How to Build a Bungalow

You’ve selected a bungalow house plan and you’re ready to build. How do you know what to do next? The building process can seem complicated and overwhelming to the novice, but if you follow these easy steps for getting started, you’ll have a great foundation for your project. Here’s what to consider when it’s time to build a bungalow.

Make sure the plan you have fits onto your lot, or vice versa. Building lots often have easements or boundaries other than your property lines where you are not permitted to build. You want to make sure that your plan fits within these lines, or else you’ll have to modify it or find another plan or lot to build on.

Make sure your building lot is suitable in other ways. If you need a septic system, does the lot “perc”, or drain properly to allow the installation of such a system? If you need a well, you are required to test the land for compatibility? Will you need to have the water tested before you can build? Check with the locality to see if any of these conditions apply to you before you’ll be able to obtain a building permit.

Order a review set of plans and have a local architect or building inspector look at them. The task of making sure that a plan meets or exceeds building codes for your locality should ideally be completed before you purchase a full set of plans. If the plan needs minor modifications, you can request the changes when you order a building set, or you can take the plans to a local architect for compliance.

If you are hiring a contractor to build your bungalow, do your research. Ask for references and then use them to check on the reputation of the contractor. If possible, ask for addresses of previous structures that the contractor worked on, then drive by to see how well-built they seem to be. (Do not knock on the door unless the homeowner offered himself as a reference to the builder ahead of time). When you find a contractor that seems to be a good fit, don’t be afraid to ask for everything in writing, and keep careful notes of every verbal or written transaction that you have which will affect the building project.

If you choose to act as your own contractor, follow the same rules when looking for subcontractors. Ask for references and check them out. They’re useless if you don’t follow through! Be wary of contractors that don’t work with both builders and homeowners. If they don’t have experience with new construction, it may be a red flag. If they do all of their work with builders, your job may be pushed to the bottom of the pile if they get behind, as they make most of their money by maintaining a good relationship with contractors.

If you plan to do most of the work on your home yourself, there’s one job that you should always pay a professional for: the foundation. If you make a mistake on the foundation of your home, you will lose thousands of dollars trying to fix it. If you only subcontract one part of the job to someone else, let this be the one.

Begin your bungalow building project with these guidelines in mind and you’ll have the best possible start to creating the home of your dreams!