There are precious few things more exciting than finally building a home of your own. It’s exhilarating to know that you’re building something new — and to your exact specifications and tastes.
It can also be extremely daunting.
Building a home is a long process with the potential for multiple setbacks. So how do you ensure your home is completed within your desired timeline?
Although no build is foolproof, these tips will help keep your new home build on track:
1. Plan, Plan, Plan Ahead
The more you’ve decided on before you begin, the better. Nothing sets a build back like a failure to plan.
Before you even consider a design or buying an empty lot, do extensive research. Then make sure you purchase a lot that is zoned for and can physically accommodate your plans.
Next, work out the big picture items. Finalize your design, including major needs like HVAC, plumbing and electrical. You want your design plans finalized as much as possible before the first official day of the build. Once the ball — er, bulldozer — gets rolling, things will move quickly. You don’t want the project to lose momentum because you’re waffling on decisions.
2. Keep Making Decisions
Materials, fixtures and appliances don’t appear out of thin air. You may not need to have your paint ready to go on the first day, but you don’t want to wait until the day before the flooring install to order your materials.
Decide as much as you can ahead of time and, when new questions or concerns arise, don’t procrastinate on decision-making tasks. You don’t want to delay your builders’ schedules because you failed to prepare.
3. Communicate Clearly
You know what happens when you assume, so be sure you leave nothing to chance. Make sure you establish a pattern of clear and constant communication with your builder.
A big part of staying on schedule is communicating clearly and making sure everyone is on the same page. Like the “measure twice, cut once” adage, it’s important to be upfront about what you want, double check that everyone understands each other and inspect your home’s progress frequently. If it turns out there has been a miscommunication, frequent walkthroughs will help you catch mistakes before it’s too late.
4. Hire a General Contractor
Unless you have a lot — repeat, a lot — of experience as a general contractor, don’t try to take on that responsibility.
A respected local contractor will have the experience necessary to successfully run your build, and they’ll also have the contacts and local knowledge needed to keep things running as smoothly as possible. They’ll know the ins and outs of the homebuilding process and how to schedule subcontractors efficiently.
5. Protect Yourself With Your Contract
A lot can go wrong that is beyond a builder’s control, so it’s no surprise the contracts they supply are meant to cover their butts, not yours.
Don’t just blindly sign a contract. Get someone to help you look over it and negotiate until you’re sufficiently covered as well.
For example, work out a plan for longer work days if the build is falling behind. Agree ahead of time on how that overtime will shake out and what, if anything, you’ll be responsible for providing. Most contractors should have generators for lights and other equipment, but if need be, stipulate that you’ll supply a used generator. In that instance, a well-maintained, used generator is a perfect compromise. It fits the needs of the workers and fits into the budget of your build.
6. Schedule Backwards
Knowing when you want or need to move in is crucial in planning your build. Knowing that a lease is ending or other pressing circumstances will give you a firm goal to work toward.
Once you have that date in mind, talk with an expert to figure out how long it will take to construct your home. Keep in mind that a simple 1,500 square foot ranch based on an existing design will take a lot less time than a 4,000+ square foot “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” inspired home from a new, completely custom design.
7. Plan for Delays
Allowing the bare minimum time to complete your build is just as silly as allocating the bare minimum budget. The unexpected always happens, which makes building in extra time just as wise as adding an extra 15% to your budget to cover you when the unexpected occurs
A lot can happen that is outside of anyone's control. Weather is a particularly unpredictable factor. Extreme cold can affect materials, delivery schedules and make it unsafe for workers. Wet and damp, whether from long periods of rain or standing water, can damage materials and affect drying/curing times for concrete, paint and other materials. Setbacks can also occur when materials suddenly go on back order or a building boom creates a worker shortage.
To avoid weather or other upsets blowing your project deadline out of the water, build in some wiggle room. Adding a few extra weeks to your projection can be a lifesaver if things go wrong.
Ultimately, staying on schedule boils down to two things: planning and communication. Complications will always arise. That’s life, but proper planning and clear communication will help you meet those concerns head-on and come out on top.
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