Hawaii is one of the most desirable—and most expensive—places to live in the US, but people just keep moving here and building. Because there isn’t as much land as Texas or California, it’s vital to make sure that wherever you build, you do it correctly.
You may consider just buying an existing home. But when you build a home, you’ll be able to incorporate all of the design elements you want, and that’s right for you and your family.
Consider The Land
Even though Maui—and the entire state of Hawaii—is a great place to build, the land where you plan to build will dictate the direction.
If you’ve found land anywhere in Hawaii at a “good price,” there’s a good chance it’s also in what’s called a “Lava Zone”—an area where a volcano could erupt again at any time.
The different Islands have building codes to follow that are designed for both safe structures and to work with the ancient lands to protect them. Your architect and builder can explain them to you when you sit down to discuss your plans.
Make Sure Your Budget Fits Your Home
Of course, one of the first things you’ll need is a firm budget. Houses here are smaller than they are on the Mainland and cost more per square foot. All construction materials are shipped from the US Mainland. Generally, building a home anywhere in Hawaii will run an estimated $250 to $780 per square foot.
No matter what your budget, there is a limit to it. You’ll likely need to make some compromises on everything you want in order to keep it within the budget’s parameters. An architect can not only design your home for you but also help you decide on a reasonable budget to make the home a reality.
The Planning Stage And Long-Term Planning
Think about how long you plan to live in the home, and your long-term goals for living there. Ask yourself questions like:
- Do you have young children, or are you planning to have them after you move in?
- Do you have children that will be leaving soon, and want to downsize when they leave?
- Do you have an aging parent that will be living with you?
- Are you considering an ohana—a “mother-in-law” cottage—along with your house for that relative, or as a guest house for visitors?
- Is aging-in-place a future consideration for this home?
These are some of the things to discuss with your architect when you’re ready to design your Hawaii home.
Don’t rush through the planning stage, as it can lead to expensive mistakes down the road.
Design Choices
This is a stage you don’t want to rush, either, or you may dislike the house when you move in and live there. It’s better to make those changes in the design stage, since changes, once the house is being built, will be more expensive and difficult.
Choosing furniture, paint, and other design choices is enjoyable but it’s also important to make sure the house is livable, workable, and flows easily. Elements like:
- Functional lighting, including windows
- The right appliances for your kitchen’s build
- Sufficient storage space (closets, cabinets, etc.)
- Bathroom availability, especially if you’re building a house with a second story
- Placement of kitchen, bedrooms, laundry room, etc.
An architect or designer works with you to design a space that works for your family.
Pro Draft
After you’ve decided to make Maui your home, it’s time to build the place you want to call home.
When you’re ready to begin building or renovating a house or commercial property, Pro Draft is ready to help with architecture, drawings, blueprints, permits, and to answer all of your questions before the first day of construction. We’re happy to help and will work to ensure your project is exactly the way you envision.
Call Pro Draft today at (808) 579-9050 or 1-800-499-4699 from the Mainland