Buying any home takes time and money, and there are subtle nuances to purchasing new construction.

Whether you’ve already found a custom home builder in Nashville or you’re in the early stages of considering having your own home built, one of the biggest questions is, “How do I finance it?”

Loan Types

As a custom home builder, Providence Builder Group thinks it’s important that our clients understand that a conventional loan is often not an option, at least in the early stages of home building. Most people choose between a construction-only loan and a construction-to-permanent loan.

A construction-only loan is meant to provide money throughout the building stage. It is a short-term financial product that may be difficult to qualify for and come with a higher interest rate. You’ll be required to get a traditional loan once your construction is complete.

A construction-to-permanent loan begins as a construction loan and converts to a traditional mortgage. Throughout the building phase, you’ll pay interest only. These can be a bit more expensive than a conventional or FHA mortgage, but you may qualify for special rates if you’re a veteran.

It may also be necessary to take out a loan to build the land you plan to construct your home on. Although many custom home builders work in neighborhoods, you also have the option of building on private land.

Financial Planning

The first step toward planning your finances at the start of any real estate transaction is to look at your budget. You’ll then want to discuss potential floor plans with your custom home builder. Nashville builder prices can vary greatly, so make sure that you talk to many to get a general idea of cost and a potential timeline. While there is no way to guarantee the price of the home until it’s done, you can at least get a ballpark range that helps you know if your builder of choice is going in the right direction.

Should I Build In A Neighborhood Or On Private Land?

There are financial pros and cons to each. If you choose to build in a neighborhood, you’ll likely have to choose from certain elevations (exteriors) and floor plans. Your home may not be fully customizable, but, because the builder has a predictable build, you may have a more accurate price right from the beginning. However, if you already own land, it might be more financially prudent to build on what you have. You’ll have to have a land survey done to ensure that it will perk for the size of home you need. Either decision is a smart move that can give you a home to call your own that was custom-built just for you.

As one of Nashville’s premier custom home builders, Providence Builder Group wants to ensure that all of our clients are informed and understand the custom home building process from start to finish. Today’s post just touches on a few of the financial considerations, but we encourage you to reach out if you have additional questions.

Providence Builder Group is a Nashville-based homebuilder and home renovation team that works closely with home and property owners wanting a truly customized space to call their own. From IFC construction to shipping container homes to historic home renovations, additions, and more, Providence Builder Group has the experience and expertise to complete projects of all sizes. The locally-owned company also offers custom, traditional homes and tornado shelters. Founded by Middle Tennessee native Will Barron, Providence Builder Group is the product of his dedication for his community and serves as a testament to what happens when hometown pride enters the construction industry.

Thinking about building a custom home? Your home will be built to your exact specifications, but there are a few things you must do before construction begins.

Maybe you are in the early stages of choosing your forever home. Maybe you’ve already begun researching custom home builders in Nashville. Wherever you are in your home building journey, the end result will be a beautiful home that’s perfectly tailored to you and your family.  But it is not a process to jump into without a bit of preparation.

Today, your Nashville custom home builder shares tips for building your home.

• Do your research. Before you begin talking to builders, do your research so that you understand the custom home building process. You’ll want to get a good idea of the different phases of construction, involved costs, and a potential timeline. It’s also smart to research different builders in your area to find one with a great reputation, undeniable experience, and a style that suits your tastes.

• Know your budget. Building a custom home does not have to be much more costly than buying pre-built construction. However, expenses can add up as you make small changes throughout the process. Know your budget and make sure that you have some extra money set aside for additional upgrades or alterations.

• Prioritize energy efficiency. If you want to save money in the long run, prioritize building an energy-efficient home now. As a custom home builder in Nashville, Providence Builder Group can help you select the right materials, appliances, and more to ensure that your home operates efficiently and economically from day one.

• Maximize your floor plan. If you’re looking to save money and, potentially, construction time, utilize open spaces as much as possible. A custom home builder should be able to modify even an existing plan to create a more spacious and less labor-intensive building.

• Be willing to compromise. Even if you’ve had the ideal version of your perfect home in your head for many years, remember that ideas don’t always translate into a practical application in the real world. Discuss your greatest wants with your custom home builder, but be open to the possibilities that you may have to compromise if your vision could affect the structural integrity of your home or go against best building practices.

• Stay involved. From the moment you commission the build of a custom home, you have an opportunity to stay involved and watch your dreams come to fruition starting at the foundation. Visit the site regularly, and communicate with your builder often so that you can address any concerns or make changes as needs arise.

• Be patient. Building a custom home takes time. There may be delays, snags, and setbacks, but the end goal is always a safe and efficient home to call your own.

Whether you are looking for a custom home builder for a traditional stick-built home, a shipping container house, or an ICF building, the custom home building process is an exciting step toward living your best life. But it’s not a decision that you should make lightly, and there are many decisions that you’ll have to make along the way. Ultimately, the choice to have a custom-built home will leave you with the perfect place for you and your family.

Providence Builder Group is a Nashville-based homebuilder and home renovation team that works closely with home and property owners wanting a truly customized space to call their own. From IFC construction to shipping container homes to historic home renovations, additions, and more, Providence Builder Group has the experience and expertise to complete projects of all sizes. The locally-owned company also offers custom, traditional homes and tornado shelters. Founded by Middle Tennessee native Will Barron, Providence Builder Group is the product of his dedication for his community and serves as a testament to what happens when hometown pride enters the construction industry.

We asked our Nashville-based custom home building team for tips, and they delivered!

Shipping container homes are becoming increasingly popular in Nashville, thanks to their affordability and sustainability. However, decorating a shipping container home can be a challenge, as the space is often limited and the walls are made of metal.

Here are a few tips from our pros on decorating shipping container homes:

• Use light colors to brighten up the space. The metal walls of shipping container homes can make the space feel dark and cramped. To counteract this, use light colors on the walls and ceiling. This will help to make the space feel more open and airy.

• Add mirrors to reflect light and make the space feel larger. Mirrors are another great way to add light and depth to a small space. Hang mirrors on the walls or place them on furniture to reflect light and make the space feel larger.

• Use furniture with light legs to make the space appear taller. Furniture with heavy legs can make the space feel smaller than it is. To counteract this, use furniture with light legs, such as metal or glass. This will give the impression of more room in each room!

• Add plants to add color and life to the space. Plants are a great way to add color and vitality to any space. They can also help to purify the air and improve the overall feel of the home.

• Use rugs to define the space and add warmth. Rugs can help to define the space in a shipping container home and add a touch of warmth. Choose rugs that are made of light colors and materials, such as wool or cotton. There are many rug sellers around Nashville, so you have plenty of options!

• Use artwork to add personality and interest. Artwork is a great way to add personality and interest to any space. Choose artwork that reflects your style and interests.

• Be creative with your storage solutions. Storage can be a challenge in a shipping container home. Be creative with your storage solutions and use vertical space to your advantage. Shelves, cabinets, and drawers can all be used to store belongings. Ask your builder about adding built in options.

• Use natural materials. Natural materials, such as wood, stone, and bamboo, can help to warm up the space and make it feel more inviting.

• Add pops of color. Don’t be afraid to add pops of color to your shipping container home. This will help to break up the monotony of the metal walls and make the space feel more dynamic.

• Use furniture that is both functional and stylish. When choosing furniture for your shipping container home, make sure it is both functional and matches your sense of style. This will help to maximize the space and create a cohesive look.

• Be mindful of the scale of your furniture. The furniture in your shipping container home should be scaled to the size of the space. This will help to avoid making things feel cramped.

• Don’t forget about the outdoors. If your shipping container home has an outdoor space, be sure to make it your own as well. This can be a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

With a little creativity and planning, shipping container homes can easily be transformed into stylish and functional spaces that people in Nashville will love. 

Providence Builder Group is a Nashville-based homebuilder and home renovation team that works closely with home and property owners wanting a truly customized space to call their own. From IFC construction to shipping container homes to historic home renovations, additions, and more, Providence Builder Group has the experience and expertise to complete projects of all sizes. The locally-owned company also offers custom, traditional homes and tornado shelters. Founded by Middle Tennessee native Will Barron, Providence Builder Group is the product of his dedication for his community and serves as a testament to what happens when hometown pride enters the construction industry.

If you’re in the market for a new home, Nashville has many custom home builders to choose from. But how do you know you’re making the right choice? Today, we’ll take a look at a few things that you should ask before you sign a $500,000 or more agreement. 

How long have you been building custom homes?

This is a good question to get a sense of the builder’s experience. A more experienced builder will likely have a better understanding of the process and be able to anticipate problems.

What licenses and insurance do you have?

It’s important to make sure that your Nashville custom home builder is licensed and insured. This will protect you in the off chance that something goes wrong during construction.

Can you provide me with references?

Ask the builder for contact information for previous clients so you can get their feedback. This is a great way to get a sense of the builder’s work and whether they are someone you would feel comfortable working with. Happy clients usually have no problem talking to potential customers!

What is your process for building a custom home?

Get a clear understanding of the custom home builder’s process from start to finish. This will help you know what to expect and when to expect it. You should have a dedicated project manager that can help you every step of the way. 

What is your budget range?

It’s important to be upfront about your budget with the builder. This will help them narrow down their options and give you a more accurate estimate. However, keep in mind that your final cost may change based on choices you make or change during construction. 

What are your standard features?

Most custom home builders in Nashville have a list of standard features that are included in their homes. This will help you know what to expect in terms of quality and finishes. Remember, you can always upgrade if you want something a little extra!

What is your timeline for construction?

Building a custom home can take anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the size and complexity of the project. Get a clear understanding of the builder’s timeline so you can plan accordingly. You may want to work with your realtor to plan the sale of your current home to coincide with the final walkthrough of your new home. 

How will we communicate?

It’s crucial that you have clear communication with your builder throughout the construction process. Ask how often they will update you on the progress of your home and how you can reach them if you have any questions.

What is your warranty?

Ask about the builder’s warranty! They should be happy to explain the terms of their guarantee for each phase or component of the project. 

Other Considerations

In addition to the questions listed above, here are a few other things to consider when interviewing a custom home builder:

• Ask for a portfolio of their work. This will give you a good idea of their style and quality of work.

• Get a feel for their personality. You will be working closely with your custom home builder for the duration of the project; find someone you feel comfortable with.

• Trust your gut. Most importantly, go with your gut. If it feels right, it probably is. The same as if something nags at you, telling you that the builder is the wrong builder for you.

Building a custom home is a big investment, but it can be a rewarding experience. By asking the right questions and doing your research, you can find the right builder to help you make your dream home a reality.

Providence Builder Group is a Nashville-based homebuilder and home renovation team that works closely with home and property owners wanting a truly customized space to call their own. From IFC construction to shipping container homes to historic home renovations, additions, and more, Providence Builder Group has the experience and expertise to complete projects of all sizes. The locally-owned company also offers custom, traditional homes and tornado shelters. Founded by Middle Tennessee native Will Barron, Providence Builder Group is the product of his dedication for his community and serves as a testament to what happens when hometown pride enters the construction industry.