Often the most difficult part of building a new home is getting the construction contract right. The more due diligence that is put into this stage of your building planning, the less heartache there will be later on when the home is going up. The excitement of building a home can be so great that owners gloss over the contract details, saying, "It will all be fine." But I can tell you from experience that this is not always the case. Missing this detail can cost you up to 15% or more of your total home's cost. Here are some key tips to keep your project running smoothly and on budget.
Apples to Apples. As you review construction bids, pull out your notepad and make a matrix of what each builder is offering you and the price. Contractor bids are all different, so this step is not easy. If you take the time to assemble this analysis, it can save you thousands of dollars on your project and shave months off the build time. In general, the best builders will be the most detailed. They know that to leave something vague in the contract or out entirely will mean trouble later.
Make a Wish List and an Assumptions List. You've had the discussion with your chosen contractors of what you want. They are not going to fully understand what you want until you make it specific. If you don't supply the details, they will do what they think you want, and this may not sync with what you really want. Your Wish List is composed of detail around key features, such as the color and type of rock for your fireplace, the type of insulation used in the walls and attic, and what the driveway surface will be. The Assumptions List should include things like adding an ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilation) to the heating and cooling system and a steam humidifier for winter-time comfort. If you ask the HVAC contractors if these are included in a standard installation, they will say no. Yet, an ERV is a must-have for modern, tight homes to bring in fresh air and exhaust stale and polluted air for a healthier environment. Better to find out it's not included now than later! How do you think I found that out?
Fine Tooth Comb. When you think you have everything "nailed down," take another long and critical look at the final builder contract. Find a friend ทาวน์โฮมมือสอง or family member willing to review it also. They will find things that you missed. Check the sections for the things on your own lists, and check their math. If there is a mistake and you sign the contract, guess who ends up paying? That's right - you!
Minimize Mid-Stream Changes. A custom home will never go exactly as planned. This is normal. But you want to catch issues and problems immediately. To do this, you should walk the home after every day of contractor work. If you cannot do this, then hire someone who can. If you catch something going off the rails as soon as it happens, it is always fixable, and it is almost always the builder's responsibility. If it goes unnoticed until later, you will usually have to live with it. When this involves dimensions, door and window locations, and fixtures, it can be disappointing.
Following these tips will save you a substantial amount of money and help you avoid surprises and compromises.
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