What do you do when you know you want to change things, but you’re in the middle of construction?
Accept the fact that changes are a big part of the process of building a new home. Architects, lenders and contractors all understand this realization. Few custom homes, if any, are ever built without changes.
But changes – whether born of preference or necessity – shouldn’t be taken lightly. Made at the wrong time, they can be economically impractical, interrupt construction flow, create scheduling problems, and cause costly delays.
One of the biggest reasons for changes, especially by first-time new homeowners, is they get emotionally attached and rush to begin the project. Instead of focusing their attention and taking time to fine-tune their plans or make critical decisions about materials and finishes for their new home, they become more concerned with how quickly they can break ground on the construction.
Everyone hopes they make all the right decisions when building their new dream home but changes are inevitable, making them at the blueprint stage will conserve more time and energy for everyone involved and save you money.
For example, take what would seem like a simple request to move an interior wall. During the blueprint stage that request could be as easy as erasing a line and redrawing it somewhere else. If you decided to make the request after the wall has been framed up but no mechanicals have been installed nor is drywall completed, then it would cost a little more. Maybe, just the labor to cut the wall loose and move it to the new location. However, if the request to move the wall comes after the mechanical work has been completed and drywall has been installed, maybe even after the interior trim work and/or flooring is installed then you can see the possible cost implications of such a request increases dramatically.
Fail to plan and you plan to fail by default. Take the time to make important decisions early in the design or construction process. It’s never too soon to pick all of your finishes for the house and knowing what those finishes are can save time, money and confusion later.