7 Things to Avoid When Building a Custom Home in Cincinnati, OH

Putting a custom home on your schedule for the next year or two can fill you with excitement. Now, you’re finally going to get the home of your dreams! Of course, not everything about building a home is perfect, and sometimes your choices can lead you down the wrong path. Here are a few things to avoid during the process.

What Do I Need to Know Before Building a Custom Home?

Before you start thinking about building a house in Ohio, you need to do some serious research. Spend some time on these important aspects:

• Finding a builder who feels like the right fit for your project
• Making a list of things you want and need
• Creating a budget

With this information, you’ll be in a much better position to participate in the custom home building process.

What Should You Avoid in a New Home?

While there are a lot of things you should do while building a custom home, there are a handful of things you should try to avoid, as well. Steer clear of these common problems, and you’ll have a better experience.

1. Choosing the First Builder You Contact

Nothing is going to be more important than your choice of Cincinnati custom home builders. The company you select will affect the price you pay, the way the home looks, and how it stands up over time. It’s tempting to go with the first one if they really impress you, but you should still plan to consult a few before you make a decision. Even if you end up going back to the first one you find, you’ll have the others to serve as a comparison.

2. Setting Unrealistic Expectations

If you enjoy watching the home building and renovation shows on television as a pastime, you may have some unrealistic expectations for the whole process. While the TV shows tend to focus on fast work and rock-bottom budgets, you’re better off hiring Cincinnati builders who emphasize quality over show. Keep in mind that most custom homes take at least six months to a year, and sometimes longer. Ask these questions before building a custom home, so that you have a better idea of what you should do.

3. Rushing the Design Process

When you’re eager to start, it is easy to feel like you can rush the design process. After all, everyone wants to begin, especially if you have a specific deadline in mind. On the other hand, custom home plans don’t happen overnight, and you need that extra time to flesh out your expectations and review the design. If you decline to share your thoughts and concerns because you think it will go faster, you may end up with a result that isn’t quite what you expected.

4. Ignoring Your Preferences

Custom-built homes are meant to work specifically with your life, so you’re going to need to clarify your preferences for a lot of things. The process can feel overwhelming or redundant, especially if you don’t care much about the color of the appliances or the outlet placement. The problem is that you may realize that you do have preferences for these things after the fact, and it’s better to find out before you start construction. Download this custom home building guide to help you figure out what you will need to decide.

5. Skimping on Costs

When you have to stick to a strict budget, there’s maximizing your options, and then there’s skimping on important costs. You might find yourself wondering why you need certain things if you don’t care about them. It’s important to know the difference between necessary and nice to have. For example, the average home inspection cost is at least a few hundred dollars, and you may think it’s all right to ignore it. If you skip steps like this, you may end up with problems after completion.

6. Blowing Your Budget

Of course, there are plenty of homeowners who don’t skimp at all and end up breaking the bank. It’s natural to want Cincinnati homes that compete well on the market and have all the latest trends in design and function. However, adding all the luxury features can make your costs increase beyond your control. Instead, get your biggest preferences on paper before your estimate, so the end price is closer to your original plan.

7. Losing Track of the Project

One of the best parts of hiring a professional team to build your custom home is the ability to trust an expert to handle all the details. That doesn’t mean you can check out of the process, however. Keeping track of the status of the project helps you understand what’s going on, as well as the latest information on any delays or supply concerns. If your builder asks for your feedback at any point, be prepared to put in the time to evaluate the situation and weigh in.

What Should You Not Do When Building a House?

There are several things you should not do concerning new build homes, including:

• Choosing the first builder you find
• Being in a hurry to start (or finish)
• Expecting too much for too little
• Setting an unrealistic budget

Thinking about when’s the best time to build a home? We can help you decide.

What Is the First Thing to Do When Building a House?

The first thing to do when you build a house is to find a builder you trust. Everything else will fall into line, including timing and custom home cost, if you have a builder who meets your needs. At Chris Gorman Homes, we invest time into the relationship with each of our clients, so that you get exactly what you expect in your new home. For more information about the benefits of hiring an expert builder for your project, contact us today.