Taking the first or cheapest bid without further inspection
While planning your renovation or building project, it is your right (and responsibility!) to seek multiple bids from multiple builders. When you get those bids back, go through them with a fine-toothed comb to see where and how they differ. Most builders would love to meet with you in person to go over their bid, pricing structure, and company practices to keep you well informed.
Skimping on quality materials
While the price tag of cheaper siding or decking material may look good at the onset of your project, lean on the expertise of your building and design team to learn the pros and cons of different materials. You don’t want to be replacing those materials in a few short years if you don’t have to!
Failing to account for the unexpected
In construction, always expect the unexpected! Keep this in mind when setting your budget, schedule, and expectations. In a perfect world, everything would follow a nicely planned schedule, the weather would always cooperate, and nothing surprising would be found behind walls. It might not be wise to schedule your child’s birthday party for the day your contractor tells you the project will wrap, as changes and delays – both requested and unexpected – can pop up along the way. Don’t cause yourself any unnecessary stress at the end of a project!
Rushing
Rushing either the design process or the construction process will surely lead to mistakes. Work through the big decisions and small decisions with the same eye for detail. The paint colors hold just as much importance as your light switch locations. A well-rounded team will help you think these things through on the front end. Big changes while the project is progressing can have big price tags.
Not having the right players on your team
A great construction team can have as many players as the project dictates. You could be working with an architect, builder, engineer, landscape architect, interior designer, or more. Each of these professionals brings something unique to the table. Decision fatigue can be a very real thing, so be sure to have all the people on your side who can help you create a thorough plan from the start to minimize decisions made on the fly later.