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Dianne Drinkwater, Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Florida Network RealtyPhone:
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Errors to Avoid With Stick-Built Home Construction

by Dianne Drinkwater 04/03/2022

Having a stick-built home constructed provides you with a whole new house to move into that has the features and design you want. While these homes offer several benefits over purchasing existing homes, it’s important to make sure the stick-built home construction process is done right. Otherwise, you could end with regrets about your new home in terms of design, cost, quality or other factors. Avoid making the following mistakes when you have a new stick-built home constructed.

Choosing Cost Over Location

You should stick to your budget, so that you don’t overextend yourself financially. However, make sure you’re not settling for a less-than-ideal location in order to do so. You might save money going with a less expensive location, but you could end up missing out on important factors, such as having amenities and high-rated schools or having easy access to major roadways for your daily commute to and from work. Choose a location that works best for your situation while also staying within your budget.

Saving Some Decisions for Later or Changing Your Mind

Having a stick-built home constructed often means that you have a lot of options for customization. This means you’ll also have a lot of decisions to make about the way you want your home designed. Failing to make these decisions before construction starts can lead to potentially lengthy delays during the building process. Changing your mind about certain designs or features can also delay construction on your new home. You should aim to make all decisions before your new stick-built house starts production, and try to avoid asking for changes or modifications during construction.

Not Planning Enough Financially

When you have a stick-built home constructed, you shouldn’t assume that everything will go smoothly. Issues can come up throughout the building process, which can lead to unexpected expenses. When you don’t plan for these expenses, you might have to make decisions you’re not happy with, such as leaving out certain custom features that end up being more costly than you expected. You should set aside contingency funds for your new house to cover expenses that might come up. This might range from 10 to 20 percent of your budget for a new home.

Bringing in New Professionals After the Design Process

Stick-built construction involves working with a whole team in order to come up with the design you want for your home. For example, you might work with an architect, construction crew and interior designers to get the home you want. Make sure your whole team is gathered during the design phase to avoid complications or issues later on. Bringing in interior designers after going through the design phase with your architect and builder, for example, could lead to delays and other issues. It’s important for all professionals involved to agree from the start.

Hurrying Through the Planning Process

While you might be eager to have your new home built, don’t rush through the planning process. You should take your time going over your design options and choosing the custom features you want. This helps ensure you end up with the right layout, floor plan and features for your new home based on your preferences.

About the Author
Author

Dianne Drinkwater

Dianne is a full time, full service, state licensed Realtor®, member of Northeast Florida Regional Association of Realtors® (NEFAR), St. Augustine/ St.Johns County Board of Realtors, National Association of Realtors® (NAR), Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR), and Northeast Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service And St. Augustine/St. Johns (MLS), Shearwater Certified, and Military on the Move Designation.

She provides a unique blend of leadership, sales acumen, project management, technology, and world class customer relation skills to enhance Watson Realty Corporation's values in the real estate sales and mortgage marketplace. She is a decisive take action solution-oriented professional with 25+ years of progressive business experience who efficiently utilizes technology to improve results. She has lived in the St. Augustine/Jacksonville area since 2005 and has seen the area continue to flourish and stays well informed of future growth plans within Northeast Florida. 

Let's take a look at the lighter side of Dianne. She loves life is artistic loves music, the arts, yoga and genealogy! She loves to explore and hates to be bored. She loves the outdoors, especially plant life and wildlife. She has been a Master Gardener in Florida and Maine; as a photography enthusiast she has the eye to spot the perfect shot, which spills over to the photos she makes of the properties she markets AND frequently hires the best specialized real estate photographers/drone and videographers who make the difference in the sale. And, she loves to share her knowledge of the local real estate market and all aspects of the process to guide you through each step as a coach rather than a salesperson. 

So, let's sum it up. Buying or selling your home is an important life decision. Reasons can vary greatly from change of lifestyle, to relocation or life challenges. You need someone you can trust, count on, respect and help shoulder the stress, anxiety and time commitment involved. Doesn't this sound like someone you want working for you? 

So, what's the next step? Contacting Dianne of course. It is all about YOUR needs, goals, timeline and DREAMS! She's here to help you achieve them and she looks forward to hearing from you. 

What are you looking for in a Realtor? - Someone who will really listen to your wants and needs? Someone who will expertly market your home until the SOLD sign adorns your front lawn or if you are a buyer tirelessly researches your wish list to find that perfect home? - How about someone who will always be honest, holds ethics in high regard as a realtor, who works aggressively to get you the best price for your home and someone who knows the market? 

Selling or buying a home is a partnership with your trusted advisor- Dianne Drinkwater