New construction

New construction home, how do I start?

Most people build only once in their lives. Planning a new house or property and then actually building it is no easy undertaking. Insufficient experience and enthusiasm often lead to wrong decisions. So before making hasty decisions, it's important to explore the construction market and consult with various parties.

Before you start planning, it's important to investigate your own financial possibilities and set a budget that includes a buffer in case you encounter a setback. This will prevent many sleepless nights and provide you with a reserve for unforeseen additional work for your construction project.

Once you've found the building plot of your dreams, be sure to ask the seller about what steps they've already taken and what they haven't.

For example, can you prove that the land isn't contaminated, as thorough soil remediation isn't cheap? Or has a soil investigation already been carried out to determine the stability and load-bearing capacity of the soil, and what is the groundwater level?

These are just a few examples that can significantly increase your budget.

You can check with your municipality's urban planning department which regulations apply to your building plot. They can tell you whether you need to comply with municipal building regulations or the regulations of a BPA (special development plan). Also, ask them for the cadastral information so you can easily submit your building application later or ask questions about your file.

If your lot is part of an approved subdivision, you can also request this information from your certified real estate agent or local notary.

Also, view your building site in 360°; it's beneficial to know in advance how you'll position the house and what exterior views you'll create. Also consider any obstacles, horizons, or sloping surfaces.

Be creative, but also consider the practical side. For example, a series of stairs can look very nice and aesthetically pleasing, but later on, it can become difficult to easily access your home.

Consult both an architect and (individual) contractors. This way, you'll understand the (financial) difference between the two. Note that if you have little experience yourself, having an architect oversee the project can save you a lot of money in the end.