Who doesn’t want a custom home? If you can afford it, there’s no reason you’d want to buy a house planned and built by another person as that is not going to be your unique vision. You want one built entirely by you.
However, we can’t deny the amount of stress that can place on you. Even if you bring in experts, there are so many factors to be considered and you can often feel like you are drowning. That is exactly why choosing the right kind of expert is essential.
Use the following tips and make that custom home build project stress-free and even more enjoyable than before.
Tip #1: Anticipate Trouble
This is a huge project you have undertaken and, as is true for many other projects of this scale, things are bound to go wrong. This could happen right at the start of the process as you submit your plans for approval or by the end when a particular design choice didn’t go the way you wanted it to.
The best way to stay stress-free is to anticipate all these challenges. Know that in a project of this scale things are bound to go wrong and they’re not always going to go your way. The interior designer might suggest a style that doesn’t appeal to you or the builder may suddenly inform you of something you should have known from the start of the project.
Builders are human too and everyone makes mistakes. The best way to deal with them is to accept what has happened and figure out the best way to fix the problem.
Tip #2: Find Builders You Can Trust
The best tip we can give you is to vet custom home builders carefully before you choose one. It’s not just about how experienced they are. You also need to find a builder that matches your unique personality.
Not all builders are going to focus on style. Some are extremely practical and functional. You must interview a couple of companies before you pick one that suits you best. Here are a few of the qualities you should be looking for;
- Proven Track Record: Ask them for case studies or homes that they have built before and visit them if you can to figure out if the vibe matches what you are ultimately hoping to achieve.
- Positive References: Look online for references or, better yet, find an old customer and ask them whether they would recommend the builder for your custom home project.
- Clear Communication: Make sure you ask a lot of questions and, while you are at it, notice how open they are and whether they get irritated. If they get frustrated easily, they might not be such a great match.
- Attention to Detail: Make sure their standards for construction techniques and the choice of material match yours.
- Warranty and Aftercare: This is something you might be able to confirm from past customers, but it may also be advertised on their website. If they provide warranty, count that as a positive sign of the fact that they are confident about their services.
Tip #3: Set a Realistic Budget and Stick To It
The biggest source of stress in a custom home build is the financing. Too many people underestimate the costing involved in building a custom home. They may even get caught up in small upgrades that add up quickly.
Before you begin it is important to sit down and carefully map out the budget. Work with your builder to establish an honest estimate that takes into account the materials, the labor, permits, and contingencies.
The word “contingencies” is important here. In a project of this size there are bound to be unexpected costs that arise from changes you decide later or outside factors like rising material costs. Set aside a buffer of at least 10-15% of your total budget for such situations.
Once you set your budget, make your peace with it. You might need to say no to a few dream features or luxuries but keep in mind that the custom home is a luxury in itself.
Tip #4: Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
Poor communication styles are the fastest route to frustration. You may assume your builder knows exactly what you want, while they might be interpreting your vision in an entirely different manner. The only solution is to keep the lines of communication open at times.
Schedule regular check-ins with the builder and designer. This is so you can explain your vision from time to time and speak up right away if any changes come up that you don’t agree with. Good builders will appreciate this clarity and you will feel a lot more confident knowing you are actively involved in building your dream home.
Remember, over-communicating is always better than leaving out important details. You can bring in photos, sketches, or mood boards to clarify what you are expecting.
Tip #5: Be Patient
While custom home builders are experts, they aren’t magicians. They can’t wave a magic wand around and make that home appear out of thin air. It is going to be a lengthy process that goes on for months. Instead of counting out each day, celebrate the milestones.
Celebrate when the foundation is poured or when the framing is complete. These small wins will help you keep that morale high and remind you that progress is being made, no matter how slow it might feel.
Patience is a necessity in this case. If you rush the builders that could lead to mistakes or cutting corners. This will cost you so much more in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Building a custom home isn’t for the faint of heart. It is a large financial and emotional investment and the process comes hand in hand with a set of challenges. With the right kind of preparation and realistic expectations as well as the best builders, it doesn’t need to feel so overwhelming.
So get to it! Find a builder that works well for you and start building your custom home today!
