Hey, what's up everybody! It's TJ with Sanctified Homes and Construction, and today I want to talk to you about six key things to consider before you dive into designing plans or making any major decisions. These tips will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable process as you build your dream home.

1. Assemble the Right Team

The first step in a successful custom home build is assembling a solid team. This typically includes your builder, an architect, a designer, a lender, and possibly a title company. We recommend involving your builder early to help with design, architect selection, and sub-bidding. Having everyone on the same page from the start will streamline communication and keep the project on track.

2. Set a Realistic Budget

Knowing your budget upfront is crucial. It’s essential to have a hard number that you won’t exceed. This isn’t just for the builder’s sake—it’s to prevent you from designing a home out of your financial reach. Many clients bring us plans and say, “Here’s my budget, build this,” only for us to realize that the design far exceeds their financial limits. Being upfront about your budget helps the builder create a design that fits within your means and avoids costly surprises down the road.

3. Create Detailed Plans and Specifications

Once your budget is set, it’s time to create detailed plans. This involves working with your builder and architect to draft blueprints and create a spec sheet outlining your home's materials and finishes. The more detailed you can be at this stage, the better. Vague plans often lead to allowances in contracts, which can result in unexpected expenses later on. A clear, detailed spec sheet ensures you know exactly what you’re getting and what it will cost.

4. Make Key Design Selections Early

One of the best ways to keep your project on track is to make as many decisions as possible upfront. This includes everything from window styles to flooring types. Delaying these decisions can lead to stress and potential delays later on. For instance, choosing a different type of flooring mid-project might require re-bidding or even structural changes. Making these choices early ensures that the build progresses smoothly and stays within budget.

5. Stay Committed to Your Choices

Once you’ve made your design selections, try to stick with them. Changing your mind on major items during the build can cause delays and add costs. While some changes are inevitable, minimizing them will help keep the project on schedule and reduce your stress. Remember, every decision you change requires adjustments across various aspects of the build, from ordering materials to scheduling trades.

6. Communicate Openly and Regularly

Communication is key throughout the entire building process. This means staying in regular contact with your builder, architect, and any other professionals involved. If you have concerns or if the builder needs something from you, address it promptly. Good communication helps manage expectations and ensures that any issues are resolved quickly. It’s also important to have those tough conversations when necessary to keep everything on track.

Conclusion

Building a custom home is a significant investment of time and money, so making sure the process is as smooth as possible is critical. By assembling the right team, setting a realistic budget, making key decisions early, and maintaining open communication, you’ll be well on your way to creating a home that you and your family can enjoy for years to come.

If you’re planning to build and want more expert advice, be sure to check out more tips at Sanctified Homes. In the meantime, don’t forget to raise your standard. We’ll talk to you guys soon!