When building a home in Omaha, it's important to be aware of common construction issues to avoid. By staying proactive, you can save time, money, and ensure a smooth experience. Here's an overview of the most common issues to watch out for during the home building process.

Poor Budgeting

Poor budgeting is a common issue in construction. Building a home is generally cheaper than buying a pre-built one, but many homeowners underestimate the cost. They often overlook major expenses and forget about smaller ones like legal fees and warranties. Unforeseen expenditures are also common.

It's recommended to have a contingency budget of 10-25% to account for changing costs. To budget effectively, start by creating a home building checklist and doing thorough research on the accurate costs involved.

An Unsuitable Location

When it comes to building a new home, choosing the right location is crucial. The wrong choice can result in major construction issues. There are several factors to consider when deciding on the best location for your home construction.

Before purchasing land for construction, it is important to consider the soil condition and water table. Testing the soil quality will ensure a suitable foundation can be laid. Additionally, determining the water table height is crucial as it may require costly dewatering measures.

Thirdly, during new home building, ask if the area is prone to flooding and water damage. Visit the site during the rainy seasons to assess drainage. Also, avoid sloppy regions, as you need to level the surface. Finally, consider the accessibility of the area and proximity to essential amenities such as powerlines, water, gas, etc.

Not Hiring Reputable Professionals

To ensure the smooth and timely execution of the project, it is essential to have a team of professionals with diverse expertise. This team should include builders, architects, engineers, interior designers, surveyors, contractors, and more. By assembling the right team, you can ensure that the project is completed efficiently and within budget.

When looking for service providers, it's important to do thorough research. Take your time and consider recommendations from other homeowners or check online. This will help you find reputable options and avoid potential construction issues.

When selecting a home builder, it is important to gather as much information as possible to ensure their credibility. Take the time to read through both positive and negative reviews from various sources to get a comprehensive understanding of their reputation. By doing so, you can make a more accurate assessment of their credibility.

Then, narrow down to 1-3 contractors for each category. Contact them for quotes and references to help you narrow down further. Conduct interviews with the most suitable candidates and hire the ones that come up as the best fit. 

Poor-Quality Materials

Using poor-quality materials in construction can have serious consequences. These materials weaken the structural integrity of the building, making it vulnerable to damage from rain, wind, and earthquakes.

Additionally, they often have a shorter lifespan, leading to frequent and costly repairs. Functional and aesthetic issues may also arise. Moreover, poor-quality materials can pose safety hazards and result in legal and regulatory problems if they don't meet building codes and standards.

To avoid these issues, it is important to consult with professionals and use high-quality products that adhere to regulations. Regular quality control checks and sourcing materials from reputable suppliers are also crucial.

Not Adhering to All Applicable Regulations

The building and construction regulations differ from state to state, with some being more widely known than others. It's important to be aware of these regulations to avoid potential fines, construction delays, and approval issues for future projects.

To ensure compliance, consult your home builder and reach out to your local government for specific information on the regulations and codes that apply to your new home building project.

When building your home in Omaha, it's crucial to avoid costly mistakes. To ensure a smooth construction process, make sure to address key issues such as choosing the right location, budgeting properly, using high-quality materials, and following all applicable regulations. Before hiring a home builder, take the time to read reviews to make an informed decision.

Have your home needs changed in the past year? Perhaps you’ve outgrown your present home, or need to downsize to a more suitable home. If you’re ready to make a move, let’s connect and talk about all the amazing opportunities that are available to you!