Whether you grew up in Hunterdon County or find yourself in the fortunate position of having relocated to this northeastern gem, fewer communities have more to offer--from endless acres of wildlife ranges and parks to apple orchards, bountiful vineyards and nearby coastlines.
That said, the secret seems to be out, and while simply existing in the area has loads of benefits, choosing to build a custom home here can bring even greater satisfaction. So let's take a look at what you need to know before constructing your forever home in Hunterdon County, New Jersey.
A recent U.S. News article reporting livability variables all over the country rates Hunterdon County in the top percent of several significant categories, including resident health, education, economy, and public safety.
In fact, the area received an overall score of 81, beating the state average of 58.5 and national average of 47.4. Of course, these scores come as no surprise to locals, who have seen citizens flourish for decades--most public schools score 8 or higher on the GreatSchools scale, the majority of residents own a home, and Hunterdon County consistently ranks as one of the top three places to live in New Jersey.
If you step into a contemporary pre-built house, you'll seeing a builder's take on modern trends and conveniences. With a set number of floor plans and limited personalization, these houses represent simplicity and ease...but mostly for the builder.
When you choose to customize, on the other hand, you get a home that meets your needs on your terms with the design and amenities you value most. While a custom home can create more work for the buyer (and might take longer to build), the outcome is often more desirable and long-lasting.
[Related: New Construction Walk-Through [What You Need to Know Before Moving In]
Often an underestimated aspect of home building, the lot you choose has tremendous effect on many daily conveniences. For example, your home's proximity to major roads/highways can greatly affect mental health (lengthy commutes create stress and anxiety), and how the sun hits the windows can make or break an evening dinner party (large west-facing windows can be blinding and heat-inducing).
In addition, understanding the permitting process, sewer line locations, and other local particulars (like wildlife protections) is essential for a smooth home construction process. With the right builder, many of these factors take care of themselves.
A custom home is not a temporary dwelling but an investment that will add value to your life as you and your loved ones change and evolve. With the right partner by your side, all things are made easier and more accessible. So, when it comes to selecting a custom home builder, consider these factors:
Finally, check references. The best contractor will have good references from previous clients who hired that contractor to build their home. Check multiple references and ask questions such as:
Before building a home, sort out your priorities. What are your home building goals? When creating your list of must-haves, consider factors such as:
You've probably purchased a home in the past, and may have used traditional financing options to make your purchase. Financing for a plot of land and construction of a custom home can be very different.
Explore financing options early in the process to get a sense for the payment required. The more you know about your financing, the easier it will be to create a budget for the home building process.
For over 65 years, GTG Custom Home Builders has been creating custom homes for families in New Jersey. Contact us to find out more about how you can build your forever home in Hunterdon county.