Building your new house is a great opportunity to put your mark on your future house from day one. You can choose a layout that works for you, make sure you have the right number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and even choose details like the paint colour so your house is move-in ready.
However, building a new home involves many aspects that tend to go overlooked. Make sure to avoid these common home building mistakes so you can be sure you’re getting the house you’re dreaming of:
1. Not paying attention to the details
Many details and decisions go into building your new home, even if you’re purchasing your home from a selection of pre-designed layouts. Choosing the layout is just the first step. You may need to consider larger details, all the way down to the smallest items like the hardware on your kitchen cupboards. No detail should be overlooked, otherwise you risk regretting some of your decisions when it comes to move-in day.
2. Being passive about your decisions
While some decisions may come more easily to you than others (like the colour of the kitchen cabinets or the type of flooring in your bathroom), others may require a little more thought. You may not have previously considered what type of handles you want on your home’s interior doors, but it’s important that you don’t just choose the first thing you see — take some time to think about what you really like and what will function well for you and your family.
3. Cutting corners to save money
Your home could be the biggest investment you make in your lifetime, so you want it to last and maintain its value. Cutting corners during the initial build process could mean that certain features and areas of your home begin to break down prematurely. Be sure to do your research when it comes to your building company and choose a reputable home builder with a proven record of high-quality homes, not the cheapest option you can find.
4. Not establishing a budget with a buffer
In any construction project, it’s important to be prepared for unforeseen issues and circumstances that may require extra expenses from the homeowner. Some contractors don’t include this buffer in the total cost of your home, which means you will have to ensure that you have some money left over in your budget to cover these potential issues.
5. Not choosing the right builder
Choosing the right builder is more than just how much your home will cost. Reliable and reputable builders will be able to provide you with important information, whether on their website or in-person, that will help you decide if they’re the right builder for you.
Consider asking your builder:
- How long have they been in business?
- Do they have referrals?
- What are your options when it comes to adding to existing floor plans?
- Does your home come with a warranty?
- Can some of the rooms in your home be left unfinished (like the basement)?
- Is there any landscaping included in the cost?
- Are they insured and licensed?
You may also want to consider driving through their previously-built subdivisions and communities to see what their work looks like.
Could Sinclair Construction’s Westwood Trails community be your new home? Learn more about this exciting new development of luxury bungaloft townhomes in Simcoe.
