What is the best advice you can give to someone building a home?

• Keep your punch list handy (a punch list is document prepared near the end of a construction project listing work not conforming to contract specifications that the contractor must complete prior to finalizing).
• Make sure you have a good warranty.
• Don’t be afraid to stand up to your builder to make sure you get what is in the contract.
• Don’t sweat the small stuff, your builder wants you to love your home, but remember it’s just a home.
• Use a reputable, custom home builder, the quality of materials and craftsman ship are worth paying more than a cookie cutter builder.
• Tankless water heaters are the way to go.
• Don’t skimp on the big stuff – electric, plumbing, insulation, HVAC system and foundation.
• Never have carpet.
• Hire the right builder, this is the most important piece of the puzzle.
• Water is your biggest enemy. Ensure your house is protected from water.
• Understand the materials that are being used.
• Make sure you absolutely understand exactly what your contractor is proposing.
• Don’t sign the contract until you understand everything in it.
• Talk to an honest and reasonable person who has built a “custom” home previously about expectations and planning, pros and cons.
• Make sure everything is in writing.
• Get an electrician to wire a place to plug in a generator, make sure it is wired to things like your refrigerator and freezer.
• Be open minded and listen to the experts.
• Do your homework and vet the contractors/builder you are considering.
• Natural light is important – don’t skimp on windows
• Secure the correct type of construction loan.
• Lots of walk-thru’s.

The overall theme was the process can be very stressful, but have patience, hopefully you will only do this once so make sure you enjoy it while it is happening.