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Funding a construction project
February 20, 2023

Funding a construction project

Matt the blogger from Urban Garage Door Company, says in a recent blog post that, when starting a construction project, financing is critical—strategizing on getting the funds to pay for the workforce and the building materials required. Not having the finances at hand could be a great challenge to get your project kickstarted. Luckily, you can still fund your construction.

Branches of Commercial Banks

When looking to finance your project, the first go-to place is a commercial bank that offers large loans enough to construct your property. These loans take several years to pay back, but you can be sure they have enough resources to cover your entire construction project. You will likely get your project started and completed by looking into some commercial banks.

Construction Loan for a Home

Home construction loans are a safe way to finance your residential building project. They usually begin as a short-term, higher-interest loan while the work is being done and then convert to a mortgage once the project is complete.

Most banks and credit unions offer these loans. It is critical to note that you are not the only one who must qualify for this type of loan but your contractor. The bank will want to look over your contractor’s financial standing and previous projects to ensure they can complete the project on time and with quality work.

Home Equity Credit Line (HELOC)

HELOCs and renovation loans are typically for financing renovations rather than new construction. That’s because they rely on the equity built up in a standard mortgage to fund the project. They are most effective for projects that increase the value of your home.

Crowdfunding for Real Estate

Real estate crowdfunding is trendy in project funding but is gaining traction. Like other crowdfunding sites, these sites allow people to pool their investments to fund construction projects. Most funds go into long-standing real estate investment trusts (REITs). These firms own and frequently operate real estate ventures such as apartments, warehouses, shopping malls, and hotels. Many people include these websites in their overall investment portfolio.

To Summarize

There are numerous forms of residential construction project funding available. As always, do your research and consult with experts before deciding on one of these options.

 

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Can You Remodel Your Home Without a Permit?

A remodeling project can lead to issues in the future if you don’t secure the necessary permissions. That’s because municipal building laws vary from town to town, and you risk receiving fines or, perhaps worse, depending on your community’s rules. Painting and carpeting, for example, are essentially aesthetic improvements that generally don’t need permits. Therefore, the following could happen if you still need to obtain the required licenses.

Removal of All the Updates

Given that the criteria for permits in remodeling projects can be expensive, particularly when hiring a professional, it is understandable why some homeowners may decide to take a chance and forgo the permission procedure. There are, however, cost-effective workarounds. For example, suppose you know about plumbing or electrical work. In that case, it may be possible to engage a licensed professional as a consultant, execute the work yourself, and then have the expert sign off on the quality of the work. Still, permission will be required, and the expert must approve the proposal.

A Deal Canceled by the Buyer

Before the project’s documentation and linking to the deed to your house at the Register of Deeds Office, the local building authority approves the designs and routinely inspects the project to ensure it is compliant. If the information in the deed differs from the initial information, the potential buyer is free to back out of the deal. The homeowner in this situation is free to explain the facts to the building authorities and ask for a retroactive permit.

Final Thoughts

Along with the topics covered in this article, home insurance providers also depend on the properties’ good mechanical and structural integrity. The house insurance provider may terminate the policy upon learning of the illegal activity. Because insurers commonly share information, getting new insurance could take time and effort.…

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How to Get a Home Building Loan
July 3, 2022

How to Get a Home Building Loan

How to Get a Home Building Loan

If you plan to build a home from scratch or renovate an existing property, you’ll probably need to take out a home building loan. According to Mr. Wynn who delivers sod in San Antonio, Texas to many existing and new home sites, and shares with us that this loan is different from the traditional mortgage because it allows you to finance your home construction over time, rather than all at once.

One of the most significant benefits of a home building loan is saving you money on interest. With a traditional mortgage, you typically pay interest on the entire loan amount from day one. However, with a home building loan, you usually only start paying interest once construction is complete and you move into your new home. Here’s what you should know if you decide to take out a home building loan.

Shop for the Best Rates and Terms

When looking for a home building loan, it’s essential to shop around and compare offers from different lenders. Rates and terms vary significantly among lenders, so it’s worth finding the best deal.

Make Sure You Have a Solid Plan and Budget

Before you apply for a home building loan, it’s crucial to have a solid plan. And this includes knowing the amount you want to borrow and having a detailed budget for your construction project. Lenders will need to prove that you have a well-thought-out plan before approving your loan.

Get Pre-Approved For Your Loan

Once you’ve found a lender and loan approval, you’ll need to get pre-approval from the lender before you can start construction. This process usually involves the lender conducting a home inspection to ensure the property is suitable for a loan.

Start Construction and Make Regular Payments

Once you’ve been pre-approved for your loan, you can start construction on your new home. As outlined in your loan agreement, you’ll need to make regular payments to your lender during construction. These payments will go towards paying off the loan’s interest and principal.

Move into Your New Home

Once construction is complete, you’ll be able to move into your new home and start making regular mortgage payments. Your home building loan terms will likely be the same as a traditional mortgage, so it’s essential to ensure you can afford the monthly payments before you sign up for a loan.

Taking out a home building loan can be a great way to finance the construction of your dream home. Nevertheless, shop around for favorable terms and rates. Also, have a solid plan before applying for a loan. With a bit of planning, you can successfully take out a home building loan and end up with your perfect home.

 

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Tips for Running a Construction Project

Construction supervisors and managers are tasked with overseeing a construction project from beginning to end. They are involved with budget creation and making sure the homeowner is satisfied. Here are a few tips for running a successful construction project.

Schedule and Plan

For any project to be successful, a lot of time needs to be set aside for scheduling and planning.

Plan for the specifics to get to understand the scope of work. Work with a team to coordinate and plan the tasks ahead of time to take the shortest time possible.

Tackle one project at a time

It is easy to get overwhelmed with a construction project and get flooded with everything that needs your attention. Do not do everything at once, rather break down the huge tasks into small tasks that are easy to tackle and complete. An example is creating a proper list of materials needed for each room and the assigned person who needs to complete each task.

Prioritize Safety at Site

Safety is more important than the completion of a project and making that quick cash out. Avoid shortcuts on the construction site and ensure that all the workers have the required work gear be it gloves, helmets, safety glasses, reflectors. Safety negligence might make your construction site be forced to shut down therefore delaying completion time.

Engage Experts and Check Accreditations

Some projects require experts in the field. As experts are usually hired in a short term for specific roles. Do not allow trainees to replace the specialist you require. It is important to always check accreditations are up to date and ensure their certificates match the identification of the person checking in.

Take Away

Successful construction projects should include the bigger picture from the start to ensure the home is completed within budget and on time also delivering a quality finish to the homeowner while conforming to the safety regulations and building codes.…

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The Top Essentials for Building a House

Start By Getting a Plan

Planning is a vital step in the construction process. Therefore, work with qualified, reputable experts to develop a detailed construction plan. Your plan should have all details of your dream house, including its direction, layout, and the location of every room. Also, decide on the lighting to use, power points, and every important detail.

Budget for the Project

Your construction project might cost more than you think. That’s because the builder might forget to include some items in the final estimate. For instance, the builder can forget costs like gas and electrical meters, window coverings, and NBN hookups. Outdoor concreting and landscaping, letterboxes and decking, gates, and fences may not appear in the estimate. Therefore, try to include as many items as possible in the cost estimate. Perhaps, achieving this requires you to work closely with your builder.

Hire the Right Builder

Hiring a reputable builder is a vital decision when building a house. Ideally, the quality of your home will largely depend on the builder that you choose for the project. Therefore, take the time to check the builder’s credentials, references, past work, style, and reputation. That way, you will hire an expert that will focus on ensuring the quality of your house.

Understand Your Contract

Read through the written contract from the builder. Ensure that you understand all the details to avoid surprises when construction costs exceed your expectations. If unable to understand some terms of the contract, seek assistance from your attorney.

Get Financing

Unless you’ve taken a lot of time to save money for building a house, you will need a loan to finance your project. Therefore, look for a construction loan that suits your income and financial capabilities. Again, understand the terms of your construction loan to avoid trouble with the lender.

Apart from these tips, secure all the necessary permits and maintain communication with the builder. Also, get an independent consultant to inspect your building at every stage. That way, you will ensure the quality of your construction throughout.…

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Common Construction Mistakes to Avoid
May 16, 2021

Common Construction Mistakes to Avoid

After a long weekend, I had a good talk with fellow blogger friend Mr. Martinez owner of the top-rated San Antonio commercial cleaning services, who goes to share his opinion with us that knowing the list of construction mistakes to avoid can help you accomplish the goals of your project with ease. Working with the right experts will help you avoid these building mistakes. 

Poor Above-Ceiling Components Access 

Poor access to the components of a building that are above the ceiling leads to poor maintenance. Disconnect switches, valves, equipment, and dampers are found above ceilings. If not accessible, their maintenance can be an issue. Avoiding or resolving these issues can encourage proper building systems’ maintenance. It can also reduce injury risks when performing maintenance practices. 

Damaged Vapor Barrier for the Duct Insulation 

The vapor barrier that surrounds the duct insulation can be unsealed or damaged during installation. When the vapor barrier has openings, warm air can condense inside the cold ductwork. This can cause damage to the duct insulation, as well as, the beneath building materials. 

Inadequate Access Panels 

Some system components are located above the hard ceilings. These should be accessible. However, a common construction mistake is having inaccessible access panels. This can be due to an insufficient size or cabinetry blockage. This can be a problem that will make maintaining the building difficult. 

The Intrusion of Moisture through the Roof 

Improper installation of the roofing materials can lead to moisture intrusion to the interior parts of a building. This can promote mildew or mold growth. It can also cause the wooden part of a building to start rotting. To avoid this, make sure that your roofing system is installed properly. 

Lighting Fixture Controls Tuning 

Lighting control mistakes are very common in new buildings. For instance, occupancy controls can fail to deactivate lighting when expected. Daylighting controls can also be calibrated improperly. Over-illumination of some parts is also very common. To avoid this, make sure that your lighting fixtures are installed by qualified and experienced professionals. 

A house building project is a major investment for most people. It’s crucial, therefore, to work with experts that know how to avoid these mistakes. That way, you will achieve your goals and avoid house maintenance issues down the road. …

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5 Ways Construction Workers Can Stay Cool During the Hot Weathe
September 2, 2020

5 Ways Construction Workers Can Stay Cool During the Hot Weathe

Construction workers should keep their safety first when building a house during hot weather. That’s because excessive heat can lead to the illness of construction workers. And, some of these illnesses can become fatal. Here are five ways construction workers can stay cool in hot weather.

Stay Hydrated 

Construction workers should stay hydrated by drinking water and sports beverages. If it’s very hot, a construction worker should drink water or a sports beverage every 15 to 20 minutes. However, they should avoid alcohol and caffeine because these can increase heat stress. The sports beverages they drink should have balanced electrolytes. 

Rest in Shaded, Cool Area 

Heat index values increase by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit when a construction worker works in full sunlight. Therefore, construction workers should rest in shaded, cool places to allow their bodies time to cool down properly. 

Plan the Day Properly 

It’s crucial to plan how and where the construction workers will be working at certain times of the day. This will enable them to avoid places with direct sunlight when it’s very hot. Also, supervisors should bear in mind that no construction work is important than the safety and health of the workers. Therefore, they should allow them to take frequent breaks when working in direct sunlight and have emergency plans in place. 

Know the Symptoms 

Construction workers should know the symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. This will ensure that no signs of heat illness are ignored. Ignoring symptoms of heat illness can lead to fatal incidences at the construction site. 

Alter Schedules 

Depending on the weather, hot jobs and heavy work can be scheduled for the cooler parts of a day at a construction site. Maintenance work should be scheduled during the cooler months where possible. Employees should also be supported to acclimatize to the hot temperatures. For instance, they can be allowed to start with small tasks and gradually progress to more complex tasks. 

Construction workers should also keep an eye on weather conditions and work during the day. They should also pay keen attention to their colleagues and ensure that safety and protective measures are observed at the construction site all the time. …

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Helpful Attic Finishing Tips from Experienced Builders
December 27, 2019

Helpful Attic Finishing Tips from Experienced Builders

There are many reasons why you may want to finish building your attic. Apart from just offering additional living space, completing the construction of the attic could also significantly boost the overall value of the home. And, the investment usually comes with lots of returns on investment. Nevertheless, the following are some helpful tips on how to finish up your attic. 

Observe the Rule of 7s 

Generally, the building codes vary from one state to another. But, there is one golden rule that applies to all, which you should always keep in mind when planning to finish your attic. The rule of 7s requires that you have at least 7 feet of clearance between the walls. In basic terms, finishing the attic into an additional living space requires at least 70 square feet. Besides, it is still important that you carefully consider what you intend to do with the attic to create a desirable space. 

Add Proper Lighting 

Without proper lighting, the attic can become a significant safety hazard in your home. Proper lighting will not only illuminate the spaces but, also inspire a sense of warmth and style therein. When finishing up the attic, you should maximize the use of natural light by creating properly sealed windows. If the attic does not have any exterior windows, you should consider installing hidden pot lights or more efficient lamps. 

Consider Rerouting the Access Points 

On most occasions, attics have limited access with just a stairway leading downstairs. If you are looking to remodel the unused space in your attic, rerouting the access should be a key consideration. Creating an alternative access point would be quite convenient in case you are thinking of renting the space. 

Other areas that you should also keenly focus on when finishing your attic include the floors and roof quality.  With a good plan and the help of a professional builder, you will be able to easily create the right attic in your home. 

Check out this video from Owen’s explaining some attic tips in detail. Check it here.…

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Features to Consider During New Home Construction
December 17, 2019

Features to Consider During New Home Construction

There is so much to consider when constructing a new house. From the budget to layout and design finishes, it becomes easy to get overwhelmed and forget some important features. The following are some considerations to make when picking the right features for your new home.

House Orientation

This is an important factor to consider regardless of the styling you might have chosen for your house. Access to direct sunlight throughout the day is crucial, thus most homeowners will prefer their houses to face north. Such an orientation is very useful especially in winter when temperatures drop considerably both inside and outside of your house. If your location is affected by strong winds, you should factor in this as well.

Current and Future Needs

It will be a mistake to factor in only the current needs when designing your home. For instance, you might have a small family of four people now, but that won’t be the case in the future. The kids will grow up and move out, or your elderly parents might move in with you one day.

Pets Comfort

Not everyone is fond of pets, but at one point someone in the family might require one. Homeowners get very attached to their pets and treat them as part of the family. Therefore, while building a new home, consider building a comfortable place for them. However, you should have the doors to pets houses built in such a way that, they won’t allow raccoons and other vermin into the house.

Hidden Room

Everyone wishes to have a state of art hidden room that adds some level of security. This room can be used as a secure vault or a panic room which increases the security in your house.

Storage

Storage is one of the most important features when constructing a new home. This is important especially to new owners, who need a lot of space to stuff their possessions. Therefore, consider building a bigger attic, closet, and a deep pantry. The same will apply for the kitchen, where you’ll need extra cabinets and drawers which will attract future buyers if the need for re-sale arises.

These features will add a lot to the functionality of your house, as well as make a huge difference when you put your home on the market.…

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5 Reasons to Hire a General Contractor for your New Construction

A new construction project should be an exciting, positive experience. Everyone aspires to be a homeowner. It’s, however, important to note that constructing the home of your dreams or even renovating your current home involves not only proper planning and resource allocation but also working with the right professionals. One of the most important aspects of your new construction or renovation is hiring an experienced and professional general contractor. 

The success of your project depends on the kind of general contractor you work with. But why do I need to hire a general contractor, you may ask? Well, here are some of the advantages of working with a general contractor for your home renovation or new construction project. 

Professional Competency in Construction

Undertaking a home renovation or new construction requires professional expertise, experience, and knowledge of engineering construction. You don’t want to risk causing damage to your property or not realizing your dream home by working with an inexperienced contractor, therefore. Your general contractor should comprise of experts who are trained and experienced in the field of home construction. By hiring such a contractor, you can rest assured of a great service and a structurally sound home. 

Accountability and Transparency

Some construction projects require you to work with several contractors. In such cases, it can be difficult and stressful supervising and following up on the progress especially if there’s no one contact person. Hiring a general contractor ensures transparency and accountability when it comes to communication and the overall execution of the project. Furthermore, the fact that general contractors are companies that care much about their reputation means they’ll endeavor to ensure their reputation is intact by ensuring transparency and accountability in every aspect of your construction project. 

A General Contractor Saves you Time

Every project has a budget and schedule. It’s, however, important to note that your construction schedule can be interrupted by bad weather and other factors. Hiring a general contractor will ensure the project keeps moving and stays within schedule no matter the setbacks. It’s the contractor’s responsibility to resolve any arising issues and problems and ensure everything runs smoothly. 

Better Control of your Project

There’s no better way to manage your new construction or remodeling project than to work with a general contractor. Your contractor will supervise how the builders and sub-contractors complete their tasks and ensure everything is within schedule. Simply put, your general contractor helps you manage and take control of the timing, cost of materials, and every other aspect of the project. 

Financial Savings

A home construction or renovation project can be quite expensive. Yes, some projects cost millions of dollars. You probably have a budget and want to cut on construction costs when undertaking your project. A general contractor can help you realize your dream of owning a home within a budgeted amount. Not only do they have the expertise and experience to do the job right the first time but can also help you get the lowest bid from subcontractors and high quality construction materials at a lower cost. Remember they have established working relationships with building suppliers and subcontractors.  

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