Custom Home Construction Do’s and Don’ts
Building your dream home can be overwhelming. A lot goes into custom home construction. You will be involved in every process from deciding what floor plan you would like to choosing the doorknobs that you feel will suit your home best. To find out more about what to do during the construction process we have highlighted a few do’s and don’ts.
Do Expect to Spend More Than You Planned For
It is important to set a home renovation budget so that the options presented to you by your contractor will fall in line with what you can afford. It helps them decide what options will be work best for you and your home. Although you will have a budget in place, you should be aware that there will be some unexpected expenses along the way so it is important to allow for this in your budget. This will ensure that if you do have to spend a little bit more during the construction process, you will not struggle to pay the extra costs to complete your house.
Do Remember to Negotiate Custom Home Construction Prices
While some extra expenses during custom home construction are unavoidable, you should try and negotiate lower prices on certain things. Although not everything is a negotiation point, It is possible to negotiate the prices of finishings, upgrades, and floor plan modifications to name a few. The success of the negotiation is not guaranteed but it does not hurt to ask your contractor. You may end up saving a lot more money that could come in handy in the future.
Do Pre-Wire Before the Construction Process Begins
You need to plan out your wiring needs before the construction begins. This includes electrical wires as well as gas lines. You should think about all the possible locations you would want these lines. Even if you don’t need them right now, you may want to use them in the future. If you don’t anticipate your future needs during construction, and later on after construction you do decide you want a gas line for a gas-powered oven in the future, it will a lot more difficult to install these lines after the construction is complete.
Don’t Choose All Materials at the Beginning of the Construction Process
It is best to choose materials as your construction advances. You might change your mind about what you want once you’re able to see the basic construction of your home. When the basic structure is in place you can get a better idea of see how appliances and finishes will look together in different areas. In addition, the dimensions of your dream home will be clearer which will influence the types of materials you will choose depending on what you feel will fit and look best.
Don’t Choose Amateurs Over Professionals
Choosing the best contractor will make the construction process a lot easier. Choosing the professional that presents you with the cheapest quote is not always the best option if they are not qualified or experienced. The work produced won’t be of a good quality and you will end up having to spend even more money trying to correct the shoddy work. Try and look through the portfolio of completed work and reviews of those you are interested in hiring. Set up a time to chat with each potential contractor so that you can feel out if their style and work ethic is compatible with you and your vison. It will help you make the most informed decision on who is best for you.
Don’t Forget to Get a Written Agreement
Make sure that any big work done comes with a written contract that is signed by you and the party doing the work. This written contract should include a payment schedule including the amount that needs to be paid, a conflict resolution process should any tensions arise, and an outline of the work that will be done along with who will be doing each job. Check the disclosures and conditions of your builder before you sign the contract. This will come in handy should any part of the process not go according to your agreements. You as well as the builder will have proof of the promises that were made.
Don’t struggle with your custom home construction. Contact Miller Construction & Design for all your construction needs. Our qualified professionals will be happy to help build your dream home.
