When building a custom home, there are many variables. You should know what change orders will be involved and the cleaning process. Building a custom home is exciting but can be stressful, like looking for land development and other important factors given below.
Choosing a Builder
Choosing a builder is one of the most important steps in a custom home build process. Before hiring a custom home builder, you should conduct thorough research. Ask prospective builders questions about their processes and ensure that they are trustworthy. You should also ask if they offer warranties on their work.
It would help if you also chose a professional builder who will walk you through the process. The builder you choose should be able to help you with the design and budgeting process. Make sure they have a well-developed process that will make the entire process simple and stress-free. Moreover, they should be able to explain what is included in the project’s price.
Choosing a builder with transparent pricing is the best way to avoid problems during the building process. Unfortunately, many building companies have misleading advertisements, claiming they can build a custom home for less than $100 per square foot. Transparency is vital when choosing a builder, and you should avoid a builder who makes such claims to attract new clients. A builder who tries to gain your trust by misleading advertisements is only looking to get a contract and will likely surprise you with a huge difference between the advertised price and the actual construction cost.
Choosing a Floor Plan
When building a custom home, choosing a floor plan is important. Not only do you have to decide how much space you need, but you also have to consider your budget. The more floor plans you can choose from, the better.
First, consider your lifestyle. Whether you have a family or a business, your floor plan should reflect your lifestyle and plans. For example, an open floor plan allows you to have a larger living area but can also be noisy. Similarly, a traditional plan can accommodate more rooms, allowing less light. Of course, every floor plan has pros and cons, and you should keep these things in mind when deciding.
Another important consideration when choosing a floor plan is the size of the lot. A large lot can support a large home, but a small lot can hinder your entertaining ambitions. Moreover, a large home requires a larger budget.
Negotiating Change Orders
Understanding the process is the first step to negotiating change orders when building a custom home. Change orders are documents that clarify the scope of work and the cost of making certain changes. Understanding the process and communicating with your builder will minimize the impact of change orders on the project. Change orders cost money, including the time and materials necessary to make the change and any additional products needed.
The receiving party will then create a change order proposal that explains how the change will affect the project’s cost and schedule. The parties can then negotiate to reach mutually beneficial terms. A third party can arbitrate the dispute if they cannot reach an agreement. Giving your builder enough time to review the change order and prepare a counter-proposal is important. An attorney can help you prepare for this process.
The most effective way to minimize the risk of change orders is clearly defining the project’s scope. The terms of the contract must be fair, as large owners will typically push for preferential contracts that limit their liability for changes. The contractor should strive to make the contract as clear as possible because courts tend to avoid unfair provisions.
Cleaning Up After Construction
After you finish building a custom home, it’s time to clean up the site. This may involve cleaning floors, windows, and furniture. Wear protective gear, such as a mask, goggles, and full-length protective clothing. This job can be time-consuming and overwhelming if you’re not prepared. A checklist can help you stay on top of things and track what needs to be done.
To make this job easier, make sure to organize your cleaning efforts. By logically organizing your task, you’ll be more efficient and avoid re-cleaning areas that were already cleaned. For instance, a general rule is to start cleaning from the farthest corner of the front door and work your way in. Using this strategy will ensure that dust stays outside the house. It’s also a good idea to use a vacuum to remove dust and fine particles.
Hiring a post-construction cleaning company is a great idea if you’re not ready to take on the task yourself. The construction industry can create a lot of mess and debris, and dealing with the mess is stressful and time-consuming. Hiring a professional cleaner can take the load off your shoulders and leave you to focus on the rest of your project.
