If you love a project you should build a house. It
is the mother of all projects, and as with any big
project there are lots of things to consider, review
and coordinate. The list below is actually a list of
categories, within each category there are plenty of
decisions to make, but this list will give you the
big picture view you need to build a home.
1. Design
If you are planning to build a house you will need
a design. There are two routes to finding a good
design. The first is to find an architect or designer
that you like, the other is to shop for house plans
online. Design is very personal and what works for
your neighbor may not be right for you. Listen to
your gut and find a designer or plan that feels like
a fit. If it's not a fit, you will likely always feel that
something is out of whack.
2. Location
If you are building you either have a site or will be
shopping for a site. Whether it is the middle of an
urban neighborhood or in a rural area, make sure
the location is right for you, since it is something
that can't be changed. Make sure that it is near the
people and things that you want to be near. Being
close to people means you are much more likely
to see them and being near the things you need
means an easy commute, maybe even by bicycle.
3. Additional Structures
When looking for a house plan, think of additional
structures you may need and how they might fit on
your site. A garage, shed, carport, playhouse,
garden or pool will take space. Best to know what
additional structures might be in your future so
that you are sure you have enough room and can
reserve a spot.
4. Landscaping
Landscaping is one of the items that tends to fall to
the bottom of the priority list because it can always
be done later. When money is tight, as it often is in
a building project, landscaping is usually the last
thing on everyone's mind. The fact is that
landscaping can go a long way to helping your
new house feel like a home. Getting plants in the
ground, with irrigation if you need it, is the
finishing touch to a project. If money is tight,
consider starting with smaller plants, even if they
look tiny today they will be bigger next year and
the year after that. You may actually save money
by growing them to the larger size you might
otherwise have paid for.
5. Aging in place
Most of us would like to a ge gracefully and die at
some far off date. We imagine living in our own
homes and never having to move to a place that
offers assistance. For some of us, that fantasy isn't
reality because most homes aren't designed for
aging in place. A home that is built for aging in
place is easy to navigate and is in a location that
makes the daily experience of living easy, or a
least doable. Examples of easy navigation include
a house without stairs, and doorways that are wide
enough to let a wheelchair through. Things that
are external to your home that make living easier
might include being near a bus line or other forms
of public transportation, being near shopping and
entertainment, and having helpful neighbors.
Simple things can make a big difference.
6. Size
Houses come in all sizes from big McMansions to
tiny little huts. Most of us don't need or want
either, rather it's somewhere between. Of the two
extremes, there is a lot to be said for building a
smaller home . On the practical side it costs less to
build smaller. That means that being a slave to the
mortgage will end sooner than it would otherwise.
It might also allow you to buy that nicer lot that
you've had your eye on.
7. Budget
Building a house is expensive. No ifs, ands or
buts, it just is. Each construction project is unique
and things don't always go as planned. Consider
holding 10% of your total budget out of the "house
budget" for the unexpected. This will give you
some cushion and if all goes well it is 10% in your
pocket.
8. Find a Good Team
A good team is probably the most important thing
for a successful project. A good team will certainly
include your contractor, it can also include
designers and engineers. Make sure that you are
comfortable with all team members and they have
the right experience to build your new home.
Interview several team members to find the best fit
for you. Get recommendations and trust your gut.
9. Durability
Building a durable house costs more
money...initially. However, spending money up
front for good materials and a good builder who
understands how they should be put together will
save in fewer repairs down the road. A durable
house that lasts 100 years is a sustainable house.
10. Energy Efficiency
It is just as easy to build for energy efficiency as it
is to ignore it. Homes that are energy-efficient
save you money every day and are more
comfortable to live in. Terms to look for when
searching for a plan include net zero energy (a
house that makes as much energy as it uses over
the course of a year), high performance , and
passive house .
11. Bonus
This may not seem like a bonus, but it's offered in
the spirit of one. Ask yourself if your marriage or
partnership can handle a project this big. With
endless decisions to make, money on the line and
schedule over runs, building a home can get
stressful. Make sure you have a solid foundation,
that you can discuss money issues openly and that
you have mutual regard and respect for each
others decision making ability.

Good. But, u no include buying of land or abii na 4 pesin land u dey consider all these things No even trayam pepul go bitew taya..

Good points raised. There should be no distractions while embarking on this project. Very expensive indeed. Headache, frustration aren't to far off from this project.

On mortgage, I don't think that's wise move even though it has some benefits. Consequences can be dare if homeowner delinquent. Income is gotta be regular, consistent and guaranteed to do that. Otherwise, your savings can go down the drain just like that and in DEBT forever.

Nice one.... I did not know that building a house can be frustrating.

^^ Yes, it's. But pls understand my earlier comment should only be understood in the light of average folks not rich people. Rich folks have nothing to worry about. They would just drop the money and plan. They don't have to worry about how much it costs to dig foundation, up to lintel, decking etc.