Building a custom home is an exciting time, but it's also when you need to be prepared to make many decisions. Your custom home builder will help you through the process, but there are a few things they wish you knew beforehand, including:
It's going to take longer than you think.
Building a custom home is not a quick process. There are a lot of moving parts, from multiple trades to many manufacturers, and delays are inevitable. Your builder has likely built many homes before, so they have a good sense of how long each stage of the process takes. However, if this is your first time working with a custom home builder, it is important to remember that things will probably take longer than expected. Sometimes they even take longer than the builder expects. Try to be patient and understand that delays are just part of the process.
It's going to cost more than you think.
The running joke in custom home building is that it will take twice as long and cost twice as much. While that may be a bit of an exaggeration, it's important to remember that building a custom home is not a cheap endeavor. There are always unforeseen costs that can come up. The home building and remodeling experts at This Old House recommend a twenty percent cushion in your budget for the unexpected. Talk with your builder about what costs might pop up so you can plan accordingly.
Change orders will happen.
A change order is a written authorization from you to the contractor that approves changes to add or delete work from the original contracted scope of the project. Change orders usually happen because the homeowner wants something to be done that wasn't in the original plans or because something unexpected came up during construction. Either way, change orders are normal, so don't be surprised if your builder asks you to sign a few during construction.
You need to be involved in the process.
Building a custom home is not a hands-off endeavor. You need to be involved every step of the way. Your builder will likely give you progress reports throughout construction, but don't be afraid to check in even more frequently if you want peace of mind. After all, it's your home, and you should feel comfortable asking as many questions as you need to in order to stay up-to-date on the progress of your project.
Warranties are important.
Most builders offer some type of warranty on their workmanship, and it's important that these warranties are in writing and clearly laid out before construction begins. That way, if something goes wrong with your home after it's been built, you know exactly what's covered and what isn't. Discuss warranties with your builder upfront, so there are no surprises down the road.
You may get a "weather letter."
A "weather letter" is a document that excuses the builder from having to complete certain work before closing due to bad weather. For example, your contract may state that the builder will install landscaping, but you are ready for closing, and there is snow on the ground. In this case, you would receive a "weather letter" stating that additional work will be completed in the spring when the ground warms up and is more conducive to planting. In addition, the title company may escrow funds from the custom home builder to cover the landscaping.
Building a custom home is an exciting but challenging process that requires patience, preparation, and involvement from both parties involved. However, by understanding some of the challenges ahead of time and having realistic expectations for the process, you can set yourself up for success.
Contact a local custom builder to learn more.
