If you’ve always wanted a custom-designed home, then there is no better time than the present to make your dream come true, especially in Dallas.  One of the benefits of this tough, economic market is that housing costs have dropped significantly, making it much more realistic for buyers to negotiate great deals with custom homebuilders.

It’s no secret that people are starting to move back to the city from their suburban enclaves.  With fluctuating gas prices and all of the economic uncertainty, residents of the Metroplex want to be assured that they’ll be in a good economic position to weather the current financial storm.  With job creation in Dallas at one of the highest rates in the nation, it makes sense to live close to where you work, cutting down on commuting time and transportation costs.

So if you’re currently living in one of the bedroom communities in the surrounding counties and are unhappy with the sprawl and congestion, think about trading in your current accommodations and investing in a custom designed home.  Just because the word “custom” is in the description, doesn’t mean that it is going to be out of your price range.  There are custom homebuilders who have the skill and expertise to take your needs, dreams and wish lists and turn them into an affordably priced, energy-efficient home that will suit you for many years to come.

Building a custom home in Dallas opens up exciting new possibilities for you.  For starters, you have total control over the location of your home, the overall design, the added extras and amenities, as well as all of the interior decorating, such as paint colors and flooring.   If you decide that your next home should be custom designed and built, then you and your family should be sitting down to brainstorm about what the most important features are in a new home.

Remember that your location is the most important decision that you’ll probably have to make, and most real estate professionals will stress that “location, location, location” should take precedence over everything else.  Where in Dallas do you want to live?  How close to downtown?  Is it important that you be near particular schools or medical centers?  Do you want to live close to work or is it better for you to be close to shopping?  And if you should ever want to sell your house, will someone else find the location as desirable as you do?  The bottom line is that the location of a home affects its value – especially when it becomes time to sell.

Your next step is deciding what type of house you’re interested in.  Do you want a ranch home, with everything on one floor, a traditional two-story colonial, or something that is a mix of modern architectural creativity with a contemporary flair?  Perhaps you just want a cozy bungalow with a hot tub.  Do you want an open floor plan, or a home with strictly defined spaces?  How many closets do you really need?  (Always plan one extra closet beyond what you think you need since there is never enough storage!)  What about windows, doors, skylights, and decks?  And don’t forget one of the most important rooms in the house – the bathroom.  How many will you require?

The kitchen is another area that can take on a whole new look when you work with a custom builder.  There are so many possibilities to consider with layout, storage and appliances.  Make your decisions carefully so you aren’t disappointed later on.

Once you figure out where you want to put up a custom home and some of the features that you’d like included, it’s time to choose a builder.   Dallas has several custom homebuilders and many of them have an online presence.  This can help you can get an idea about the types of homes they build and if they are in your price range.  (However, just remember that anything is negotiable!)

Choosing a custom builder is partially analytical and partially emotional. Ultimately, you have to go with someone you feel can do the job – on time and on budget, and with whom you have a rapport.   Fortunately, Dallasites have plenty of homebuilders from which to choose, all with stellar reputations and portfolios to match – all waiting to work with you.

Good luck!