So, you’ve decided you’d like to build a custom home! You have likely done plenty of research, received opinions from loved ones, and weighed all your options, giving you the great idea of building a custom home. If you have the means, it’s a great investment! But before you jump right into the process, there are a few mistakes that are easy to make, and we want to help you avoid them.

FROM THE RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTS AT CARDELLO ARCHITECTS, HERE ARE FIVE COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN BUILDING A CUSTOM HOME:

CHOOSING THE WRONG ARCHITECTURE FIRM

One of the most important steps in building a custom home is the first: choosing an architecture firm. You want to be certain you are hiring a team with plenty of experience that you trust to listen to your thoughts, adhere to budgets, and steer you in the right direction regarding design and construction. Don’t hesitate to do your research, look at reviews, and schedule a consultation. Remember that you will be working closely with them for several months to years!

COMPROMISING ON THE LOCATION

This is a mistake many homeowners make when planning their dream custom home. Choosing a cheaper area to build may be tempting, but location often ends up being an important factor in enjoying your new house; you’ll be spending years there! Be sure to consider local amenities, schools, the distance from work, and more when selecting the perfect spot. A good location instantly adds value to your home, increasing its appreciation in the long term as well.

RUSHING THE DESIGN PROCESS

The design process will surely be one of the most enjoyable but also most important. Making changes and adjustments on paper are much easier and less costly than those made once construction has begun. It’s crucial to spend plenty of time working with your architect to ensure all your ideas are heard, and every detail is considered. Make sure you are truly happy with the layout and design of your future home before moving on to the next step.

NOT PLANNING FOR OVERAGES

Creating a budget and organizing your finances are essential for anyone looking to build a custom home. Part of this planning should include your ability to pay for unexpected overages. They happen! Unforeseen expenses not in the original cost often pop up when the build begins. As a general rule, it’s recommended to set aside a minimum of 10% of the overall construction budget as a contingency fund.

SECOND-GUESSING EVERY DECISION

Too often, architects struggle to manage homeowners changing their minds throughout every stage of the process. There will be hundreds of decisions to make when planning and building a custom home, and it’s natural to second-guess your choices. However, it’s best to trust your gut, as rethinking your decisions will only cause you stress and can lead to project delays. If you have doubts, turn to your team for assurance; that’s what they are there for.

ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED BUILDING YOUR CUSTOM HOME? TURN TO CARDELLO ARCHITECTS!

Cardello Architects is a high-end residential architectural firm that has been providing bespoke designs to fulfill their clients’ dreams from coast to coast for over 20 years. Our team will ensure you get the luxurious custom home that you deserve. Start planning today by giving us a call at (203) 853-2524 or get in touch with us on our website.