Mistakes That Slow Down New Construction & How to Avoid Them

Dorr also suggests that any time an adjustment needs to be made to the home design plans, put it in writing. “Mark it on the blueprints, mark it on the cabinet plans, or anywhere else that all the contractors and trades will have access to since you aren’t there 24/7 to fill them in,” Dorr says

It can be intimidating for homeowners to get too involved in the building process, especially if it’s their first home-building experience. It was Dorr’s first time building and she wasn’t sure how much she could or should be at the site, asking questions or asking for updates, without overstepping.

However, ultimately, it’s your home. And no one will take care of your home or care quite like you do.

“I encourage everyone to really understand the details. We did walk-throughs at every stage and took tons of photos and videos,” Dorr says. “I wish I had printed out copies of every appliance, every light fixture, every sink, faucet and tile to double check along the way because mistakes are made. It’s inevitable. But the sooner those mistakes are caught, the sooner they can be fixed, especially if you catch it before the contractor has left the job site.”

There are certain focal points in every home that should be considered when budgeting and planning. A fireplace is one of those areas.

Brian Peterson, owner at Earth Energy Patio in Tucson, Ariz., says another mistake made during the home building process is homeowners not evaluating the available fireplace selection. Often times, builders will pre-select certain fireplaces for their homes that are somewhat generic.

“By taking a look at the builder’s selection and comparing it with what the homebuyer desires to see in his or her home, a homeowner can avoid being unhappy with a selection made by others,” Peterson says. It may also give them an opportunity to assess upgrades to the fireplace to suit their needs.

It’s important to remember that fireplaces are structural and cost far less to incorporate into the home during construction than they do as part of an aftermarket addition or remodel. Plus, who wants to live in a construction zone right after they move into their brand-new home?

Peterson notes that by making the proper inquiries with a hearth professional, homebuyers can save both time and money. Add to this the education that they will receive during the selection process, and it makes more sense to make the selection once rather than twice.

As a first-time home builder, Dorr was surprised when her builder said she needed to pick out her fireplaces as one of the very first selections.

“Having never been around home construction previously, I didn’t know exactly what went into the fireplace and chimney/venting situation,” Dorr says. “We needed to have a clear idea of what we wanted, how large it would be, where it was going and what the mantel or television/artwork above the fireplace would be. I had no idea that each of those elements can affect the fireplace venting. This can be a very expensive renovation to tackle later, so I recommend that homeowners spend time early in the process planning out the fireplace including any mantels, built-ins, electronics or artwork that need to be taken into consideration.”

Peterson also suggests homeowners start exploring with a hearth professional what types of fireplaces meet their needs (linear, traditional, remote operation, media options, heat management options, etc.).

“Once choices and options have been refined, take this information back to your builder,” Peterson says. “And let them know what you want to see in your home.”

Learn more about the new home building process and fireplace planning with these articles, or take a look at the traditional and modern fireplaces Heat & Glo has to offer.