Everything You Need to Know Before You Build

My husband and I built both of our homes and I loved every minute of it. I’m ready to do it again. But, building isn’t for everyone.

Building a home can be one of the most rewarding ways to create a space that's perfectly suited to your lifestyle and how your family lives. When we built our current house, I knew how I wanted the mudroom to connect both the front door and the garage. I knew I wanted a primary that felt like my own retreat. I knew I wanted a bonus room with 2 sets of stairs. I knew how our family lived and I knew what I wanted!

Whether you're dreaming of a custom year-round residence, a coastal retreat, or your forever home, building offers the opportunity to choose every detail from the floor plan to the finishes.

But building is also a major investment, and there are far more decisions involved than most people realize. My goal is to help you navigate the process with confidence, avoid costly surprises, and make smart decisions that protect both your investment and your future resale value.

Whether you're just beginning to explore the idea or you're ready to purchase land, this guide will walk you through what to expect.

Is Building Right for You?

Building isn't the right choice for everyone, but for many buyers, it's the best way to create a home that truly fits their needs.

Building may be right for you if you:

• Want a customized floor plan

• Can't find an existing home that checks all your boxes

• Plan to stay in the home for several years

• Want modern construction and energy efficiency

• Enjoy having input on finishes and design

• Have flexibility with your timeline

Buying an existing home may be the better option if you:

• Need to move quickly

• Prefer a fixed purchase price

• Don't want to make hundreds of design decisions

• Have limited flexibility in your budget or schedule

The Building Timeline

One of the biggest misconceptions about new construction is how long the process actually takes.

While every project is different, a typical timeline often includes:

• Finding the right lot

• Evaluating the property

• Designing your home

• Engineering and permitting

• Selecting a builder

• Financing

• Construction

• Landscaping and final inspections

From start to finish, many custom homes take approximately 12–24 months, depending on the location, complexity of the project, and builder availability.

Planning ahead makes all the difference!

Choosing the Right Lot

The lot you choose has a significant impact on both your budget and the home you can build.

Before purchasing land, together we will consider:

• Buildable area and setbacks

• Wetlands

• Shoreland zoning requirements

• Flood zones

• Soil conditions

• Septic suitability

• Well location

• Utility availability

• Tree clearing

• Rock ledge or blasting requirements

• Drainage

• Sun exposure

• Privacy

• Future resale appeal

A beautiful lot isn't always an easy lot to build on. Taking the time to evaluate these factors before making an offer can save thousands of dollars later.

Hidden Costs Many Buyers Don't Expect

The purchase price of the land is only one piece of the overall investment.

Additional costs may include:

• Site preparation

• Excavation

• Septic system

• Well installation

• Utility connections

• Tree removal

• Rock blasting

• Drainage solutions

• Driveway construction

• Landscaping

• Decks and patios

• Appliances

• Window treatments

• Permits and engineering

Understanding these expenses early allows you to create a realistic budget and avoid unexpected surprises during construction.

Choosing the Right Builder

Your builder will become one of the most important partners throughout the process.

When interviewing builders, consider asking:

• Can I tour recently completed homes?

• May I speak with past clients?

• How are change orders handled?

• Who will supervise the project?

• How often will I receive updates?

• What warranties are included?

• What is your current construction timeline?

The lowest bid isn't always the best value. Experience, communication, quality, and transparency often make a much bigger difference. I have worked with many builders and can help guide you towards a trusted partner.

Financing New Construction

Financing a new build differs from purchasing an existing home.

Depending on your project, financing may involve:

• Construction loans

• Construction-to-permanent loans

• Draw schedules

• Builder deposits

• Interest payments during construction

• Final appraisal upon completion

Working with lenders experienced in construction financing can make the process much smoother. I can help guide you to my trusted partners.

Designing with Resale in Mind

While it's important to build a home you love, it's also wise to consider future resale.

Features that often appeal to future buyers include:

• Functional floor plans

• Plenty of natural light

• First-floor primary suites

• Dedicated home offices

• Generous storage

• Mudrooms

• Outdoor living spaces

• Quality materials

• Timeless finishes

• Energy-efficient systems

Thoughtful design choices today can help protect your home's value for years to come.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Some of the most common mistakes I see include:

• Purchasing land before fully evaluating it

• Underestimating site costs

• Focusing only on construction pricing

• Making frequent design changes during the build

• Forgetting to budget for landscaping and exterior improvements

• Prioritizing trends over timeless design

• Choosing finishes without considering long-term maintenance

A little planning upfront can save both time and money later.

How I Help My Clients

Building a home is about much more than choosing a floor plan.

I help clients throughout every stage of the process by:

• Helping evaluate lots before purchase

• Connecting you with trusted local builders and professionals

• Reviewing comparable sales and future resale potential

• Helping create realistic budgets and expectations

• Providing guidance throughout construction

• Serving as your advocate from the first showing to move-in day

My goal is to help you make informed decisions so you can enjoy the building process and feel confident every step of the way. I also offer design consulting services to help make your process even smoother!

Thinking About Building?

If you're considering building a home anywhere along the Southern Maine Coast—including Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Wells, Ogunquit, York, Biddeford, Saco, or the surrounding communities—I would love to help you explore your options.

Whether you're looking for land, choosing between building and buying, or simply wondering where to begin, I'm always happy to answer questions and help you create a plan that fits your goals.

Let's build something you'll love coming home to.