Building a new home can be a challenge, we know. And the internet is chock full of advice and home remedies. After 25 years in Maine, we’ve seen the highs and lows of home building, and we know what not to do. Here are five mistakes you should avoid when building your new home.
1. Poor budget planning
Rounding up or giving estimates is tempting, especially when narrowing down specific budget numbers takes some time. But it’s worth it in the end. You should know what your budget allows down to the cent in order to get the most out of your money, set specific limits for your builder, and to minimize the stress associated with building a new home. Take some time—maybe make a night of it—and get some exact numbers. A good builder will stay within your budget, watching your peace of mind.
2. Cutting the wrong corners
While there’s certainly nothing wrong with being frugal and staying within your budget, buying the cheapest materials is not worth it in the long run. You should never cut corners on building fundamentals, like bricks, windows, builders, etc. Quality products and workmanship yield a higher property value and leave you worry free for years to come.
3. Getting the wrong HVAC system
Your HVAC system is a crucial part of your home, and you should be sure to choose a unit that heats and cools your home properly. Often new home builders will select a unit that’s too small and has difficulty heating and cooling your home to the proper temperature. Selecting a unit that’s too large, on the other hand, will also waste energy. It’s important to find a professional builder to recommend the proper size for not only your square footage but also your home’s specific layout.
Credit to Festoon Lighting Adelaide
4. Forgetting lighting
You know as well as we do how important light is to improving your family’s mood during long Maine winters. Make lighting a priority in your planning, including both electric lighting and natural. Placement of light fixtures in relation to natural light sources like windows can make all the difference in affecting the room’s illumination.
5. Ignoring room placement
This one may seem obvious, and it’s tempting to follow a set floorplan instead of taking the time to consider room placement. But consider your family’s specific needs. You probably want bedrooms as far away from noise as possible and the kitchen placed near an entry point for an easy way to carry in groceries. Maybe you want the master bedroom to share a wall with the nursery—or not. Think about foot traffic patterns and which rooms you want to be off the beaten path. This is your chance to choose your home’s layout, so make it customized to your family’s needs instead of a generic layout.
Of course, a good home builder (yes, like Fortin Construction) will point you in the right direction and help you take the hassle out of building a new home