Common Mistakes to Avoid While Building Your Own Home

When building a new house, it’s easy to get caught up in picturing the end product rather than focusing on what’s happening in the here and now. But remember, you won’t be able to have your dream home without planning and budgeting appropriately and making the right choices.

There are many potential mistakes to avoid when building a house, and in this article, the expert builders at John Munro — Townsville’s leading home builder — will take you through the most likely pitfalls so you can avoid them.

How to Avoid Mistakes When Building a New House

Building a home is far from straightforward — it involves so much more than just choosing a block of land and looking at floor plans. You’ll have to deal with local councils, understand building regulations, manage construction timelines, apply for home loans, and consider your environmental impact. The good news is that recognising the complexity of home building is the first step to doing it correctly.

Here are the most common mistakes you should avoid when building a new house:

Choosing Location Too Hastily 

Once construction has begun, it’s too late to change your mind. So, before you settle on a location and a design, ask yourself these questions:

• Do you like the neighbourhood?
• How far are you from everyday facilities like the supermarket?
• Are there environmental factors that could affect your quality of life?

Overlooking Finer Details 

It’s easy to focus on the big picture and forget about smaller things. Before the design is finalised, consider the following finer details and check that you’re happy with them: 

• Where appliances will go
• Placement of power outlets
• The direction of windows
• The appropriate storage for different rooms

Misreading the Builder’s Quote

Remember that not all builders or contractors use the same pricing methods, so be sure to read your quote carefully. It’s also essential to remind yourself that your builder’s quote may not accurately represent the final expenses and that, quite often, building a house will cost more than anticipated. 

Making Changes During Construction

Making changes during the construction phase can significantly impact the ability of your builders to meet the estimated completion date and can result in lengthy delays. Either finish your planning and make changes before construction commences or request changes and renovations after building completion.

Not Planning and Budgeting Properly

When you make a budget for your house, don’t just cover the obvious costs (land and construction), but remember there are other expenses, such as land tax, council fees, landscaping, and cost overruns. And while it’s tempting to try to save money where you can, it’s also essential that you don’t choose cheaper materials at the expense of quality and longevity. 

Neglecting Resale Value 

Building a new house — even if it’s only for you and your family — is a significant investment. You never know; you may want to resell in the future, and you want to make sure your home appeals to buyers. Makes sure your house has universal appeal in the following factors:

• Quality construction
• Practical layout
• Abundant natural light
• Energy efficiency
• Desirable location 

Choosing the Wrong Builder 

Before you get started with a building company, make sure you do your research. Check out their previous work and read reviews to get an idea of their track record. You’ll be working with them over the course of the build (which lasts months), so you want to know you can trust and rely on them to build your new house. 

What Can I Do to Fix My House Building Mistakes?

There’s nothing more disheartening than paying to build a house and being dissatisfied with the result. But don’t worry — even if mistakes were made during the construction of your home (whether they’re your mistakes or the builder’s), it’s not the end of the world. Seeking first-rate renovation services can help you to update your space to reflect your needs and priorities that you may have neglected (or that may not have existed) during the design, planning, and construction stages.

Top Tips for Building a New Home

Building a new home can never go completely as you expect, but with the proper preparation, planning, and guidance, you can make the most of your journey. Here are our top general tips for when you’re building a new home: 

• Always understand your financial options and budget for more expenses than you expect so you’re not caught out by unexpected costs.
• Invest in good design that matches your lifestyle, has a practical layout, and promotes energy efficiency.
• Quality over quantity — a small home built with high-quality materials will serve you better than a large home with cheap construction.
• Think about resale potential in the future, even if you plan to build your forever home.
• Be patient and anticipate that delays may occur.
• Get professional help and advice from trustworthy builders.

Turn to John Munro to Avoid These Mistakes When Building

By making yourself aware of the most common mistakes when building a new house, you can set yourself up for success and reap the rewards of good planning, design, budgeting. Though building a new home is a massive endeavour, it can be done — to your satisfaction and joy — by avoiding missteps and pitfalls, following the best practices, and working with an experienced building team.  

If you’re contemplating building your home in Townsville, Queensland, let the renowned home builders at John Munro Builder give you a hand (or many!) Our expert team prides itself on quality craftsmanship, transparent communication, and unrivalled care, manifesting in our home design range. We’ll help you build your ideal home — without falling into the common pitfalls.