The American dream is to be a homeowner. These dreams do not only include owning a house but also being part of the team that builds or remodels the house. When it comes to planning for your new home, you pay attention to every detail because, in most cases, people only construct a residential house once in their lifetime. For this reason, planning and building for your home may seem like a daunting task, as you don’t want anything to go wrong.
You could be having dozens of perfect houses cut out from a magazine and other sources, but this doesn’t assure you to get a home that matches your designs. With so much at stake, the best you can do is identify common mistakes other people did and do your best to avoid them. Here are the most common mistakes people make when planning for their new houses.
1. Bathroom
When it comes to planning your bathroom, there is much more than picking the right tub, shower, cabinetry, fixtures, or sinks. The bathroom plays a significant role in your family as it is the place where you take the first refreshing bath in the morning and the peaceful soak in the bathtub after a long day. According to experienced home builders from FoleyHomes.com, the right layout is the key to creating a bathroom that functions efficiently and looks great. Getting the correct balance requires adequate planning and working alongside experienced personnel. Working with professionals will not only help you get the bathroom you so much desire but also help you avoid common pitfalls when it comes to bathroom designs.
Here are some common mistakes people make when planning their bathrooms.
● Excluding windows
Excluding a window in the bathroom is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make. Natural light is a crucial facet of any bathroom as it provides benefits that artificial light can’t. As much as natural light is softer than artificial light, it does stop the growth and spread of mildew and mold in this moisture-prone room. Besides letting in natural light, a window also makes the bathroom feel bigger and gives the appearance of a more spacious and open layout.
● Having the toilet as the focal point
As much every bathroom needs to have a toilet, it does not mean that the toilet should be the center of the room’s attraction. Whenever possible, you should avoid placing the toilet facing the door or at a prominent position in the room. The toilet should be the last thing you see when you enter the bathroom.
● Ignoring proper ventilation
A lot of water vapor is created in the bathroom, and it needs to be let out. There are several ways to have adequate ventilation in your bathroom, including having light fixtures with exhaust fans. This design fits well with the overall design theme of your bathroom.
2. Poor overall planning
Before you set out to build a house, you must look at all angles of the project. You should take your habits and lifestyles into consideration. If you are a person who loves entertainment and throwing parties, then you will need a larger kitchen space to accommodate social gatherings.
Think ahead, beyond retirement, to make long term decisions. For instance, will you live in this house for twenty years? Is it a starter home that will be passed on from generation to generation? If you are a young couple considering starting a family in the future, the size of your family will determine the number of bedrooms, your flex space, and bathrooms in your new home.
If you plan to live in this home even when you are old, you have to plan for convenience and safety features such as having a main floor master suite or a one-story house rather than a two-story house. Are you the type of person who works from home? Think about having a home office that offers privacy and is open to the entire house. If you plan to have any outdoor features, plan for them from the beginning. Whether you want a rear patio, sundeck, porch, or a big garden, plan for it early enough.
3. Taking the project as a DIY
You may be a big supporter of DIY projects, but you will have to involve experts for this one. Working with professionals will save you money in the long run due to their vast construction industry experience. A good builder and contractor will help you get your dream home built within the budget and schedule.
Besides, a contractor will help you:
- Review housing plans and identify potential problems
- Make a quotation for materials and labor
- Hire and manage subcontractors
- Obtain building permits
- Order materials and deal with suppliers
- Manage delays due to weather or other construction hurdles
Though the contractor will make recommendations, don’t take a passive role in the project. Remember, this is your home, and it should reflect your tastes and preferences. Discuss your vision and give the builder a sense of direction without micromanaging.
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4. Taking the lowest bid
Every potential homeowner should be able to read and compare offers. First, you should learn about the several methods home builders use for their bids. Make sure you understand them and ask questions before making a decision.
Some of the bidding methods for home builders include:
- Assembly pricing
- Square foot pricing
- Unit pricing
In addition to the bidding method, check whether the contractor has included buffer fees to cover for unexpected issues and delays that may pop up during the construction process. Regardless of the bid you take, make sure you keep your budget in check and account for every penny used on site.
5. Failure to review contracts
Most contractors give their clients an agreement with the details of the project and set schedules. Before signing anything, read the contract carefully. If you are not comfortable handling legal issues, hire a lawyer who can review the agreement before the construction begins. Look out for clauses that make you accountable for added costs and delays, and delivery dates.
Avoiding these mistakes will help you realize your American dream of owning a home. Realistically, you may not be able to foresee every possible error that could occur. However, with these simple suggestions you can easily follow, you will be a step ahead.
