photo credit: IdeaMensch

Key Takeaways

• Clear planning and defined goals are essential before starting a custom home project to avoid costly redesigns.
• Site selection and due diligence prevent problems such as poor soil, drainage issues, or missing utilities.
• Accurate budgeting with contingencies helps avoid financial stress and mid-project overruns.
• Choosing an experienced builder ensures proper project management, accountability, and quality workmanship.
• Effective communication between homeowners and contractors keeps timelines on track and expectations aligned.

Thomas Keehn of Maryland is an experienced custom home builder and business owner with more than three decades in construction. A University of Maryland criminal justice graduate, he began his career as a waiter at the Chesapeake Bay Seafood House and later worked as a home improvement sales representative with Universal Energy Corp.

He owned and operated Certified, Inc., in Olney, where the firm achieved a number one statewide ranking and 13th nationally for submitting Certainteed Corp. 5 Star warranties. He now leads Certified Contractors, Inc., in Wilmington, North Carolina, consulting with homeowners, managing crews, ordering materials, and overseeing payroll.

Active in his field, he maintains affiliations that include the National Roofing Contractors Association and a Better Business Bureau listed enterprise. His long operational experience informs this article’s neutral overview of common mistakes to avoid when building a custom home, from budgeting to builder selection.

Mistakes to Avoid When Building a Custom Home

Some people prefer building ? custom home instead of buying an existing one because they can design spaces that match their lifestyle and their family’s needs. However, custom home projects involve hundreds of choices over several months, creating opportunities for costly mistakes.

One common mistake, especially among first-time builders, is beginning construction without a clear vision of how they will use the home. This lack of information leads to rushed decisions, influenced by trends or standard layouts that may not align with their family’s lifestyle. The result is often poor traffic flow or rooms that fail to serve their intended purposes, necessitating costly mid-construction changes. Successful homeowners carefully plan each space, account for future needs, and distinguish between essential and optional features before starting.

Even a well-designed home can encounter problems if built on the wrong plot. Buyers who skip research on planning permissions may face construction delays or complete stops. Without thorough due diligence, a homeowner may not be aware of hidden problems, such as poor soil conditions or a lack of sewage and water, which can result in additional installation costs. Some lots have size, shape, or direction issues that limit design options or cause water drainage problems. Effective site selection involves checking planning permissions before buying, hiring surveyors to test soil conditions, confirming utility access, and ensuring the lot aligns with the planned design.

Budgeting errors are among the most frequent issues in custom home-building. Many first-time homeowners underestimate costs by focusing only on base construction figures while forgetting hidden expenses and contingency funds. Other homeowners approve mid-project design changes without weighing financial impacts. A substantial budget requires a complete upfront analysis, multiple quotes for labor and materials, and consistent expense tracking.

Some owners create schedules that ignore construction realities. Tight deadlines push contractors to cut corners and charge premiums for accelerated work. Effective project management requires a detailed project timeline that covers every construction phase, including buffer time for potential weather delays, inspections, and supply chain issues. To avoid delays, owners should finalize design/material choices before ? project begins. Regular check-ins with builders help track progress, address any problems that arise, and make adjustments to plans as needed.

When building a custom home, the homeowner may overlook lighting. This element affects function, comfort, and ? home’s value. Poor window placement creates dark, uninviting spaces that increase energy costs through reliance on artificial lighting. Good design maximizes window placement to bring daylight into rooms.

Homeowners can make sound decisions throughout their project but still face problems if they select the wrong builder. Poor builder selection often results in substandard materials and construction, and failure to meet the agreed-upon specifications. Builders without sufficient experience usually lack project management skills. They cannot provide proper leadership or accountability on job sites, which creates conditions where mistakes go unnoticed and later compromise the quality of houses. Reputable builders bring proven experience in project execution and management. They provide the oversight to catch problems early and understand how to manage budgets and timelines.

Ultimately, poor communication between homeowners and their building teams results in costly errors and rework. Even minor misunderstandings with contractors or project managers can cause delays, surprise expenses, and frustration. Clear communication from the outset – defining roles, documenting expectations, and holding regular check-ins – helps prevent these issues. Putting agreements in writing ensures accountability and keeps projects running smoothly.

About Thomas Keehn of Maryland

Thomas Keehn is a longtime Maryland home builder and current owner of Certified Contractors, Inc., in Wilmington, North Carolina. He previously led Certified, Inc., in Olney, earning top statewide and national rankings for Certainteed Corp. 5 Star warranties. A University of Maryland graduate in criminal justice, he manages operations that include payroll, materials, and crew coordination while consulting with homeowners on custom projects and renovations.

He maintains professional affiliations such as the National Roofing Contractors Association and operates a Better Business Bureau listed enterprise.

FAQs

What is the biggest mistake people make when building a custom home?

The most common mistake is starting construction without a clear plan or understanding of how the space will be used. This often leads to rushed design changes and costly revisions mid-project.

Why is lot selection so important in custom home building?

The lot determines the home’s layout options, drainage, and accessibility to utilities. Poor site selection can lead to structural issues, added costs, or even construction delays due to missing permits.

How can homeowners avoid budget overruns during construction?

Homeowners should include contingency funds, get multiple quotes, and track expenses throughout the project. Avoiding impulsive design changes also helps prevent unexpected financial strain.

How do I choose the right builder for my custom home?

Look for builders with proven experience, strong communication skills, and a track record of meeting deadlines and quality standards. Checking references and industry affiliations is also key.

Why is communication critical in a custom home project?

Regular communication between homeowners and contractors helps prevent misunderstandings, delays, and extra costs. Written agreements and consistent updates ensure smoother project execution.