Building a custom home can be better than buying a home that’s already been constructed for a number of reasons. These include creating the exact kind of home that you want, no matter how unique it may be. That said, it’s important that you know how to do it right so that you won’t waste your personal finance working on a home construction the wrong way as it can be quite costly. Here are some of the main things that you need to keep in mind before you build a custom home in Florida.

1. What Are Some of the Custom Home Building Styles?

To start with, while you should have a vision of your ideal home design, it’s important to reference the custom home building styles in the area. This is not meant to limit your creativity, but to help you achieve a home that’s structurally sound. That’s because there are a few designs in any given area that have been tried and found to be the most functional options based on the climate and other specifics of the environment. You should also keep in mind that Florida is one of the states that has some of the nation’s toughest building codes. This is important for safety when you think about how volatile the climate in Florida can sometimes be.

2. What Are Your Future Plans?

Next, when coming up with a plan for your dream home, keep in mind that this is a sizable investment that will cost you considerable time and money. That said, you don’t want to keep remodeling your home and making renovations as your needs in a home change. For this reason, think about the future and design for it.

For example, if you don’t have children but plan on having them at some point in the future, think about adding more bedrooms and increasing the sizes of common spaces. Talk to the relevant professionals about this and do some research as well. In this process, you may come across facts such as that buildings have to meet certain requirements before they’re granted a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, otherwise known as a LEED Certification. These include low-admitting adhesives, composite materials, and paints.

3. What’s Your Budget?

One of the most important considerations that you need to make before you start building a house is in terms of your personal finance. You should know how much you can reasonably spend on this project so that you don’t end up out of money halfway through the process. While coming up with a budget, remember to include the cost of paying various professionals and getting permits. As far as the labor goes, you may have an easier time putting the costs together when you hire a design-build firm. These are firms that have a team of experts who take care of all the details of a home project from the top to the bottom.

4. What’s the Best Time to Build?

Last but not least, it’s important for you to know the best time to get started on your home construction project. That’s because, while the climate in Florida is mild all through the year, you should think about a number of details on your end. These include waiting for the delivery of special materials you intend to use, or certain preparations are made. Take note of holidays and things like these so that you can have a good idea of the length of time that the project is likely to take.

When you learn these details before you build a custom home in Florida, you’re more likely to have a favorable experience. You could also avoid various issues and hurdles while you learn many important things. Remember that one of the most important things you may have to do is find the right professionals.

Most of us associate estate planning with mansions, art, antiques, stock portfolios, or other pricey possessions like yachts, cars, and fine jewelry that high-net-worth individuals leave behind after they die. That’s why not many people think about estate planning. Instead, we devote more time to planning vacations, buying the latest cars, and choosing the best restaurants for dinner. The truth is estate planning isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy or the older folks. Regardless of financial status or age, everyone can benefit from an estate plan.

With a reliable real estate agent, you can comfortably invest in estate planning early as part of your personal finance project. According to the National Association of Realtors, over 86% of buyers say they found their real estate agent to be a valuable source of information. Therefore, with some good strategy and with the correct information, you can invest like the wealthy and reap the benefits in the long term.

Saves Time and Money

When you die without leaving a will behind, it means you died intestate, which means the laws of your state determine what happens to your assets. The court will find a representative to distribute your assets. In most cases, the surviving spouse is given the task. If you don’t have a spouse or anyone willing to take up the job, the court will name a public trustee to distribute the assets according to the state laws.

No one is allowed to touch your assets when all this is going on. Everything is frozen until the court system finalizes every detail of the estate. The process can be time-consuming and may take months or years, especially in big cities. Estate planning ensures that your beneficiaries easily access their share of the assets.

Protects Beneficiaries

Sometimes death comes abruptly, and you have no time to make decisions. Estate planning is one of the best ways to ensure your beneficiaries are safe if you pass away suddenly. There are so many terminal diseases today, many of which people don’t know about. For instance, according to the CDC, one in 10 people who get Legionnaires’ disease are likely to die from complications of the disease.

Even if you have few beneficiaries and many assets, if you don’t decide who gets what when you pass away, you won’t have control over what happens to it. As the owner and breadwinner, you know better who deserves what based on how responsible they’re.

Helps You Avoid Big Taxes

Estate planning allows you to protect your beneficiaries from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). When assets are transferred to heirs, you relieve them from the heavy tax burden. A bit of estate planning can help couples to decrease a significant or even all of their federal and state taxes and state inheritance taxes. There also exist ways beneficiaries can reduce the income tax they have to pay. It’s critical to know that the IRS taxes cryptocurrencies as an asset and subjects them to short- or long-term capital gains. According to Investopedia, the open-source code that powers Bitcoin and other 6,000 cryptocurrencies is known as blockchain.

Protects Young Children

Nobody plans or ever thinks of dying young, but it happens. If you’re a parent of small children, you must prepare for the unthinkable, and that’s where your estate planning will come in. The best thing you can do for your young ones is to ensure they’re cared for in a manner you approve. You will want to name their guardians in case both parents die before the children turn 18. This ensures that the court doesn’t just appoint anyone to decide who will raise your children.

We’ve all heard horror stories where families go to war to acquire the property of the deceased. Some siblings feel they deserve more than others, while others feel they should be in charge of certain things. Estate planning is the best way to ensure there is peace and that everyone is satisfied.

Considering the financial implication, the prospect of installing a new roof can be unsettling. However, the benefits will make the initial cost worth every penny. Here’s how a new roof can have a positive impact on your personal finance.

1. Improved Energy Efficiency

Like most things, roof installation technology only gets better with time. Even if your older roof isn’t leaking water, it can leak air and be ineffective at reflecting heat away from the home. In fact, old shingles tend to absorb heat, allowing it to enter your home.

New roofs are affordable because most modern shingle solutions repel heat more effectively, reducing your reliance on your HVAC system. You can pick a lighter, more energy-efficient color that absorbs less sun rays. With lower monthly energy bills, your new roof will partially pay for itself.

2. Superior Curb Appeal

You probably don’t spend much time admiring your roof. Yet, one of the most noticeable parts of your home is your roof, making up a large part of its exterior. A new roof improves curb appeal and is available in various materials and hues to complement the design of your house and neighborhood. It can also boost your property’s value. In fact, according to Fitz Roofing, you can expect a 68.2% ROI from an asphalt roof replacement.

3. Prevent Health Risks

Roofs shield us from the elements by keeping them outside, where they belong. Leaks build up over time and aren’t always apparent, creating a damp environment that favors mildew and mold growth. Even in people who’ve never had allergies or asthma, exposure to mold and mildew can have a negative effect on their health. A new roof guarantees a dry atmosphere free from the hazards posed by moisture.

4. Homeowners Insurance Savings

Your property is more likely to sustain damage during extreme weather events if your roof is outdated or doesn’t meet current codes and standards. For this reason, your insurance provider could raise your homeowner’s insurance rates. Replacing your roof can allow you to qualify for reduced rates.

A new roof also offers improved moisture protection. Modern underlayment does a great job of protecting the wood underneath your shingles. This added layer of protection can reduce the cost of your homeowner’s insurance.

5. Guarantees and Warranties

Working with a reputable, high-quality roofing contractor on a new roof project has numerous benefits, including that a good business will stand behind its work. They do this through warranties, which frequently cover labor and materials costs. While it’s rare that anything will go wrong with a new roof, you’ll be protected by these warranties for any necessary repairs or replacement if it does. With around 129,000 roofers operating in America, according to the Bureau of Labor of Statistics, you’ll have no problem finding one for your home.

6. Peace of Mind

This one may be a reach, but don’t overlook the value of having peace of mind and trusting your roof will hold up when bad weather strikes. When properly placed, a new roof should be able to withstand inclement weather, allowing you to relax knowing your home is protected. You can definitely put a price on your peace of mind, particularly when it comes to specific features of your home.

7. Enhanced Safety

Roofs are made to do more than merely keep water away. They shield your home and you from strong winds and falling objects. Your roof’s structure deteriorates with time.

Getting a roof replacement will strengthen your home’s structural integrity, lowering the possibility of a collapse. This is because modern roofs have improved features. For example, stone-coated steel roofing has a Class 4 hail impact protection and Class A fire rating, is 100% recyclable, and weighs just 1.4 lbs per square foot, according to Cal-Vintage Roofing. If you reside in an area where severe weather is a regular occurrence, it’s especially important to keep an eye on the condition of your roof.

Don’t shy away from installing a new roof due to the cost. Once you start reaping the benefits, which is almost immediately, you’ll be happy you made the investment.