You’ve probably heard about those scary stories where people start building a custom home and then get hit with more and more additional charges, which make their whole project cost way more than they expected.
It happens so often that some folks wonder if it’s just a normal thing when building a custom home. Do you have to accept it as part of the deal? The short and long answer is NO! When you bring in the right team early in the process, there are several things you can do together to prevent this from happening.
Choose Your Team Wisely
To avoid extra costs in your custom home project, you need to work with a group of professionals who understand your budget and are committed to sticking to it. This team includes your architect, interior designer, and custom builder. Here’s how they can help:
Your architect can make sure that all the design and construction details are clearly laid out in the architectural plans. This helps your builder create a comprehensive budget without having to make expensive changes later on.
Your interior designer should help you pick finishes that match both your style and your budget. An organized designer can also keep your project on track and prevent costly delays.
Your Myrtle Beach home builder from Dawol Homes should carefully review your architectural plans and make sure they account for any tricky construction issues. They should also include realistic estimates for finish selections like plumbing fixtures, flooring, countertops, and lighting in your budget. Collaborating with your interior designer can help fine-tune these estimates and reduce the chances of going over budget.
It’s crucial to assemble this team early in the process, so everyone is on the same page from the start and working towards the same budget goal.
Review Your Custom Home Builder’s Budget Thoroughly
To ensure that your custom builder’s budget is accurate and comprehensive, have a face-to-face meeting to discuss it. Ask these questions:
How closely did the builder examine your architectural plans? The more thorough they were, the better they understand your project’s unique challenges.
Did the builder share the assumptions they made when creating the budget? Custom homes in Myrtle Beach have many details, and not everything is in the plans. Knowing these assumptions can help make the budget more precise.
Did they get multiple quotes from subcontractors for major items like foundation, roofing, plumbing, and more? This shows their commitment to finding the best value and avoiding costly surprises.
Do they scrutinize every subcontractor bid to make sure nothing’s missing? Missing details can lead to unexpected costs later.
Did they offer you options during the budget review? Home builders should explore different ways to meet your needs and priorities.
Make Design Choices on Time
Your home builder in Myrtle Beach should provide a clear schedule for making design choices during the architectural phase. Stick to this schedule to ensure materials and finishes are ordered on time. Delaying choices can slow down construction and lead to added expenses.
Some decisions you need to make early include:
- Windows and exterior doors
- Exterior materials and colors
- Roofing
- Appliances
- Plumbing fixtures
- Interior beams
- Fireplace details
- Interior flooring
These choices impact the design, plumbing, and foundation, so making them early is crucial. Some also have long lead times, so it’s important to plan ahead.
Stick to Your Decisions and Scope
Once you’ve made your design choices, stick with them to avoid delays and extra costs. Try to finalize decisions during the architectural phase or early in construction. Understand what’s included in your original budget and work with your custom home builder in Myrtle Beach to adjust priorities if needed. Maintain open communication with your builder and trust them as your advisor.
By following these steps and working closely with your team, you can minimize the chances of costly change orders and keep your custom home project on budget. Call Dawol Homes now.
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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