When building your dream home in the Sarasota area, what do you need to know? There are so many details and aspects of a home that don’t even cross your mind before it’s too late and you’re knee deep in stress, confusion and fury. But with these tips and tricks from the real pros, you can save yourself time, energy and frustration.
- Know your contractor’s organizational skills; understand how professional they are before you get started on a project. Ask about their turn around time. Get copies of their inspection reports for past projects so they can prove what they claim.
- Understand your contractor’s fee-structure; know what you’re paying for and what you should expect for your money.
- Determine what discounts may be available to you. Contractors receive discounts for many of the products that are going in your home. In many cases those discounts can be in excess of the fee that the contractor is charging. Try to use those to your advantage rather than buying direct. It is a win for you and the contractor.
- Know how changes in orders will be charged and the fees on them. If plans change during the building process – and plans always change – it is best to know up front the process which they will be handled and the cost and TIME associated with them. Remember that time is money!
- Have a clear understanding of the level of quality that is included in your pricing. Find a project of theirs that meets or exceeds your expectations and use that as the standard for which to price/build your home.
- Most importantly, it is crucial to understand your contractor’s level of integrity. Can you trust this person and his or her judgment to develop your dream home? Do they have the integrity to accurately and professionally complete your project. You are about to embark on a 1 year long or more journey with this person/firm, doubt can be a heavy burden.
Always keep in mind that getting people involved early will help with a smooth project down the road. And while it seems a bit counterintuitive, getting your team ready early will save you time, money and energy.
Walk your contractors, realtors, architects and designers through a house that matches your vision and level of quality and price. Understand the finishes or the design structure so you know what you’re getting once construction has begun on your home. Knowing what to expect is one of the best tools to have during any building experience.
