How to Build a House in Vermont

Vermont is a state packed with breathtaking natural beauty, scenic mountains, and some of the best skiing in the county. The Green Mountain State is also known for its more than 100 wooden covered bridges that are scattered across the state, as well as small farms and local artisans that make rural and urban living a delight. It’s even ranked 11th in the U.S. News’ 2021 List of Best States! Read on for everything you need to know about building a house in Vermont. 

Climate Considerations

Vermont is a northern state, so get ready for snow – and plenty of it! You can expect rather cool weather with snowfall starting in October and lasting well into April when temperatures begin to warm up. The warmest months occur between May and September. When building your house, it’s best to talk with your builder to learn how the weather affects the building process and if it could potentially delay construction at any point.

There are six geographic regions in Vermont, each presenting its own beauties and challenges. They are the Northeast Highlands, Western New England Upland, Green Mountains, Vermont Valley, Taconic Mountains, and the Champlain Valley. The Northeast Highlands are characterized by beautiful granite mountains and flowing streams. On the other hand, the Champlain Valley – appropriately named after Lake Champlain – is where you will find fields of corn, fertile farmland, and even Vermont’s biggest city – Burlington. Talk to your builder about the region you choose so you know what to expect.

Counting the Costs

Building a house comes with hefty costs. To avoid surprises, you may want to examine the costs you incur during the homebuilding process in Vermont.

Custom vs. Production Homes

On a large scale, lots of love goes into the building of every house. However, a custom home will break the bank faster than a production home. Also, choosing every detail of your home demands more time and effort. But if you’re searching for a house that is unique to you, then a custom home build is the way to go! Production homes are a bit simpler but still give you that amazing new home feel. They are preselected, meaning you still get to choose but the options are already laid out for you, taking away all the hassle of selecting every detail of the home.

Materials and Labor

Materials and Labor are a large part of construction costs. The costs of construction materials in Vermont have been rising but it’s all about timing and how the economy is doing at that specific moment. Labor will be a large part of the cost, and labor shortages may affect this. It’s important to be transparent with your builder and talk about these things before the building process starts. 

Location

The place where your new home will be is also important. Vermont has so many lovely scenic places you’ll have no shortage of beautiful lots. However, the location can impact the price you pay.

Timeline for Construction

Construction can be a lengthy process, but here are some tips to help you get through the process.

Buying a Lot

Some lots are easier for builders than others. If you buy a home in the more mountainous regions than in the flatter farmland regions, it will take much longer to clear your lot. This is because the ground will need to be leveled and prepared. These extra steps consume time and drive up costs. So, if you don’t want a big chunk of your budget going towards lot clearing, you should check out precleared lots.

Hiring a Builder

Finding a builder that you trust is essential. There are plenty of ways to find builders, but if you are looking for reviews you trust from real people check out TrustBuilder. You will find honest, independent, and credible reviews from homebuilders across the country from buyers just like you.

Permits and Paperwork

To build a house in Vermont, you will need to complete certain paperwork before any construction can begin. Your city will have its own regulations and precautions but in general, you will need to complete a Vermont Building Application before the process can start. The cost of this application is $200 per living unit for the construction of a new single-family house. 

Helpful Tips for Building a House in Vermont

Closing Cost Incentive

Don’t let closing costs sneak up on you in a new build. Vermont offers several closing costs incentives so take advantage of these opportunities.

Finding the Place You Love

Luckily, there are plenty of affordable cities in Vermont where you can choose to build the home of your dreams at a price you love. Apart from price, Vermont offers many safe cities for all walks of life, including retirees or those purchasing their first home.

More Tips on Homebuilding in Vermont

Remember to look at the shape of your driveway. Long lots may require more materials and labor. For instance, grading the lot for a long cement driveway will lead to higher costs. Another tip: Vermont can have more than its share of inclement weather, so you will need to set aside extra cash for weatherproofing.

Build Your Vermont Home

Vermont is a beautiful place to build your new home. So, remember these tips and take the homebuilding process by storm. You deserve to live in a house you love and designed from your heart.