If you are about to take on the journey of building a new custom home, we want you to go into this decision with your eyes wide open. The payoff at the end of this road is amazing. You get the keys put in your hand and you walk through the door of your completed home for the first time and a massive weight is lifted off your shoulders. This is it… your home, your design.
The days leading up to that moment can be stressful, however, but there are ways to eliminate some of that stress. First and foremost, consider using a residential construction project manager or consultant to help you along the way. Their experience is worth every penny, especially if you are having a unique custom build done. Second, just be mentally ready for this process, which is the aspect of the build we are going to cover here today.
Decision Fatigue
This is exactly what it sounds like, unfortunately. The decision-making, especially early on, can be overwhelming. Your project manager can help, but many of these early decisions are yours alone to make, so do not get frustrated when that phone is ringing off the hook or what seems like endless meetings being scheduled. Flip the script and take solace in the fact that these meetings and decisions are happening to make your dream come true.
Timeline Awareness
Every project starts with an “ideal” timeline, but that is not often a reality. I can count on one hand how many people I know that had their keys in hand on the original date promised. The reality of home building is that there are so many influencing factors, something is bound to set the build back, even if it is just a few days. The three biggest concerns are weather, supply chain, and labor.
Watch the Builder Shortcuts
You would think when you are paying big bucks for a custom home, the builder would avoid shortcuts, but their workers are human and some humans will always look for the quick way out. As the project progresses, keep an eye out for shortcuts that may be made to shave a few extra bucks off on the builder’s end to increase profits. I actually have a friend who just had a $1.2 million custom build that ended up in litigation because the builder took several shortcuts. This is far more common than you would think, but you are going to need a good eye to spot them.
Prepare for Extra Costs
The nature of the beast, especially now, means that you may end up spending a few more dollars than you had originally planned. This could be for an added upgrade or perhaps something is in the home that when you see it, you just do not like it and it needs to be changed. Go into this with an additional “kitty” that can be used for these unexpected costs.
Visualize
Before the first shovel hits the dirt, visualize your home from top to bottom. Imagine walking through the entry or taking the laundry basket from the bedroom all the way down the basement. Figure out what you like and what you do not like before the plans are finalized so you can make those adjustments at a minimal cost. Once the build is done and you realize that the laundry room is on the other side of the house, it does you no good.
Need more help on your custom home-building project? Give Better Build Now a call today at 888-402-4180 for your free consultation today!