When you’re building your dream home, you have the opportunity to customize every detail to make it completely your own. Learn more and get inspiration on how you can tailor different aspects to fit your needs and your personal style.

There are many reasons people choose to build their homes instead of buying. Sometimes, they build their own home because they can't find one that is just right for them. For example, they want to avoid compromising on a specific feature or layout, they want a non-traditional home, or they want to involve an architect to design the home of their dreams. 

If you’re thinking up an updated kitchen that’s perfect for entertaining or you're creating your ideal walk-in closet, make sure to include how your spending can keep your home project on track and within your budget. Here are financial factors to consider and real dream homes to inspire you during your planning process.

Plan for nuanced costs

When you buy a house, there are a variety of planned expenses, like your down payment or closing fees. When you’re building a home, your expenses (both planned and unplanned) look a little different. Not only are you covering traditional costs like property tax and insurance, you’re also paying for building materials, new appliances and labor. Keep a close eye on the costs of each element so you’re not surprised when it’s time to make payments. It’s also a good idea to set aside money for any issues that arise during the building process (or demolition if you are completely remodeling a home).

Loans might look different

You’ll most likely need a mortgage to finance your dream home. When you build a house, you’ll take out a construction mortgage, or a self-build loan. Sometimes these loans have higher interest rates than a traditional mortgage, and require more work to secure. Be prepared to come with a construction timeline, estimate of costs and details about the house itself. The more detailed your plan is, the more likely you are to get a loan that works well for you. Connect with a U.S. Bank loan officer to learn more about construction mortgages.

Dream big and get inspired

When it comes to thinking about your dream home, it’s fun to think big and feel inspired. Here are just a few of the unique features you can add to your dream home!

• Home gym: Adding space for a gym means you don’t have to carve out space for fitness equipment elsewhere in your home. Whether you just need a space large enough for a treadmill and stationary bike, or you want to add specialty flooring and mirrors to create a yoga studio, the options are endless. 
• In-home office: If you’re working from home, a room specifically designed as an office can make a big difference in your productivity and comfort. You can keep it as simple as adding extra outlets for all your tech needs, or go big by adding features like smart lighting, temperature control or soundproof insulation for those hours of calls. 
• Study area: Creating space for at-home learning can make life a bit easier for you and your family. If you have young children, incorporating fun paint colors and classroom furniture may make your home feel more like a learning environment and promote focus. If older children are participating in at-home learning, a space equipped with smart technology-equipped tools and plenty of room to store study materials is also an option.
• Shed: Decked out sheds are a popular feature in new homes. If you need a separate place to work on hobbies (or just somewhere to relax without distractions), a backyard shed can be a great and private addition to your dream home. Think about a shed as an opportunity to give your kids their own creative space, too.
• Porch: Want to do more outdoor entertaining without being reliant on the weather? A screened-in or three-season porch with plenty of space for entertaining is a wonderful asset to any home (especially in a warm climate!). Porches are especially customizable—you can add automatic blinds, sliding windows or doors, make it two stories and add extras like heat lamps, innovative lighting, fans and more.
• Pool: Make your home feel like a relaxing getaway by building a backyard pool. Whether you choose an in-ground or above-ground design, this can become your go-to place to staycation. Adding a fire pit and lounge chairs will make your space feel like a true retreat and the perfect space for entertaining. An outdoor pool is a fun activity for all ages to enjoy, during warm weather and summer months.

Want to learn more about what it takes to build your dream home? Watch this video to uncover the cost of building a home.