How to Avoid These Common Regrets When Building Your Home
Regret. There is nothing quite as intimidating when it comes to building your new home. Every little decision comes with a little voice in the back of your head saying, “Will I regret this?”
The truth is that most common regrets are easily avoidable, and here’s how:
UNDERSTAND YOUR LOT
Every lot is different, there’s no denying it. So before you break ground be sure you work with your builder to make the best use of space.
Some things are simple: Will the building pad accommodate the home-size you’re looking for? Sure the floor plan might fit, but does it leave room for a comfortable backyard or future landscaping projects? You’d be surprised how many folks never ask themselves this simple question.
Other things are slightly more nuanced: How does the lot slope? Will building leave any areas exposed? Some people want their lower-level to allow in light, or leave room for a patio. Some want to avoid the additional cost of more siding and windows.
And don’t forget to make sure you’re aware of any easements on the property that could prevent projects you have in mind like a fence, a pool or an outbuilding.
UNDERSTAND YOUR FLOORPLAN
And not just the big stuff. It takes a bit of forethought, but things that you might not be thinking about now might come back to haunt you. Things like outlets and light switches. It might seem difficult to picture, but dodging the migraine down the road is worth a tiny headache today.
Think about how you’ll decorate and where furniture will be. Should outlets be hidden or exposed? Are light switches accessible and convenient? Will the layout work in more ways than one if you want to change the interior decoration in a few years?
You don’t have to predict the future, but thinking ahead is a great weapon in the fight against regret.
UNDERSTAND YOUR BUILDER’S PHILOSOPHY
Different folks build differently. By asking the right questions, you can know if your builder is the correct partner for you to
create your dream home. Ask about how they space their floor joists, how they build foundations, what insulation they use, lumber type, house wraps, the list goes on. A shortcut now is a future regret, so make sure you work with a team that uses the best techniques and materials available. It’ll be more than worth it in the long run. Check out the image below to learn more about our superior construction approach.
Really, it all just comes down to doing some homework and planning. Armed with bit of knowledge and a builder who’s in your corner, you’ll soon have a house you can be proud of.
Join Bielinski in the fight against homeowner regret.