So the reason you’re here is because you did it! You decided to make the move to the mountains. There’s so many things to look forward to when you move to the mountains like the weather, nature, a new level of relaxation, and many many more perks, but there’s also some decisions to make before you decide on your mountain home.
STEP 1: The first thing to think about is what you will be using your home for; full time residency or as a second home. If you’re planning on living in your new home full time, you will have to fill your needs based on everyday living and how many people you need to accommodate. If you’re planning on using your home as a secondary residence, vacation home, or even part time rental and part time family vacation home, you’re going to have to figure out what layout, style of home is going to work best for each scenario, and also how many people you need to accommodate.
STEP 2: As much as we all wish we could build the perfect home with no restraints or a budget, it is definitely a necessary part of the process. To start, the budget needs to include your lot, and your house. A stock house plan can be anywhere from $600 to $6,000, and then you have to configure the cost-to-build which is based on four variables:
Local labor cost
Local material supply (what is available)
Complexity of the design
Choices made for materials (granite vs. Formica, hardwood floors vs. carpet, metal roof vs. asphalt shingles, etc)
We have found one online estimator (free) that produces fairly reasonable guesstimates: www.building-cost.net. We also highly recommend speaking with a local builder because material and labor costs can vary dramatically from region to region. Once you figure out your budget for your new project, now to the fun part!
STEP 3: It’s time to decide what kind of mountain home you want. There’s so many types and styles of mountain homes out there, and there’s definitely something for everyone. There’s A Frames, cabins, cottages, craftsman style homes, farmhouses, lake houses, rustic homes, and something that’s getting really big, tiny homes! There are three factors in deciding the home you want and those are location, style, and function. For example if you’re building a mountain house on a lake there is going to be a certain type of home that fits your lot. Then there is deciding the style you like which is really based on personal preference. The last factor is function, and that is getting into details like do you need a mud room? Where would it make most sense for the bedrooms to be located? The kitchen? Your lifestyle is going to determine the floor plan that best fits your wants and needs for your new home.
Once you figure out the logistics of how to get started on your new mountain home, I think you’ll find that making the move to the mountains might be the best move you make! I know building a home can be an overwhelming process, but we’re here to help. Feel free to call or email us with any additional questions you might have.
Reilly Evans
info@mountainhouseplans.com