Building a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make—both financially and emotionally. To make the construction process go as smoothly as possible, and ensure you get the home you’re dreaming of, it’s important to speak candidly with your builder from the get-go. Here are three important things to discuss:
1. Your Budget
Many people are hesitant to discuss the “B-word” with their builder. “I think the assumption is that if you share your budget, your builder will gobble up every last nickel and dime,” says Brad Sawler, owner of Oxland Builders. When working with a reputable home builder, this couldn’t be further from the truth. “Knowing what you can realistically afford to spend on your new home allows your builder to come up with options within your budget,” he adds.
If you’re not honest about your budget, you can actually delay the home building process, making the overall experience less enjoyable. “It can take several hours just to prepare a budget analysis. Preparing a final contract can take us a month or longer since they are very detailed with all finish selections. If the budget information we have isn’t accurate, adjustments will have to be made down the line—making things more difficult for everyone,” Sawler notes.
2. Must-Haves and Would-Like-to-Haves
When meeting with your home builder, bring a prioritized list of your wants and needs. This will help, especially if you don’t know what to expect your budget to be. Based on this list, you and your builder can shape your budget together, and he will be able to tell you what your best options are.
3. Expected Project Completion Date
Building a home—from planning to permitting, to construction, to completion—is a process involving many variables. Be sure to discuss your ideal completion date with your builder so realistic expectations can be set from the start. It’s important to note that once construction is underway, any major changes to your home’s design plan can drastically impact your estimated completion date.
Oxland schedules a pre-construction meeting with every one of its clients to discuss their anticipated completion date and more. “This meeting sets the stage for a successful project because each of us gets to discuss our expectations,” Sawler points out.
A Successful Home Building Experience
“A successful home building experience is based on honest and open communication between a builder and homeowner. Together we can build a home that meets your vision and stays within your budget,” Sawler says.
Custom Home Builder in Seacoast NH and Maine
Are you ready to build a new home? Contact the Oxland team to discuss your vision. Our craftsmen have 40 years of combined experience. We serve New Hampshire’s Seacoast, including the towns of Dover, Exeter, Hampton, New Castle, Portsmouth, Rye, and Stratham. We also serve Kittery and York, Maine. Visit our website to learn more about us.
