My best advice to anyone building a custom home.
EDUCATION
Over the past few weeks I have completed several consultations with amazing families that are planning and entering the construction phase of their dream home. How exciting! There is nothing that I enjoy more than helping amazing people design and build quality homes.
Everyone asks, “is there anything else we should know?” Well, yes there is.
Let me back track for just a second. If you haven’t read it, I have an amazing free download with the most effective questions to ask your home builder prior to entering a contract. If you don’t have a copy, click here to download your free copy.
I mentioned this free guide because this post is not about the technical parts of building a new home. It’s more about the mindset. Let’s make no mistake about it Despite all your planning, the best resources, and the most qualified home builder; you will experience some pain and discomfort while building your home.
I have been involved in the design and sale of 1000s of new construction projects over my 17 year career. How you plan, how you deal, and how you move forward will dictate your overall experience and potentially the finished product that you end up with.
On a more personal level, here are the 5 tips that I can offer to anyone that is about to embark on building a custom home. Again, this will be a challenge, but for most the rewards are far more worth it.
Plan for the unexpected No matter how much you plan, things will go wrong. You will have deliveries that are delayed. People will not show up when they are scheduled. There may even be days that you need the inspector to come out and he may be a no show. If your builder has a clear understanding of the schedule and a grasp of all the tradespeople that will be working, it will be easier to recover. In your mind plan for damaged tile, broken lighting, lost items that you know have been delivered but magically disappear from the job site. Remember your mindset is important. When you walk away from perfection, you accept challenges and solutions with ease.
Be Patient It will take time to complete your project! Unless you have a limitless amount of money..you will be forced to make concessions. Maybe you will have to forego all the landscaping that you want for now. Maybe the pool will have to wait. Don’t over-extend yourself trying to include everything that you can think of. If you have the money, by all means...get it. If you are like most people, I suggest working with your builder and designer to set the framework for things that can be done later. If you really want an extra detached garage but it isn’t in the budget for now..be patient. Work with your group of experts to determine the best size, location on your lot and elements that will make it compliment your home once you are able to build.
Kindness goes a long way I understand that this is your project and your money. No problem there. If you don’t keep anything else in this blog post, be kind to everyone that works on your project. There are many skilled and talented people that will graciously pour their heart and soul into your home. It is more than a job to them. Just as you may be passionate about art, education, culture, travel and your kids; there are many salt of the earth people from all over the world that love their trade. Many tile layers, plaster experts, electricians, and landscapers can be your best friend. They will share all their knowledge and work tirelessly to deliver work that will blow mind! Don’t fall in the trap of thinking...I am the boss...and what I say goes. Yes..but NO! I have seen aggressive disrespectful people end up with $40,000 in plumbing repairs simply because they felt superior to the workers. This is not a good look.
Stay ahead of the game You don’t ever want to be the reason for delays. Stay in touch with your designer and builder to make sure all the choices that you need to make have been made. If you an item is on backorder or discontinued, as quickly as you can make a new selection. If something isn’t working out the way the builder thought it would work on paper, work with the team to reach a solution to keep the project moving. I am not saying settle for something that is not in alignment with your needs and desires. Ask questions and accept the recommendations of the professionals you have hired.
Don’t sweat the small stuff When problems come up in your project, which they will, everything will seem as though they are the biggest and harshest thing that could ever happen. I always encourage my clients to be solutions based. Let’s assess the situation and determine how we can stay on task, budget, schedule, all while ultimately achieving the predetermined goals. Most likely, when you look back on it, the bathroom fixtures that had to be replaced will all be worth it, once you are finally in your new home.
There you have it. Let’s remain calm and focusing during this process. Building a custom home will be a stressful process, but it doesn’t have to overwhelm you. Try to focus on the things that are within your control, and rely on your team for support with the rest.
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