5 min read

How to Avoid Common Mistakes During New Home Construction

Written by
Rob Reich
Published on
October 24, 2024

If you're looking to become a homeowner, building a home can provide immeasurable benefits. New home construction is a popular segment of the building industry and one you can take advantage of when you have the right help.

Home builders make up a $129 billion market in the United States. Learning the ins and outs of these projects will help you create an amazing place to live for yourself and your family. Avoiding common mistakes will make the process smooth and productive.

These tips will keep you on track with your next big new home construction project.

Study Your Finances and Set a Budget

The first mistake people make when building a new home is not budgeting with enough scrutiny. It costs about $311,000, on average, to build a new construction home today. These prices can fluctuate wildly depending on the details.

New home construction projects involve revamped roofing, new architectural styles, and other details. Getting a brand new construction can give you more longevity than you'd get from bathroom remodeling or kitchen remodeling in your current home. The sky is the limit with what you can create with a new construction project, so leave no stone unturned when researching what you want and setting a budget.

Once the budget is set, resist the temptation to overspend.

Consider the Style of Home You Need

Researching style choices will also help you avoid common construction mistakes. Many people scope out square footage and focus on bedrooms and bathrooms without thinking about design and architectural principles.

Not unlike fashion, home building also comes with different styles that are en vogue. Your home will stand the test of time and build equity over the years when you choose style choices that will age well. Examples of home styles that you might consider include:

  • Modern
  • Art Deco
  • Mediterranean
  • Craftsman
  • Tudor
  • Contemporary
  • Greek Revival

Think of your style choices in terms of your living sensibilities as well. Figure out which styles speak to your personality, and which you can see enjoying for the next 30-plus years.

Research Your Builders

Failing to research your builders is another common mistake that people make. The builders that you choose will make the biggest difference in the success or failure of your project. You need to hire pros that are licensed and insured, who are up-to-date with the latest trends and technology, and who take careful measures to avoid building errors.

Scope out builders based on reviews and recommendations, and take tours of existing model homes that they've built.

Choose the Best Neighborhood

Choosing your neighborhood is arguably the most important part of the house construction process. Even the best home will lose value and become a liability when it's situated in a subpar neighborhood.

If you live in the Saint Cloud area, some attractive neighborhood options include:

  • Lake Nona
  • Pine Lake Estates
  • Ashton
  • Harmony
  • East Park
  • Deer Creek
  • Palm Gardens

Scope out your needs in terms of things like tax rates, proximity to work, school zones, cleanliness, and nearby property values.

Manage Your Permits and Re-Zoning

Don't forget about the red tape when planning a new home construction. These projects require a number of hearings and applications for things like building permits and re-zoning.

In many cases, your team of professionals will handle these matters without an issue, but you have to remain in the loop to make sure that your project remains on schedule. Missing one of these permits can cause your entire construction project to fall behind and cost you more in the long run.

Plan Out Every Detail Before Breaking Ground

New homebuilders often make the mistake of skimping on planning in a rush to break ground. There's nothing wrong with being excited about your new home, but starting too early can create setbacks.

Aside from the builders, you need a team of professionals that can plan out every other matter of the building project. This includes hiring professionals like:

  • Architects and designers
  • Licensed and insured roofers
  • Plumbing contractors
  • Residential electricians
  • Concrete and foundation professionals
  • Natural gas contractors
  • Landscapers and grading pros

Failing to put this team of professionals together early will lead to delays in the schedule, which can also make it cost more in the long run.

Focus on Lighting and Eco-Friendly Decisions

The last thing you want is for your home to be outdated in terms of lighting and energy. Today, you should build with light-emitting diode (LED) lights that will stay cool and prevent you from draining electricity.

Take the time to make other eco-friendly decisions as well, including things like water-efficient bathroom and plumbing fixtures, and energy-saving Heating Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Secure the Best Possible Materials

Finally, be certain that you're choosing high-quality materials for every part of your home. Choosing the right type of roofing is essential for your new home. This will help you with drainage during storms so that moisture doesn't pile on your roof or foundation.

Be sure to also choose quality flooring materials, paint, siding, hardscape, and more. Your home will have more longevity and will retain value over the years.

Put Together the Best New Home Construction

These tips will help you when you're putting together a new home construction project. Avoid these common mistakes and leave no stone unturned when putting together the perfect home.

TEK Construction Group can help you out with all of your construction needs. We provide impeccable service to clients in Saint Cloud and the local and surrounding area. Use our contact form to reach out or give us a call at (407) 768-3597.

Have more questions about your next project?

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