and to do it right!
#7 – Building a Home Takes Time, So Plan For It
In Phoenix, as in most parts of the country, building a new home takes a great deal of time. The average amount of time depends on several factors but generally takes two years. That includes finding a lot, getting plans, choosing a. builder, and getting all the necessary permits. As we mentioned earlier, some people suggest hiring a builder and architect at the same time. The benefit of this is that they can work together and expedite the building process.
One of the more critical processes you’ll face is the preparation of your lot and site. The topography in Phoenix is a major factor as well as the soil in which your home will sit. The truth is, something as simple as preparing your site can take as long as 4 months. It’s important to be patient, as some setbacks are to be expected even with great planning.
Speaking of waiting, Arizona Storage Centers has plenty of space to store everything until it’s needed. That includes your household goods in-between homes. Remember, moving into a new home doesn’t have to be stressful. Arizona Storage Centers is here to help.
#8 – Prepare for Delays
It’s always better to plan for a delay than being caught off guard. When building a home in Phoenix, there are a lot of challenges, and some things might get delayed. If you personally change your plans, you can expect even more delays, and inspections can sometimes cause them as well.
We’d like to wish you the very best in building your new Phoenix home. We know you’re going to love living here. If you need any help with storage, please feel free to reach out to any of our 5 valley-wide locations. Our on-site managers will be able to assist you further. Most importantly, welcome to Phoenix. We hope you find living here as pleasant and enjoyable as we do.
