Before building a custom home in Oklahoma City, learn what mistakes to avoid to ensure your project runs smoothly! 

Building a custom home is exciting! Having the final say in the entire design process is a very rewarding experience but also one that comes with a lot of challenges. If you aren’t careful, even small mistakes in the process can cause project delays and added stress. 

The good news is we are local experts with decades of experience and have seen it all when it comes to building a custom home. We’ve compiled the most common mistakes homeowners make and hope sharing this information with you helps give insight into the process and helps you avoid them! Read on to learn more and send us a message to schedule a free consultation to start building a custom home in Oklahoma City! 

Choosing The Wrong Home Builder

The biggest mistake you can make is choosing the wrong new home builder. Your new home builder will be in charge of everything, so make sure they’re communicative, available, and excited about your project! Check references, read reviews, and look at their portfolio. You should also compare builders and ask questions.

Not Planning For The Future

Your new custom home should work for you and your family now, but it should also suit your needs long-term. A home that doesn’t work for you 3-5 years from now isn’t going to do you much good. Thinking ahead about what your life may look like several years from now. It will also help you design a home that will still feel like your perfect home for years to come.

Not Spending Enough Time In The Design Process

Changes on paper are simple and much less expensive than changes made once construction has started! It’s very important to spend quality time during the design process to optimize how your new home will live. This avoids costly changes once the process is further along. Here are a few tips when designing your custom home:

  • Don’t make rash decisions on design or finish options
  • Spend time imagining yourself in your new home – what are you unsure about
  • Visit or tour existing model homes with similar features as your custom home
  • Complete virtual tours of available homes online and image yourself in that layout
  • Make a list of features you love and list the why’s behind your decisions

Not spending enough time in the design process often leads to homeowners changing their minds once the building begins. This can cause project delays and expensive changes. Take your time making decisions!

Expecting Zero Schedule Delays

It’s hard not to get excited about the move-in day as you watch your custom home be built. But new construction is notoriously unpredictable. You should expect delays for all kinds of reasons like bad weather, out-of-stock materials, and local government red tape. We work hard to ensure there are reasonable deadlines but are also flexible enough to adjust when needed to ensure a stress-free project. We also keep you updated every step of the way! Learn more about what to expect in the process here. 

Trying To Cut Corners With Your Budget

When building a custom home, you’ll want to talk to several home builders to get a feel for which one will work best with you. But costs should also be a concern, after all, you’ll want to ensure you stay within budget. 

But if you talk to a new home builder in Oklahoma City and they tell you they can build your dream home for thousands less than other contractors, it should be a red flag. A builder may lowball an offer for a signed contract but later tack on expenses as the project progresses. Or, they might use lower-quality materials to make up the difference. If one bid looks exceptionally lower than the others, there’s a reason, and it’s up to you to dig in and find out why.

Key Takeaways When Building A Custom Home

When done right, building a custom home is one of the most exciting and joyous times for a homeowner! Proper planning, expectations, and communication are the best ways to prevent common mistakes in the process. Interested in learning more? Send us a message to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help make your dreams a reality.