My Real Estate Blog

Moving can be stressful, but add the process of building a new home on top of it, and you're in for quite the ride.

There are some ambitious homeowners-to-be that take on the task of being general contractor themselves. However, what they save in money, they reap in stress.  Those who opt to employ a contractor or builder for this project aren't immune to home building stresses. From the search for the right lot, contractor, and house plan, to choices in construction grade and interior design details, there's a lot to think about.

Here are some useful tips to keep stress at bay.

1. Plan Ahead. There is perhaps nothing more important than starting early and keeping ahead of schedule in your planning. If you wait to the last minute  you'll have added stress as you scramble around only to find out your cabinets will now take 5 weeks to ship or that your financing is falling through.

2. Be Organized: Keep a list with contact numbers, notes, estimates and budgets, and projected due dates.

3. Have Re-Grouping Sessions. Set aside one day a week to reorganize your list and to look over things that must be completed. Use this time to organize a "to do" list for the week and to figure out what tasks can be delegated to your spouse, family, or builder. A good leader delegates!

4. Open Communication: Have open communication with your builder. Be sure you know where your money is actually going. You need to be comfortable asking even the simplest questions.  

Building a home is a long process. Depending on the size of your home it can take anywhere from three months to a year or more, not counting the preliminary planning stage full of house plans, permits, and budgetary issues. It will all be worth it, though, when you lay your head down to sleep that first night in your very own dream home.