Construction & Contractors Blog
Your new home builder is a key ally in creating the house of your dreams. So, how can you help them realize your vision and have a safe and successful build? Here are five helpful things any home buyer can do during new construction.
1. Know When to Stop Planning. Designing a new house from scratch is an exciting process. You have an almost infinite variety of choices that are often only limited by your budget and certain logistics. But when the hammers begin swinging, it's time to wind down your design activities. The more work is done, the less can be changed, and the more you may want to focus on all the great choices you've already made.
2. Be Flexible and Patient. New construction can be hindered by a number of factors that may or may not be in the contractor's control. Everything from weather delays to customs issues and unrelated vendor problems might cause changes in the timeline. A flexible homeowner helps keep things positive and allows the contractor to focus on finding solutions to such challenges.
3. Make an Appointment. Visiting the site of your house in progress is one of the most fun experiences a buyer has. But don't spring surprise visits on the contractor too often. After all, this is a construction site and can be dangerous. You may also unintentionally hinder the speed of work being done. The builder will likely enjoy hosting your visit, so give them a call and make an appointment so they can give you attention.
4. Keep Good Records. Documentation helps everyone stay on the same page during design and construction. Write notes and keep copies of everything, from drawings to receipts to email conversations. This way, you can check your notes for reminders. And both you and the builder will be able to agree on key matters, no matter how hectic the project becomes.
5. Agree on Things as a Family. Home builders want to please their clients as much as possible, but that can be hard if you and your spouse (or other family members) aren't quite sure what you all want. Maintain good communication within your family about designs, amenities, changes, and expectations. This presents a single vision for the contractor to fulfill, making their job easy and your family happy.
As you and your builder work together as a team, you will find the construction process more enjoyable and less stressful. And then you can focus on the wonderful new house that will begin to take shape. Don't have a home builder for your dream home? Get started by meeting with one in your area today.
Share10 March 2021
My name is Debbie Greenberg. I’m a single woman who owns her home, and like most homeowners I dread home repairs. I’m not very handy with do-it-yourself projects around the house. I can do a few minor repairs when necessary, but for the most part I have to call in a professional. Last year I had a leak in my roof. When it rained, water would leak into my kitchen. What appeared to be a simple fix turned out to be anything but simple. It took over four months to finally identify the problem, and double the money I was initially quoted to fix it. The problem ended up being that the flat part of my roof didn't have shingles, but a sheeting material. I learned a bit about home roofs along the way, and that is what I want to share with you.
