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We’ve been building custom homes for our clients for a long time, and part of the reason people choose us when building their dream home is our transparency. We’re clear about the process and help guide our clients through the steps.
We eliminate much of the guess work and help you navigate the steps.
But people often make mistakes when going through the process, and here are some of the ones we help them avoid:
Don’t Count on Your Budget
You know how much you want to spend, and have signed a contract at a certain budget. There are certain things, however, that you didn’t expect or consider when agreeing to terms.
Look at it like a vacation: You’ve bought the plane tickets and secured lodging. You’ve paid for special excursions and considered a night at a famous restaurant. But halfway through the trip, you’ve blown out the sole of your walking shoes or found the perfect jacket in a shop in Italy…
As your home is being built, you may look at the lay of the land and decide an irrigation system may be helpful. When looking at the kitchen layout, you choose to upgrade appliances. Perhaps an added fee will expedite a crucial delivery.
When we agree to a budget, we strive to stick to it. But as we proceed into the actual build, you may make decisions that add to the eventual cost, so plan ahead for incidental expenses.
Finishes over Functions
When thinking about your new home, you may have your mind set on stainless appliances or a certain wood for the floors. These things are all important, but the function – the layout – of your home is most important. If you decide a few years down the road that “Robin Egg Blue” was a bad choice for the bathroom, you can change that. But it’s harder to change the fact that you have to close the shower door every time you want to brush your teeth.
Think about how you’re going to use the home first. You can always change a carpet or paint color later.
Windows and Windows
More homeowners are incorporating their outdoor living spaces into functional spots, creating outdoor dining, entertainment, and living rooms. That desire has also made more homeowners choose designs that feature lots of windows, bringing the outdoors inside.
As you design your home, consider how you’ll be using each room. Picture where you’ll put the sofa, the dining table, and the beds. Imagine trying to watch television with the afternoon sun streaming through a window. Picture trying to get into bed and wandering past a dozen doors.
Much like with finishes, imagine the function of the individual rooms when imagining the placement of windows and doors.
Put it Here
You’ve chosen to build the perfect custom home and bought the perfect site. It’s simple enough to simply go to the middle of the lot and declare, “Put it here!”
But is that really the best orientation for your home?
Look at where the sun rises and sets. Where do you want to be when you enjoy your morning coffee? Will rainwater flood your garage every time it storms? What will it take to get your necessary utilities to the site?
We help all of our clients navigate these decisions, but it’s best to come to us prepared to answer these questions.