You may have heard that building a custom home is a nightmare you should avoid. But this is only the case if you are working without expert advice and guidance. In fact, even if this is your first time building a home, professional custom home builders have worked successfully through most of the challenges that you are likely to encounter. While there’s always an opportunity for things to go wrong, these tips from custom home experts can help you to be better prepared for the process.

Of course, choosing the right custom home architect is critical to getting the advice you need.

What the Custom Home Experts Say

Patience is Key: One of the most difficult parts of the new-build process for consumers is often simply letting the process play out. It takes some time to build a new custom home, and there are thousands of decisions to be made. Everyone involved is invested in beginning the build, but doing so before everything is properly planned out can cause significant problems. You’ll get better quality and be more pleased with the result if you trust your architect and builders with their stated timelines – from planning through final inspections. And while you are working your way through the process, don’t let it get you down – stay excited as you watch the creation of your new home take place.
Be Realistic with Budget: If you priced out a custom build five years ago, you may be surprised at how the cost of labor and materials has changed. Once you’ve set a budget, allow your architect to help you to make decisions and accept allowances to get the ideal final result without overspending. Changing the scope of the project or allowing youself to “go a little over budget” here and there can end up costing you a lot more than you expected.
Don’t Take On More Than You Can Handle: The internet is amazing in that we can have a never-ending source of ideas and inspiration when building a home. However, this can be both good and bad. Informed clients are good, but not understanding how specific materials or techniques are applicable to specific climates or local building codes can be problematic.
Yes, a custom-home build home offers an infinite amount of preference and choice, but you’ve got to stay within certain guidelines (not the least of which being your budget.) Take your time making appropriate selections, and then commit to trusting your vision.
Prepare, Plan and Be Proactive from the Start: In the beginning of the process, be sure to communicate your entire wish list to your architect or builder. Ask as many questions as needed, and listen to your builder’s advice. An experienced architect or home designer can make plenty of suggestions for first-time clients, while ensuring that they stay within their budget goals. Talk to your lender at the beginning of the process about lines of credit, and understand that with any custom home project, compromises are necessary. Understanding all of the parameters and possibilities of the project from the beginning can help you to manage expectations thoughout.

Building a custom home requires patience and planning, and a trust between all of those involved. If you are considering a custom home build in the Sarasota area, the team at JTL Studios would love the opportunity to partner with you on your project. We will help you to put structure to your vision, decide on your budget, and choose the right materials and partners to get the job done.

Call JTL Studios today to learn more about our unique experience and design methodologies.