Things To Know If You Are Building A New Home

When you are preparing to build a new home, the likelihood is that you have hired a contractor or professional builder to do the job for you. Not everyone has the requisite skill set to complete such a large task safely and successfully, so you rely on the experts. That being said, you still need to do your due diligence and understand the basics of building to have the best outcomes and your expectations are met accordingly. Keep reading to learn more about how to be an informed consumer and partner in the building process.

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Understand How Things Work
You may assume that things are going to function the way you assume they will simply because an architect or builder says they are great ideas for your new home. Of course, they are experts in their respective fields, and your background may not be in the arena of building, so you rely on them. Unfortunately, that can be a grievous mistake you may regret later on.

It is always good practice to conduct research yourself so you understand exactly how your choices will affect you later on when you are living in the new home. For example, if you have your heart set on a flat roof to create the perfect exterior aesthetic and clean architectural lines, you need to inform yourself about flat roof construction mistakes before signing off on the decision. A flat roof is a unique and creative choice in home building, but you need to know what you are getting into and ensure that best practices in building are followed throughout construction.

Speak Up
It may seem like common sense, but sometimes the whole building process can be utterly overwhelming, and you defer to the builder or foreperson. Do your best to stay informed and keep your voice throughout the build from start to finish. If there is an explanation given that seems “off” or confuses you, always ask for clarification. Bolster yourself by remembering it is your hard-earned money footing the bill for the home. They are working for you. Not the other way around.

Watch this video for helpful tips on how to work with a contractor and gain a better understanding of what they do.



Organize Documents and Communications
There are so many moving parts, deadlines, and timeframes involved in new home construction. Unfortunately, it is easy for everyone, even the builder, to forget or overlook things from time to time. That is why keeping detailed notes of conversations and communications is essential. This way, all parties are held accountable, and there are digital and paper trails to refer back to if needed.

Some vital things to track include the following:

• Dates and times of conversations and meetings
  
• Emails
  
• Social media communications
  
• Texts
  
• Shared documents and shared folders
  
• Digital document signing
  
• Photograph any concerns in work progress or quality
  

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Take this information and make it part of your building checklist. Educate yourself on the processes, take notes, and document every step of the way. This helps to ensure you get the results you are looking for and move into your home without delay.