What Mistakes You Should Avoid When Building a New Home

by Jan Kennemer 05/30/2021

You did it—you decided you want to build a new home. While you may be ecstatic about this new adventure, there are some things to keep in mind. To save the most money and prevent any complications with this big decision, avoid these 7 common mistakes:

HVAC

Although it may sound like a surprise, your HVAC system is one of the most important aspects of your home. However, far too many homeowners choose a system that isn’t well-suited for their new property. Buying an HVAC unit that is too large or too small could lead to problems, so make sure your system is sized correctly for your residence.

Lifestyle

Before you start your building project, plan a home that fits your lifestyle—for now and years down the road. For instance, if you plan on having children, you may add an extra bedroom to your floor plan. If you’re looking to expand into a home entertaining area that can house you and possible furry companions, you may want larger and more open floor plans. These are just a couple of adjustments to think about when building your home.

Rooms

Frequently, homeowners have a room or two they never really use. As a result, these areas become mini storage units and spaces that waste energy. Consider what rooms are necessary before starting the building process.

Light Fixtures

While it may seem like a negligible factor, light fixtures are an essential element of your new home. If you decide to add new lights down the road, it could be a long and stressful process. Think about your light fixtures beforehand to prevent any roadblocks in the future.

Bedroom Location

Choosing where you sleep can have a significant impact on your life. After all, sleep is vital to your health and well-being. That said, you want to build your bedroom in a quiet location. If you have someone that gets home late at night, you may avoid building your bedroom close to the garage or front door.

Garage Placement

Garage placement is also an essential element of your new property. For added convenience, most homeowners build a garage right by the kitchen. It’s also common to design your entrance leading into a mudroom or lobby area.

Home Inspection

Some homeowners are so excited to move in to their new property, they neglect the inspection. However, this can be a huge mistake. You’ll want to have a professional, thorough examination from a seasoned expert. To avoid any catastrophes and find peace of mind, never forget this vital step.

Avoiding these seven mistakes will save you a slew of time, effort and money. Be sure to go over these common, but often overlooked, issues with your real estate and contracting teams when building your new home. They can easily clear up any questions you may have about the process.

About the Author
Author

Jan Kennemer

Jan will show you how you can live close to Washington, DC – by public transit and/or highway – and still enjoy all the many amenities and friendliness of a quiet community. Jan is a life-long resident of Arlington, Va. So, she is very familiar with northern Virginia …Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria and close-in Fairfax. She knows where to find those little out-of the-way places where you will still get excellent value and a home that meets your needs. As a Realtor® for over 20 years, Jan has developed a customized system for marketing and selling properties which includes the latest technologies combined with tried and true practices. She has received special training in working with first time buyers, repeat buyers and seniors. She is a certified VHDA trainer and is certified as a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES©). Jan is also a certified e-Pro. She gets results you want – the best price in the shortest time. Jan is dedicated to helping clients satisfy their needs and wants while providing them with a strong investment for the future. She is readily available to provide explanations and information. She won’t push you into making an uncomfortable choice. Jan helps you to fully understand the transaction, so that you can always make an informed decision based on facts and figures.