5 Critical Mistakes To Avoid When Building A New House
In this blog post, I’ll share the biggest mistakes to avoid when building a new house.
At the time I’m writing this, there’s a serious shortage of existing homes for sale in the U.S.
So a lot of buyers are looking at the option to build a new house. That’s what we did, and while the process was exciting…it was also a little bit scary!
Now that we’ve closed and moved into our new build, I thought it would be a good time to share some
Building a new house is a significant investment of time, money, and effort. It’s a dream come true for many people, but it can quickly turn into a nightmare if mistakes are made during the construction process.
Here are the top 5 mistakes to avoid when building a new house:
Poor planning
One of the biggest mistakes people make when building a new house is not having a solid plan in place.
It’s essential to work with an experienced architect or builder and make sure there’s a detailed plan that includes every aspect of the construction process, from the foundation to the roof.
If you’re working with a custom builder, there will be more loose ends to tie together to ensure there is a solid plan in place and that everyone from the architect to the tradesmen know what to do.
Since this was the first time we were buying a new build, we chose to go the developer route and bought a home that was already in the planning process of being built. This saved a TON of time, money and stress that starting from scratch with nothing but a plot of land would have cost us.
Next time we’ll be starting from scratch and hire a custom builder. But this is why it’s so important to really plan which direction you want to take when building a new home.
Ignoring the location
Location, location, location! It’s what realtors always say, and failing to think of how location impacts your house in the short & long term is one of the biggest mistakes you could make when building your home.
Make sure to consider important factors such as schools, hospitals, shopping centers, your workplace (if you commute) and other amenities.
But also think about what the neighborhood and area could be like 5, 10, 15 years from now. Your future self will be glad you took it into consideration.
And if you plan on ever selling your home, you’ll be glad you considered how the area was developing and if future buyers would like the location.
Choosing the perfect countertop can be fun…but it could also end up sending you over budget.
Overspending on finishes & fixtures
Building a new house can quickly become an expensive affair if you don’t keep a close eye on your budget. It’s essential to have a realistic budget in place and stick to it throughout the entire construction process.
One area where you can easily go over budget is in selecting all of the finishes and fixtures for your new home. Save your money to invest in only the best upgrades for a new build.
Keep in mind that builders usually have a set allowance in the overall budget for everything, including flooring, hardware, backsplash, countertops, tiling, and hardware.
Builders are notorious for choosing the cheapest options and giving you a small (and sometimes unrealistic) allowance for selections.
Ignoring or skimping on energy efficiency
Energy-efficient features are becoming more common in new build homes. Insulated windows, energy-efficient appliances, and LED lighting are
Yes, these types of features can be more costly upfront. But these are actually a wise investment that can save you a significant amount of money on your energy bills over time.
And if you’re planning on selling within the next 5-10 years, incorporating energy-efficient features into your home will actually be a good selling point for future buyers.
I visited the site of our new build almost everyday!
Choosing the wrong contractors in order to save time or money
I get it – when you’re building a new house, you want it done fast and you want it done for as little money as possible!
But don’t make the mistake of choosing contractors because they promise to get it done fast or for less money. Building a new house takes time, so it’s important not to rush the process.
VET YOUR CONTRACTORS! Look up their reviews. Ask friends and family if the builder has a good reputation for quality work.
Once you’ve found a builder you can trust, visit the build site often during the process if you can. There’s a lot of things happening at once, and even the best project manager can miss something. Take the time to ensure that everything is done correctly and to your satisfaction.
Rushing the build process can result in shoddy workmanship and costly mistakes that will haunt you for years.
Building a new house can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it could also end up costing you precious time or money if it isn’t done strategically.
By taking the time to plan carefully, consider your location, stick to your budget, incorporate energy-efficient features, and thoroughly vet your contractors, you can ensure that your new house is everything you have dreamed of and more.