50 Ways to Avoid Mistakes When Building Your Dream Home

Customizing a new home is a fun and exciting process! Of course, a project this big and expensive also comes with a fair share of stress and anxiety. We have put together 50 ways for you to ensure that nothing is overlooked in the construction of your new dream home. It will come as no surprise that the best way to avoid many of these mistakes is to do as much research as you can and making sure you ask the appropriate questions to your builder, architect and Realtor.

If you are like most people, you will have a set budget to stay within – but don’t let that discourage you! there are tons of options out there to make your home beautiful and affordable. To make this experience as fun and exciting as it can be, all you have to do is some homework!

50 Mistakes

50 Ways to Avoid Mistakes When Building A Custom Home

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  • Check References From Your New Construction Home Builder

  • Hire Your Own Structural Engineer

  • Have A Professional Attorney Review The Contract

  • Fully Examine The Complete Home Builders Warranty

  • Choose Your Homesite Carefully

  • Talk To The Neighbors

  • Shop Around For Financing

  • Set A Realistic Budget

  • Make A Priority List & A Wish List

  • Ask What The Builder Includes In The Base Price

  • Ask What The Builder Charges Extra For

  • Ask What Fee The Builder Charges To Build The Home

  • Examine The Cost Estimate Line-by-Line

  • Work With A Certified Architect To Design The Floor Plan

  • Mentally Walk Through The Floor Plan (Over And Over Again)!

  • Examine The Natural Light & Window Sizes (Consider Views)

  • Understand The Property Boundaries

  • Consider A Walkout Or Lookout Basement

  • Protect Mature Or Old Growth Trees On The Property

  • Research The School District & Property Taxes

    Two-Story Home

    The foundation and roof are the most expensive building components of a new home. Look into building a two-story house to reduce these costs.

  • Expect To Spend More

  • Take Time To Build It Right

  • Be Flexible

  • Don’t Build The Most Expensive Home In Your Neighborhood

  • Plan For Outdoor Living Space

  • Include Energy Efficient Features

  • Enhance Bedrooms With Tray Or Vaulted Ceilings

  • Position The Laundry Convenient To Bedrooms

  • Create Wide Walkways & Stairways

  • Include A Walk-In Pantry

  • Allow Ample Work Spaces In The Kitchen

  • Reconsider High-Maintenance Materials (Marble, Stainless, Natural Stone)

  • Whenever Possible Use Low Or Maintenance-Free Building Components

  • Price Compare & Purchase Fixtures Online (Lighting, Plumbing, Blinds)

  • Invest In Great Closet Storage Systems

  • Enhance Walls With Sconce Lighting

  • Add Ambiance With Dimmer Switches

  • Make Sure Porches Are 6′ Deep Or More (For Furniture)

  • Include Outlets Outside & On Roof Line (For Holiday Lights)

  • Include Space For Your Hobbies (Craft Room, Extra Garage Space, Garden)

  • Don’t Skimp On The Details

  • Ceilings Should Be At Least 9 Feet High

  • Enhance The Home With Unique Trim & Moldings

  • Consider Some Extra Conduit Behind Walls For Future Electrical

  • Plan Smart For Outlet Locations (Computer, Coffee Maker, Modem, TV, Etc)

  • Insulate, Insulate, Insulate

  • Know That Adding Something Later Will Always Cost More

  • Go To Home Shows To Get Ideas & Take Pictures

  • Stay Organized With A Binder For Paperwork & Save All Correspondence

  • Remember, If Designed Right, A Great Home Doesn’t Have To Be Huge