What is a home? A home is more than just a building, it’s a feeling of security and belonging. It’s a reflection of peace and balance when the world is not right outside. But how many homeowners can truly say that about their home? Here’s how to mentally and physically prepare to build your home.

1. Know what to look for – Do you have a design in mind? Not all homeowners are “cookie-cutter” types. You might want to research a house design that is different from your neighbor’s or choose something because it’s beautiful and practical. Next, determine what it is intended for, is it intended for a PWD relative, or small children, or pets perhaps? At the planning stage, you can go crazy, it’s practically free! You can design a master bedroom, kitchen, home office anything! The key is just to have a vision first, not to do it halfway during the build.

2. If you already have a vision, consult a licensed building contractor with an in-house architect and specialty engineers for the build. A good architect brings your vision to life and keeps you updated on the projected expenses. There might be surprises, but they are kept at a bare minimum. They have the experience and the training to get the job done. All you have to do is wait until the project is done.

3. Prepare yourself financially, do not go into the build half-baked. Knowing how much it takes to get there helps you to know how much it will take to get there. You can either save up for this or apply for outside financing to do this.

4. Prepare to do some legwork for materials and furnishings to go into your home, just because you have experts doing the build, does not mean you do not have to shop for interior furnishings and other finishing touches to make your home a pleasant place to live in. Examples are appliances such as refrigerators, stove or gas range, and furnitures like beds and sofas. One of the things about working with a licensed architect is that they can create 3D renders of the exterior and interior of your home so it’s less guesswork.

5. Keep a positive vibe. Things may not always be smooth sailing when building your home. Have time to pray, enjoy life and to remember that you are doing this for yourself and the people you love. It will be all worth it in the end.