Building a custom home is a great experience and one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. However, this is a process that can be stressful as well. There are a lot of decisions that go into this process, including square footage, layout, lighting, and design choices. There are several common mistakes that people make when building a custom home. Avoiding these issues can help you achieve the perfect home for you and your family.
Mistake: Not Budgeting Ahead of Time
Before you start to look at home sites or work with a builder, make sure that you know what your budget is. You don’t want to go over your budget, as this will impact your finances for years or even decades to come. You can also be preapproved by a lender so you know what your mortgage amount can comfortably be. A lot of lenders will approve you for an amount that is quite high and prevents you from living comfortably in other areas of your life. Determine your budget yourself, working with that number moving forward.
Mistake: Not Planning Enough
A lot of people dream of building their own custom home. When the opportunity arises, they jump on it. However, it may not be the right time for you to do so. You may be signing up to work with a custom builder that doesn’t provide you with the quality of services you deserve. Take plenty of time to look at the different options you have regarding builders, locations, floor layouts, and pricing. If the amount of research and planning you need to do means you wait another year or two before building, then that’s what you need to do.
Mistake: Ignoring Functionality for Aesthetics
There are always style trends and aesthetic choices that are popular for a short period of time. However, you want to build a custom home that considers functionality. Something might seem like a good idea right now, but it may become something you hate about your home in a few years. If you’re planning on staying in your home for a long time, make sure that you’re building a home that you can grow into over the years. You may want to include a first-floor laundry room if you’re going to be growing old in your home. The same applies for a one-story layout that eliminates needing to go up and down stairs each day. You may not have children yet, but wanting to expand your family one day will require additional bedrooms and square footage. A good thing also when it comes to a custom home, is that later on down the line you may also feel the need to customize it too.
Mistake: Choosing the Wrong Builder or Contractor
Spend time talking to your builder and team of contractors to ensure you understand the process of building your custom home. Make sure that all your questions are answered. This will provide you with peace of mind so you can enjoy this process rather than feel overwhelmed and stressed.
