BUILDING PITFALLS AND HOW YOU CAN AVOID THEM!

So ya wanna build a house? Start a home renovation? Building can be a complex process with potential pitfalls.

Here are some common pitfalls and suggestions on how to avoid them:

1. Poor Planning and Design:

• Take the time to plan and design your project before construction begins thoroughlyegins. This includes consulting with architects, designers, and other professionals to ensure a well-thought-out design that meets your needs and adheres to local regulations.
• Communicate your requirements, expectations, and budget to the professionals involved to avoid misunderstandings and design flaws.​​

At Hygge Design+Build we offer everything under one roof when it comes to building your new home. We create the design from our space needs survey that we give to clients and also discuss the budget right from the beginning. Those 2 key factors drive the design from that point out. We have heard this story so many times...thousands of dollars spent on a custom home plan only to find out that it's too expensive to build. 

2. Inadequate Budgeting:

• Create a detailed budget that considers all aspects of the project, including construction costs, materials, permits, and contingencies.
• Build in a contingency fund of around 10% to 20% of the total budget to account for unexpected expenses.

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We deliver a highly detailed bid that shows the breakdown of our construction costs. Our proposals include specs for items like appliances and flooring so our clients can have some reference points when they decide to choose those things. A builder may only give a $10,000 appliance package allowance but then not tell you which brand or suite of appliances that $10,000 will get you. If it's not clear in the beginning and let's say you wanted a Thermador or Sub Zero appliance package then you'll quickly find out that you'll be going over on that allowance...not fun!

3. Lack of Communication:

• Establish clear lines of communication with your builder and other professionals involved in the project.   
• Regularly communicate with them to stay informed about the progress, changes, and any issues that arise.
• Maintain open and honest communication to address concerns promptly and avoid misunderstandings.

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Here at Hygge Design+Build, we use a project management software called Buildertrend. Everything from emails and daily job site logs to specs/selections, budgets, and the job schedule can be found here. We also schedule weekly touch base meetings with clients either on-site or virtually. We LOVE communication and keeping our clients informed.

4. Insufficient Documentation:

• Document all agreements, changes, and decisions made throughout the project.
• Keep a record of all communication, including emails, contracts, invoices, and permits.
• Having proper documentation will help resolve disputes and ensure accountability if any issues arise.

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We track all of this information in our Buildertrend software. Our clients have all of the above information readily available for them to review.

5. Ignoring Permits and Regulations:

• Understand and comply with local building codes, permits, and regulations.
• Work with professionals who are knowledgeable about the necessary permits and ensure all necessary approvals are obtained before construction begins.

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Well, this one is a no-brainer...we comply with all building codes and regulations. Each new build undergoes local building inspections to ensure that codes are being followed.

6. Poor Quality Control:

• Address any issues or defects promptly to avoid costly rework or repairs later.
• Failing to supervise subcontractors properly.

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Here at Hygge Design+Build, we have a committed team of subcontractors that understand the detail and level of quality that we expect in all of our homes. We have weekly on-site visits and quality checklists for our team to follow which ensures that consistent points of quality are being met.

7. Unrealistic Timelines:

• Set realistic timelines for the project, taking into account potential delays and unforeseen circumstances.
• Communicate with the builder to ensure they have a clear understanding of the project timeline and can manage it effectively.
• Regularly review the progress against the timeline and address any delays or issues promptly.

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One of the biggest delays can be due to change orders...especially if the change involves moving a wall or some other structural request. We also encourage interior selections to be made early in the process to avoid any supply chain issues.

Our design+build process follows a very clear and direct roadmap. We start with our design phase which can take anywhere from 8-10 weeks depending on the scope of the project. Once we have completed this step we move into the estimating/bidding process which typically takes 4 weeks for us to come up with a pretty accurate build number. Once we have bidding complete and contracts signed we move into breaking ground and the actual construction phase which will average between 8-12 months. It sounds like a long time but time flies when you're havin' fun! And our goal is to make it fun!
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By being diligent, proactive, and well-prepared, you can minimize the risks associated with building projects and increase the chances of a successful outcome. Hiring experienced professionals and maintaining clear communication will help you navigate potential pitfalls and ensure a smoother construction process.

Are you looking to build, renovate, or just need help with some interior design? We would love to help!
Email us: [email protected]

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