What are the biggest pitfalls involved in building a home?

Question

How do I make this process go the smoothest and without costly mistakes.

Answer 1

Keep track of everything. Make sure the builders are doing it right, etc. I know a lot of the homes we finance that are new builds are just put together. My best advice is just to keep watch and always ask for updates on what is going on. Good thing is though, once it's completed you can inspect it and force them to correct any mistakes. :)

Answer 2

Planning is the most important part. You need to itemize everything you are going to do and cost it out. Are you going to be your own contractor or are you using a local builder? We have had a couple of new built houses and both times we decided what we wanted up front and then made some changes mid stream. Those changes are what can increase your cost. Look at model homes to decide what you like and don't like. Try to put the whole package together and think about it for awhile. If you are using a local builder make sure you have a contract with everything in writing, right down to the schedule of wiring that you are using. Leave room in your budget for hardscape and landscape and window coverings. Building a home is time consuming and involves a lot of different elements that you need to be educated on. It takes a lot of research and a lot of planning and an eye for detail and design. Pick a reputable builder if you are going to have it done for you.

Answer 3

FIND GOOD CONTRACTORS! Check them out!!!!! Ask for references!!! There is nothing wrong with talking to previous customers and if they are really happy with their work, most will let you see it.

NOTHING....when building a house is ever done on time! Always plan to give your contractors at least a week more from when they say they are going to be done before you schedule the next contractor to come in. There is nothing worse than having the drywaller come in while the electrician and plumbers are still there!

Have patience!

Answer 4

Depends on if you're hiring your own subcontractors or going with a builder. If subcontracting get several references.

If a builder, get references, drive through several older neighborhoods to see how the houses hold up, walk through ones under construction and most importantly, have an inspection done at various intervals throughout the process! We had a basement, pre-drywall and final inspection.

Lastly, get your own real estate agent if you're going with a builder. He or she will be independent of the builder, will give honest opinions and most importantly, won't cost you any extra.

Answer 5

the biggest mistake is being your own general contractor if you don't have a good understanding of ALL the trades.