The Biggest Homebuilding Mistakes People Make

Hey everybody, what's up? It's TJ with Sanctified Homes and Construction, and today I want to highlight two of the biggest mistakes people make when they’re planning to build a custom home. These two pitfalls can set you back financially and affect the entire home-building experience, so let’s dive right in and help you avoid these common issues.

Mistake #1: Picking the Wrong Lot to Build On

Choosing the right lot is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when building your custom home. We've met many clients who have already purchased a lot, or have an offer in, without considering how it fits their vision, budget, and needs. Here are some factors often overlooked:

Considerations Before You Buy:

• Driveway Length & Access: A long driveway might look picturesque, but it can significantly add to your costs—more materials, labor, and even permits are required.

• Rural Lots Mean More Costs: If you're building on a rural lot, you might need to install a well and septic system, which can be an unexpected expense. Always factor this into your budget.

• Land Preparation: A flat lot in town is much different than a half-acre lot in the countryside. You might need to bring in fill to level the ground, which adds time and cost.

When clients buy a lot without consulting their builder, they might end up with additional costs or design limitations that they didn’t anticipate. That’s why we encourage our clients to get their builder involved early on, ideally before purchasing the land. This allows us to visit the lot, check the slope, and see if a walk-out basement is possible, among other considerations.

By discussing potential expenses upfront, such as longer driveways, site preparation, and rural utility needs, you’ll avoid unexpected costs and ensure that your lot matches your dream home.

Mistake #2: Rushing the Planning Process

The next big mistake we see is people wanting to move too fast. The excitement of building your dream home can lead to hasty decisions and oversight of crucial details. While you may think it’s just about getting the plans drawn up and sticking to your budget, there's so much more involved in creating a well-designed home.

Why Going Slow Is Better:

• Functionality & Flow: Take the time to think about how you want to live in your home. Should the bedrooms be close together or separated for privacy? How do you want the flow from the kitchen to living areas? These are the kinds of questions that need to be discussed in detail.

• Customization for Your Lifestyle: It's not just about putting a kitchen in; it’s about understanding how you'll use it. We encourage our clients to select their appliances upfront, so we can design the kitchen around them. For example, if you want a double oven or a commercial-sized fridge, the layout and cabinet space need to accommodate those choices.

• Energy Efficiency & Health: Think about whether you want your home to be more energy-efficient, air-sealed, and healthy to live in. Here in Wisconsin, codes are not very stringent, so it's possible to build a home that’s just barely up to standard. We make sure to incorporate features that will filter incoming air and maintain a clean environment—details that make a big difference for those living in the home.

When rushing, allowances become a problem. For example, if you set an allowance of $20,000 for cabinets without considering your style and needs, you might find that custom, hand-crafted cabinets are more in the ballpark of $50,000. The last thing you want is to be halfway through your build and realize you’ve gone way over budget.

The Importance of Going Slow

Going slow on the front end of the build ensures you’re making decisions that match your needs, wants, and budget. It allows you to think through every element, from the shingles you choose (are they a 15-year or 50-year shingle?) to the insulation package (are you going above code for better air sealing?).

Yes, some changes will happen during a build, like adding a light fixture or outlet, but having everything else dialed in helps ensure smooth sailing later on. You’ll avoid the stress of allowances and unexpected costs that can quickly derail the experience.

Final Tips

If you’re about to build and have any questions about your lot, floor plan, or material choices, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask. We’re here to help guide you through the process so you don’t make these common mistakes. Building a custom home can be a rewarding experience if done right.

Remember to:

1. Pick the right lot for your build and budget.

2. Take your time with the design and planning process.

Trust us, taking these steps will save you money, headaches, and ensure you truly get the home of your dreams. Reach out to us if you’ve any questions. In the meantime, don’t forget to raise your standard. We’ll talk to you guys soon!