Mistakes to Avoid when Building a New Home

Building a new home is such a rewarding process. At the same time, there are so many things to consider... choices to make and trying to think of every detail to make this the perfect place. After all, one of the goals of building is to have it just the way you want it. Here are a handful of areas that are often overlooked or underplanned.

Even the most careful planners and experience home owners can't possibly think of everything. If you have ever talked to someone who has built a home, most all of them will tell you about the "things they wish they had considered when they built the home."  It is impossible to think of everything. However, there are a few things that are easily overlooked that can impact the long-term value of your home. 

1. Not planning enough storage space
Unlike our friends in the North who enjoy basements and/or usable attic space, storage space is a premium in Southwest Florida. Consequently, this is an area that you want to give careful consideration so that you have adequate storage room in your new home in your kitchen, garage, bedrooms. etc. 

2. Low quality choices
In new build processes, managing to a budget is almost always a challenge as there are often unforeseen costs. Tough tradeoff decisions are often necessary. You are better to reconsider "extras" versus having to compromise on quality. The quality of the materials in your home has a significant impact on your future value. It's better to have less things than more with less quality.

3. Overlooking Energy Efficiency
More and more attention is being placed on energy efficient homes. Buyers have become more educated on the options available and have started to look for and ask about energy-efficient designed homes. This doesn't have to be a big undertaking and can be as simple as well-sealed windows or earth-friendly building materials. Not only does it help resell, it also helps save money during the time you are in the home. 

4. Focusing only on near term needs
You never know how long you may be in a home but, when you are designing your home think at least one stage out from where you are. Your needs are likely to shift over time. Designing a home to endure and support those transitions is important for continuing to fill your needs while you own the home and often facilitate a bigger buyer pool for resale. 

5. Allowing too many other people to weigh into your home design choices.
Don't get me wrong... that friend that has built 5 homes and has great insights can provide valuable feedback. Just keep in mind that you are the one that has to live in the home. Make sure the decisions you make are ones that fit your needs and not someone else's preferences.

We teach our kids from a young age about the difference between wants and needs. Taking the time to identify and prioritize what yours are will improve the likelihood that you will be pleased with the experience and the outcome of your home build process. Strike the right balance between your needs as a home owner and the practicalities of resale.