If you’ve been researching custom homes, you’ve likely heard some nightmare horror stories about home construction gone wrong. Projects left incomplete, builders abandoning the client, or the costs going thousands of dollars over budget. We want you to know that these stories are rare and for every nightmare horror story, there are hundreds of success stories of happy homeowners with the house of their dreams.
Here are a few testimonials from happy Schumacher Homes clients:
Vicky and Leroy
“We are so pleased with our Schumacher Homes custom built house. We’ve recommended Schumacher Homes to several people. We love our new home.”
Chelsie and Kenny
“We are so grateful for the transparent and prompt communication. His commitment to moving the project along in a timely manner was huge.”
Meghan
“I looked into a couple other companies, but it didn’t take long for me to decide that Schumacher Homes was the best fit for me. The quality of their build and what’s already included in their base price showed me that they take pride in the work that they do as a company. Overall, what stood out to me was the patience that everyone had with me along the way. I never felt rushed into making decisions or that I was a nuisance when I voiced concerns or changed my mind about design decisions.”
Wanda and Keith
“We spoke to many other builders, and we really felt that Schumacher was able to help us build exactly what we wanted. Both our builder and customer coordinator made us feel as if we were their only customers. We were never rushed through a meeting, even when there were what felt like hundreds of decisions.”
Schumacher Homes is always ready and willing to help you along your custom homebuilding journey. Follow these steps and you are sure to become your own homebuilding success story.
Assemble Your Dream Team Early
Building a custom home can be a complex and challenging process. To ensure that your project runs smoothly and successfully, it’s important to assemble the right team of professionals early on. Here are some key players you may want to consider adding to your custom home building dream team:
Architect
An architect will help you design your home and ensure that it meets all building codes and regulations. They can also help you make the most of your space and create a home that fits your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.
Builder/Contractor
A builder or contractor will oversee the construction process and ensure that your home is built to your specifications. They can also help you stay within budget and manage any unexpected issues that arise during the building process.
Interior Designer
An interior designer can help you choose the right finishes, colors, and furnishings for your home. They can also help you create a cohesive design scheme that reflects your personal style.
Landscape Designer
A landscape designer can help you create an outdoor living space that complements your home and enhances your lifestyle. They can also help you choose the right plants, trees, and hardscape materials for your climate and soil type.
By assembling a team of professionals early on in the custom home building process, you can ensure that your project runs smoothly and successfully. Each member of your team can bring a unique set of skills and expertise to the table, helping you create the home of your dreams keeping you away from any nightmare home building horror stories.
Make Selections Early
Making custom home selections early in the home building process is a great way to ensure that you get the home of your dreams. Here are some tips to help you make custom home selections early:
Determine your Budget
Before you start making any custom home selections, it’s important to determine your budget. This will help you narrow down your choices and make sure that you don’t overspend.
Make a List of Your Priorities
Make a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves for your new home. This will help you prioritize your selections and ensure that you get the most important features.
Research Options
Research the different options available for each selection, such as flooring, countertops, and appliances. Look at pictures online and visit showrooms to get a better idea of what you like.
Consider Resale Value
While it’s important to choose selections that you love, it’s also important to consider the resale value of your home. If you plan to sell your home in the future, you want to make sure that your selections will appeal to a wide range of buyers.
Work with a Builder or Designer
If you’re not sure where to start with your custom home selections, consider working with a builder or designer. They can guide you through the process and help you make selections that fit your style and budget.
Make Selections Early
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, make your selections as early as possible in the home building process. This will ensure that your builder has everything they need to complete your home on time and within budget.
Be Decisive
One way to make the process smoother is to be decisive when making decisions about your home. Here are some tips to help you be decisive when building a custom home:
Trust your Instincts
When you’re making decisions about your home, trust your instincts. You know what you like and what you don’t like, so don’t second-guess yourself.
Set a Deadline
Set a deadline for making decisions about your home. This will help you stay on track and avoid getting bogged down in indecision.
Keep an Open Mind
While it’s important to be decisive, it’s also important to keep an open mind. Listen to the advice of your builder or designer, and be willing to consider new ideas and suggestions.
Remember the Big Picture
When you’re making decisions about your home, remember the big picture. Think about how each decision will impact the overall design and functionality of your home.
Avoid Second-guessing
Once you’ve made a decision, avoid second-guessing yourself. Trust that you’ve made the best decision for your home, and move forward with confidence.
By following these tips, you can be more decisive when building a custom home and enjoy the process more fully.
Visit Your Home During Construction
Visiting your custom home during construction can be an exciting experience as you get to see your dream home take shape before your eyes. However, there are some important things to keep in mind when visiting your custom home during construction:
Bring a Notepad
When visiting your custom home during construction, it’s a good idea to bring a notepad and pen to take notes on any questions, comments, complaints or concerns you may have. This will also help you keep track of any changes or updates to the construction plan.
Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the construction process or the materials being used. Your builder or project manager should be able to provide you with answers and explanations to help you understand the progress being made on your custom home.
By following these tips, you can make the most out of your visit and ensure that your dream home is being built to your specifications.
Expect the Unexpected
Custom home building can be a complex and unpredictable process, and it’s essential to be prepared for unexpected challenges along the way. Some of the unexpected issues that can arise during custom home building include:
Delays
Construction delays are not uncommon, and they can be caused by a variety of factors, including weather, permitting issues, or unforeseen construction challenges.
Design Changes
Even with detailed plans, homeowners may change their minds during construction, which can result in design changes that impact the construction schedule and budget.
Building Code Compliance Issues
Building codes are continually evolving, and it’s essential to ensure that your custom home meets all current building code requirements. Non-compliance can result in significant delays and additional costs.
Communication Issues
Effective communication between the homeowner, builder, and subcontractors is critical during custom home building. Miscommunication can lead to mistakes, delays, and cost overruns resulting in negative comments and complaints.
To mitigate these potential issues, it’s essential to work with an experienced and reputable builder, have a detailed plan and budget, and maintain open and honest communication throughout the construction process. Being prepared for the unexpected and having a flexible mindset can help ensure a successful and satisfying custom home building experience.
Stay Positive
It’s important to stay positive throughout the entire journey in order to enjoy the process and create the best possible outcome. Here are some tips to help you stay positive when building your custom home:
Set Realistic Expectations
Building a custom home is a complex process that requires time, effort, and attention to detail. Be prepared to face challenges and setbacks, but also focus on the end goal and the benefits of having a home that is tailored to your needs and preferences.
Communicate Effectively
Communication is key when building a custom home. Make sure you are clear and specific about your needs and expectations with your builder and other professionals involved in the project. Listen carefully to their input and ideas and work together to find the best solutions.
Celebrate Milestones
Celebrate the milestones along the way, such as the completion of the foundation or the framing of the house. This will help you feel a sense of accomplishment and progress, and motivate you to continue working towards your goal.
Focus on the Big Picture
Remember why you are building a custom home in the first place. Whether it’s to accommodate a growing family, to create a space for your hobbies, or to downsize and simplify your life, keep the big picture in mind and stay focused on the end goal.
By staying positive and optimistic, you can turn the process of building a custom home into an enjoyable and rewarding experience and steer clear of any nightmare horror stories.