If you're in the market for a house in Hawaii, building a custom home is an attractive option because local homes come with a hefty price tag. For example, on the Big Island, the median sale price near the end of last year was $358,000, and on Oahu, it crossed the $800,000 threshold. If you plan on investing that heavily, make sure you get exactly what you want from the site and floor plan. Buying land and building in Hawaii may be more complicated than on the mainland, but once you find a lot you like, the right building contractor can begin constructing your dream home.

How to Build Your Hawaii Dream Home

1. Buy Land

Space is limited in Hawaii. Only a small fraction of the land is earmarked for building, and a tinier portion is zoned for residences. You may have to tear down an existing building, and your plans will be affected by the sizes and building requirements of existing lots.

2. Create Plans

As you create your design plan, consult a professional building contractor to avoid making rookie mistakes. Keep your budget top of mind during your design; new home construction may cost up to $150 per square foot in Hawaii.

3. Construct

Construction schedules in Hawaii can be slow, and you should expect to spend about 18 months on building your custom home. If you're starting with an undeveloped plot which has never been built on, you'll need a developer to put in water, electric, and sewer or septic systems, so factor in extra time.

4. Make a Punchlist of Changes

When your home is close to finished and interior fixtures and design features have been added, you'll have a chance to walk through with your contractor and note any final details which need to be completed. If you've been watching from out of state, now's the time to visit the property and point out any problems which need fixing.

5. Get Final Approval

Once the contractor has gone through your requests, and you've given your approval, you’re ready to move into your tropical paradise. Now is the time to focus on gorgeous landscaping and interior design while you get used to life in the islands.

If you're interested in building a custom home on the Big Island, contact Carlson Homes in Hilo, HI. With almost 25 years of experience with creating a wide range of homes from small and practical to grand and luxurious, their team of professionals will create a beautiful, reliable construction plan and design. These home builders also assist with all steps of the process, including lot selection, landscaping, and interior design. Call (808) 933-3077 to start your project or send a message online to schedule a consultation.