David Simonini on the Ins and Outs of Custom Home Construction

In Las Vegas, home buyers have many different options to satisfy their housing needs. Las Vegas is one of the most versatile regions when it comes to housing, featuring everything from apartments to custom homes to high-rise condos. Luxury homes have continued to sell well in the Las Vegas area, providing homeowners with distinctive residences that match their personal style. In 2017, custom home permits increased 26 percent over 2016. David Simonini of the Simonini Group believes there are a few key factors to consider which will help Las Vegas Patch readers understand the process of building a custom home.

Decide What You Want

This may sound obvious, but the first step should be developing a clear and thorough picture of exactly how you would like your completed house to look. With your budget in mind, make lists of elements you want to have in your home. Take this list to your architect and have them incorporate your wish list into your plan. You can also make your own drawings and list the items you need. It’s important to create this type of list before you begin construction, as costs and delays often accompany last-minute additions.

Buy the Right Land

You will need to buy a plot of land for your new home. Make sure that it is fully equipped with electric, gas, and cable or internet services. Look into the local infrastructure, including schools, neighborhood activities, and any possible problems that might happen. For example, locating near a noisy casino may not be the best place for you if you have small children. Do as much research as you can into the soil and water, and make sure that your home is protected from natural disasters. You should also pay careful attention to any zoning regulations that may impact your family. For example, you would need to avoid building a ranch in areas that aren’t zoned for horses.

Work with Your Architect and Builder

When you find an architect and builder, keep up communications with both of them. Make sure they talk to each other as well. You should be able to keep on top of any difficulties that happen during the home building process and minimize unpleasant surprises.

Your architect and builder will customize your home however you like. From layout to environmental concerns, it is all about your own individual needs. Custom home builders have a great deal of experience in building the perfect home for discerning families. David Simonini explains that he often spent a great deal of time going over the finer points of a design with a customer, but this is the level of involvement that should be expected from any architect or builder worth hiring. With an investment of this size, you should always feel free to advocate for yourself.

Environmental Friendliness

A new home can easily be built to take advantage of such environmentally friendly options as geothermal heating and solar energy. Solar is especially important in the Las Vegas market, where there are many demands on the electrical system due to heat and 24/7 energy consumption. Solar panels also come with Nevada tax credits and rebates from energy companies.

Arrange for Services

When you are building a new custom home, you will need to make sure that your insurance, permits, and inspections are taken care of. Some of these tasks fall to the builder, but as the homeowner, you have the ultimate responsibility. Make sure that all of the payments are made on time. Stay in close contact with the city permitting office and ensure that all of your paperwork is correct. Permitting problems are a leading cause of difficulty with building a custom home.

Final Steps

After your home is complete, you will need to clean up the site and make it ready to move in. Hire a landscape architect to make the outside of your home as beautiful as the inside. Before you move in, it is likely that you will want to confer with an interior designer as well. You can combine your existing furniture with new pieces bought especially for your new home. Your interior designer will help your home feel fresh and updated without being too trendy.

Moving In

When you are finished creating your perfect custom home, you will have a long-lasting sense of satisfaction. A home is the most important investment most people will ever make.