Some mistakes only matter for a short while—like sending an email to the wrong address or putting salt into your coffee instead of sugar.
But when it comes to building your own home, even small errors can add up. With the average homeowner living in their home for 13.3 years, any building mistakes could be noticeable for over a decade to come. Even worse, the wrong mistake can really cost you.
If you’re on track to build your dream home, here are a few common mistakes to avoid.
1. Cutting Corners
Unlike move-in-ready homes, custom building takes time. Don’t be tempted to speed up the process or skip important steps at the risk of your security, especially when it comes to homes for families.
In addition, if you feel your custom home budget is in danger of being stretched thin, you might want to opt for cheaper home building materials or appliances to make up the difference. However, stay strong and remember that a home that stands the test of time is worth the price—and it can even save you money in the long run.
2. Choosing the Wrong Layout
Having a certain “flow” to your home isn’t just a matter of feng shui. If you’re planning to live in your home for years to come, you’ll want to place rooms where they make the most sense in your daily lifestyle.
You might not want to put your master bedroom next to your kitchen, for example, or to step past a bathroom at the front entrance of your house. Thinking about how your rooms should be grouped together can help you decide the right custom home designs and layout for your needs.
3. Going Too Basic
People choose to build custom homes in order to express their personality and get all of the features and details they want—not to emulate the cookie-cutter mold of the homes next door!
Custom homes offer literally endless opportunities to tailor your home to your personality, but that comes with a downside. Despite their best efforts, people sometimes feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available with custom building. The result is settling for the standard or basic option rather than what they truly want.
To avoid this, work to combat decision fatigue by planning each step in advance.
4. Short-sighted Planning
The advantage of a custom home is that you can get exactly what you want at this moment in time—but it’s just as important to consider the future.
Spending a little more money to create an eco-friendly home can save you money in the long-term. Finding a property near your work or your child’s school may be better than a gorgeous location that’s a long commute away. First-floor bedrooms can keep you and your family comfortable as you age.
Don’t forget, you’re in this for the long-term, so make sure your home will accommodate your needs!
5. Changing Your Mind
Some small design features can be adjusted with ease, but it’s not a good idea to change your mind on major details partway through construction. Once your foundation and framing have been set in place, adjustments could add days and weeks to your schedule, on top of added fees. To avoid this, make sure that you and any other family decision-makers have settled firmly on a plan before you begin building.
Avoid These Building Mistakes With Good Help
If you’re trying to avoid these and other building mistakes, the right custom home builder can make all the difference. Constructing your own home is a one-of-a-kind experience, and good builders can help you meld your excitement with a design that will keep your family comfortable and happy for years to come.
For more home and lifestyle tips, don’t forget to check out our other posts!
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