Mindset of a home builder - Get the Details & How to Approach Changes

Welcome again Dreamers!

Lets look closely at the mind of the home builder - thats going to be you when you start to build your home..

If I will have a single tip for you right now, it will be : Know what you want and get as much detail on the architectural plans before having it bid out to contractors.

The more details the plans have, the closer the cost of the contractor/s to your actual building budget.

There is no really perfect plan. But it does not mean you will leave the details as the construction is already going-on. And it does not mean you will not make changes as everything is happening. You have all the right to make the changes. But make it early. How early? The earlier the better.

Here are a few examples:

If you want to get a feel on the layout of the house with respect to the total lot area, have your contractor lay it out in the ground before you dig any foundations. At least you get a feel on how big or small the whole house is going to be. You can even layout the individual rooms in the ground floor or the upper floors. Just do it one floor at a time.

Any major or minor changes, let your architect or builder know about it and see if you can still make the changes.

Some changes will or will not cost you anything. but just make sure the changes are made in writing.

If you want to make a room bigger, decide on it before the walls are starting to come up. 

If you want more electrical outlets, decide on it before they start plastering the walls and making it smooth.

 The simple concept is - if its already there and it needs to be removed and installed again due to changes, it will cost you.. it will take additional labor and additional materials which you have to pay.

 But you have to ask yourself, do i really need it or do i just want it to impress.. Can I afford it? Am i already tight on my budget?

 If the digging already started and you wan to push the whole house back so you want to have a larger frontage, you will have to pay for the wasted work done. if you can afford it - do it. its your house anyway. 

Tip: Some subdivisions or villages have a minimum set back for the front, sides and back. like 2 meters at the sides and back and 4 meters at the front (Check you local government and village requirements. you can even have it inspected just to be sure you will not start work that does not comply with the requirements).

Let a competent construction manager or architect guide you..