Building a custom home should be an exciting journey, not a stressful one filled with unexpected change orders that blow your budget. We’ve all heard the horror stories of projects spiraling out of control due to constant changes. However, with proper planning and the right team, this can be avoided. Here are some strategies to help you keep your custom home project on track and within budget.
Select Your Dream Team Carefully
Meanwhile, one of the most crucial steps in avoiding change orders is assembling a highly effective team of professionals. Your architect, interior designer, and custom builder should all be aware of your budget and committed to sticking to it. Here’s how each team member plays a role:
Architect: Additionally, a thorough architect ensures that design and construction details are well-documented. This includes interior elevations, cross-sections, and detail drawings, and notes. These documents provide your builder with the necessary details to create an in depth construction budget and avoid costly mid-project changes.
Interior Designer: An experienced interior designer not only matches your desired aesthetic but also respects your budget. They help you make timely selections that keep the project moving smoothly. Early coordination between the designer and builder can also set realistic allowance amounts for various finishes.
Custom Home Builder: Meanwhile, your custom home builder should closely examine the architectural plans to identify any potential construction issues early on. They should also include realistic allowances for finish selections like countertops, flooring, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. Collaborating with your interior designer on these allowances minimizes the risk of going over budget later.
Moreover, it’s important to involve your team as early as possible. When everyone is aligned with the same budget goal from the start, it’s more likely that this goal will be achieved.
Ensure Your Builder’s Budget Is Comprehensive
Furthermore, a detailed and accurate budget is essential to avoid change orders. Therefore, it’s crucial to have a face-to-face budget presentation meeting with your builder. During this meeting, review and clarify the assumptions made to price out specific budget items. Also, discuss the various options available to you for shaping the budget further.
Here are some key questions to consider:
How well has the builder studied your architectural plans? The more familiar they are with your plans, the more confidence you can have that they’ve included all the complex elements in the budget.
Did they share the assumptions used to create the budget? Since custom homes involve numerous details, it’s inevitable that the builder will make several assumptions. Understanding these assumptions can help refine the budget and make it more accurate.
Did they get multiple bids from high-quality subcontractors? Ensuring multiple bids for major line items like foundation, roofing, plumbing, and HVAC shows the builder’s commitment to value and thoroughness.
Do they scrutinize every bid? Comprehensive bids prevent future schedule delays, budget busts, and costly change orders.
Did they provide options during the budget review? Exploring various implementation methods for each detail allows you to make informed decisions that fit your priorities and budget.
Make Custom Home Design Selections on Time
Moreover, timely selections are crucial to keeping your project on track. Your custom home builder in Myrtle Beach should provide a detailed selection schedule during the design phase. Additionally, adhering to this schedule ensures that materials and finishes are ordered on time, preventing delays and out-of-sequence construction that can lead to additional costs.
Key selections to make before breaking ground include:
- Windows and exterior doors
- Exterior materials, colors, and details
- Roof
- Appliances
- Plumbing fixtures
- Interior beams
- Fireplace details
- Interior flooring materials
So, these selections impact the architectural design, plumbing groundwork, and foundation, making them critical to decide early in the process.
Stick to Your Original Selections and Scope
Also, firm decisions early in the process prevent delays and costly change orders. Make selections during the design phase and early in construction to allow ample time for evaluation and consultation with your team. Understand the original budget thoroughly and maintain open communication with your builder like Dawol Homes to manage any necessary adjustments without deviating from the overall budget.
Maintain Open Communication
Furthermore, communication is key throughout the Myrtle Beach custom home-building process. Additionally, regular updates and honest discussions with your builder ensure that everyone is on the same page and can address any concerns promptly. Moreover, your builder should act as your trusted advisor and advocate, helping you navigate decisions and stay on budget.
By carefully selecting your team, ensuring a comprehensive budget, making timely selections, and sticking to your original scope, you can avoid the stress and expense of change orders. Keep your custom home project on track and enjoy the exciting journey of building your dream home.
Ready to start your custom home project? Contact Dawol Homes today to ensure a smooth and successful build!
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Dawol Homes
9404 Hwy 17 Bypass,
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
(843) 294-2859
Dawol Homes Sales Office
3100 Dick Pond Rd # E
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843-294-2859
We build homes in: Cypress River Plantation, Waterway Palms, Waterbridge, Murrells Inlet, Collins Creek, Bellwood Landing, Carolina Forest, Plantation Lakes, North Myrtle Beach, Socastee, Surfside Beach, Pawleys Island, Litchfield Plantation