What you need to know when building a home

Building a home can be an exciting experience - but it can also be a little stressful. To make sure you are prepared for what to expect when you start building a home, take a look at these tips.

Know your budget: Things add up quickly when you're building a house. Make sure you know your budget and know what your estimate is from the contractor. Along the way, as issues arise and you start making changes to your plan, make sure you know how that affects your budget so you're not surprised by the final price tag.

Hire a good builder: Before you hire a builder make sure you do your research. Make sure the builder has a good reputation and try to get recommendations from people you know and trust. Once you hire a builder make sure you are alerting him to any flaws or issues you notice around the house.

Include energy-efficient elements: Work with your builder to make sure your home is as energy-efficient as possible. This will help keep your energy bills down, and can also help with your home's resale value down the line.

Don't over customize: When building your home, make sure it's a house that doesn't only appeal to you and your family. Adding too many unique features could hurt your resale potential if you ever decide you want to move.