Buying a house or having one built is a lifelong project. Its realization deserves all the necessary thought and a true personal commitment on your part. Where to build, which plan to choose, or even what style of house? Between emotion and reason, between dream and reality, avoid mistakes that could turn this adventure into a financial burden. Maisons Blanches offers you this guide to help you see things more clearly.

Define your project with the base: What use for my house?

The first question to ask yourself is why am I building this villa? Is it a main home, a secondary home for occasional use, or a house intended to accommodate tenants?

Adaptable or expandable spaces should also be planned to anticipate future needs, such as the arrival of children, for example. On the other hand, for a second home or rental, consider a configuration suitable for occasional stays.

Set a realistic budget: How much will it cost to build my house?

Budgeting is the cornerstone of any real estate project. Start by defining your project as precisely as possible based on your financial resources. To learn more, read our guide: How much does it cost to build your own house  ? Include the following in your considerations:

Basic costs

The costs and characteristics of your land (surface area, distance, relief, soil, weather, etc.). See our other guide on  How to find the perfect plot of land?

Construction costs (style, square footage, materials, labor) and finishes (tile, door handles) and customizations.

Please note that some connection work may be carried out by your municipality, and some of these, such as water treatment, may be eligible for tax relief.

A budget reserve for unforeseen events

Aside from all these costs, also keep a budget reserve for unforeseen expenses . This can cover modifications or adjustments during construction. Consult an expert to assess your borrowing capacity and establish a customized financing plan.

Choose the ideal location: Where should I build my house?

Choosing the ideal location for your build will allow you to focus your search on a more or less extensive area. Do some research on  land prices in the Var  or Bouches-du-Rhône departments, assess the distances from your workplace and major infrastructure such as schools, shopping areas, etc.

Don’t hesitate to do some reconnaissance and visit towns you’re not familiar with: you’ll be able to get a better idea of ​​the quality of life and the neighborhood. This will help you better assess the area’s potential for growth.

Find the land: An isolated plot or a subdivision to build on?

Once you have defined your budget and chosen an area, it is time to get down to business: choosing the  ideal plot of land to house your new home .

At this point, you probably have an idea of ​​the size of the plot you’re looking for: a large plot will require some maintenance, but allows you to plan space for a garden. Try to visualize what type of exterior you want, ask yourself if you want  a plot in a subdivision  or isolated, already serviced or connected.

If you’re having trouble finding or choosing land, builders can also offer it to you .

Design the house: What style of house suits me?

However, when choosing a house, it’s not all about money. Much more personal and subjective criteria can also come into play, and inevitably we come to wonder what style, architecture, or color would suit us best.