As a Lake Tahoe Realtor who specializes in new construction and luxury homes for sale in Lake Tahoe, I have worked with some of the best local contractors on the building process. There are a lot of buyers who look to buy land in which to build their dream Lake Tahoe home, but underestimate the process. While this is a great way to ensure you get the home you want, it is imperative that you work with a Lake Tahoe Realtor who is well versed in this process. Buying land and building is different here compared to most other residential places. In fact, there are so many nuances that go beyond a simple trip to the city to get permits, it can be overwhelming for the first timer. From the TRPA to designing, the costs can add up. While designing and constructing your Lake Tahoe real estate is worth it in the end, there are a few tips to keep in mind when building so you can try and save as much money as possible.
- Plan everything out a head of time so you can avoid change orders. When you deviate from the plan, it can add to the overall cost of Lake Tahoe real estate. While some things cannot be controlled, know ahead of time what type of flooring, finishes and paint, doors, windows, etc. you want and need. When you change your mind mid construction, not only can it potentially cost you more than your original pick, but waiting on the new products to arrive can hold up the timeline. Time is money which can result in more accrued fees from your contractor.
- Price out every single item before you get started. From the amount of nails you will need to the window trim to the flooring down to the last inch. When you know how much you will be spending on supplies, you won’t exceed your budget, which ensures you get the Lake Tahoe Home you wanted.
- Not everyone has the ability to be a contractor. Some don’t have the interest or the time. If you do, though, you can get a little more hands on with the process and save yourself some cash. Please note, if it will impair the overall quality of your Lake Tahoe Home, let the pros handle it. This should be for folks who know their way around a set of tools and are genuinely interested in the home construction process. If not, your Lake Tahoe Realtor should have recommendations on the best contractors and vendors in town.
- Foundation is one of the most expensive parts of building Lake Tahoe real estate. When you build up instead of out, you can get the same square footage in a two story and save money. When you are looking at land with your Lake Tahoe Realtor, find out what type of coverage is available and consider that when thinking about the style and size of your future property.
For more information on the building process, buying new construction, buying land or general Lake Tahoe real estate stats, feel free to give me a call. I would be happy to help!
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