Over the years, having built thousands of homes, we have come across a fair amount of misinformation that passes as fact about the process and experience of building a custom home. Here we’ve compiled the most common misconceptions in an effort to dispel the myths.
Myth #1: I have to purchase a plot before I hire a builder.
Fact: Unless you’ve inherited or otherwise already own the lot on which you wish to build, your builder can be an invaluable resource for choosing the perfect lot for your custom home.
Discussing the type of home you envision prior to purchasing a lot can spare you disappointment and save money. Your builder will identify and assess aspects of the property that you might miss, such as the slope, orientation, view, location of trees or rock outcroppings, and other factors that affect the suitability of the site.
Myth #2: Getting a construction loan is hard.
Fact: Your builder can help you navigate the loan process and help you find the right lender and financing option.
Myth #3: I can’t change parts of a floor plan, so I’m stuck if I can’t find a plan I like as is.
Fact: When working with an experienced custom home builder, any floor plan can be essentially a place to start. Many changes are possible during the design phase, including room additions, redesigning kitchen and bathroom layouts, widening hallways, and customizing master suites.
Myth #4: It’s too hard to find a suitable plot.
Fact: Start by having a conversation with your builder about the type of neighbourhood in which you wish to live. Your builder can point you toward available lots that meet your criteria and then help you evaluate their suitability for the home you want to build.
Myth #5: The home I chose is too big for the plot I like, so I’ll have to find another location.
Fact: Again, it may be possible for your builder to adjust the floor plan to fit the lot you want.
Myth #6: Any plot in the neighbourhood I like will be good to build on.
Fact: Not all lots are created equal. Your builder considers factors such as easements, well and septic, topography, and house placement to determine the ideal location.
Myth #7: The exterior of my home will have to look just like the picture.
Fact: Changes to the exterior of an existing floor plan are possible, often without affecting the interior layout. Most house plans come with two or three optional elevations. Talk to your builder about architectural styles you like and ask about available exterior elevations per plan.
Myth #8: I can save money by building a bungalow.
Fact: Dividing the same amount of square footage between two or more stories is actually less expensive than building solely on the ground floor, because of the smaller footprint. A one-story home will require a larger foundation and roof, and beefed-up framing to support the larger roof.
Myth #9: A smaller house will cost less to build.
Fact: Square footage is just one factor in determining building costs. The number of windows, bathrooms, the type of kitchen and the level of architectural complexity greatly influence building costs. Talk to your builder about how to make the plan you like fit into your budget.
Myth #10: A smaller house costs less per square foot than a bigger house.
Fact: Actually, just the opposite is true. Cost per square foot goes down as the square footage increases. Many fixed costs such as site costs, permits and impact fees, are the same regardless of the size of the home. As mentioned above, the complexity of the home also factors into the overall cost.
Myth #11: I can save money by not installing granite countertops
Fact: Premium laminate countertops are a cost-effective option, but for beauty, functionality and durability, granite is still an excellent value. Other trendy options, such as butcher block, recycled glass, stainless steel and quartz cost quite a bit more–up to double the amount of granite.
Myth #12: Engineered hardwoods are a better choice than hardwood finished on site.
Fact: Engineered hardwood floors have the advantage of starting out with a tougher, more durable finish than traditional hardwood. However, unlike site-finished hardwood, they can’t be sanded down and restored multiple times over the life of your home.
Myth #13: Lots of windows will make my home less expensive to build
Fact: Windows are one of the most important elements of a home, both functionally and aesthetically. Maximizing natural light while keeping energy costs for heating and cooling low is necessary for good home design. Installing windows, particularly complex windows, is more expensive than installing a solid wall, and an insulated wall will be more energy-efficient than a wall of windows. Your builder can help you find the right balance.
Myth #14: Building a custom home is too complicated and time-consuming, and involves too many decisions.
Fact: There is no question that building a custom home involves many, many decisions, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The easiest way to simplify the process is to hire a reputable builder you trust and who communicates well. An experienced builder knows what questions need to be asked, even if you don’t, and can provide guidance and expertise throughout the process. Once your builder understands your preferences, the design team can narrow down choices to a few best options and help guide you through the selection process.
Myth #15: Building a home takes too long.
Fact: That may be true, depending on the builder you choose. With decades of experience building in the Denver Metro Area and Northern Colorado, Sheffield Homes has a streamlined process and team of experts that will ensure your custom home building experience is seamless and efficient.
Kenya Homes will help you separate fact from fiction in custom home building. Contact us today to get started on your dream home!