Building a custom home is a sizable undertaking, even when you outsource the work to reliable contractors. As the client, the steps you take now will impact whether your home reflects your goals and vision, both now and in the long run.
Knowing the biggest mistakes to avoid when building a custom home in Oregon can help you feel more confident as you start this project. With a seasoned builder like Schar Construction, you can enjoy a smoother home-building process with minimal mistakes, delays, and unexpected expenses.
1. Choosing a Lot Without Understanding Its Building Potential
Building your dream home starts with a lot that is the right size and in your preferred location.
Some Oregon builders, including Schar Construction, offer a “build on your lot” service where they design and construct custom homes on a lot of your choice, rather than in pre-planned neighborhoods. But leaving your builder out of the lot selection process may be a mistake. You need to ensure the land is buildable and that certain challenges won’t drastically increase your budget.
Your builders can help you consider the following factors when choosing a lot to make an informed decision:
- Soil quality
- Drainage
- Utility access
- Sun exposure
2. Selecting a Builder Based Only on Price
Contractor selection is a big deal when building a custom home. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is choosing a contractor only because they offer the lowest price.
While price and budget are important considerations, choosing a low-quality, low-priced builder won’t leave you with a durable custom home build. Instead, that contractor might have the best prices simply because they cut corners or use cheap materials.
The best contractors will help you design a home that includes your must-have features, fits your needs, and meets your financial goals.
3. Underestimating the Total Project Budget
The total costs involved in custom home design include expenses like:
- Land
- Construction work
- Site work
- Builder fees
- Soft costs (design fees, permits, etc.)
- A contingency reserve
Consider all of these custom home costs when creating a comprehensive budget.
Your home builder will sit down with you to discuss your budget and plan how they can execute the build within those financial constraints. They will be realistic about whether your initial budget leaves enough room for what you have in mind. If not, they can help you create a new plan you love that better fits your financial criteria.
4. Designing Around Appearance Rather Than Function
One perk of designing a custom home is being able to customize every element to your preferences. But while appearance is important, you also need to make sure the design makes practical sense for how you and your family live.
For example, marble countertops look stunning, but they aren’t as durable as materials like granite or quartz. They show everyday wear more easily, which means they may not be the best choice for a busy family that doesn’t have time to clean up spills promptly.
Designing a custom home involves blending appearance and function so that your home looks beautiful while still offering practical value for your family.
5. Making Major Changes After Construction Begins
Most custom home builders understand that you might change your mind about small details after breaking ground. But major changes to the layout or design after construction begins can be very costly.
You’ll have to pay for the work already done, plus the extra labor to rework the design. This could significantly delay your home-building timeline.
6. Underestimating Permitting and Approval Requirements
Planning a custom home in Oregon involves obtaining a wide range of permits before construction can begin, or before builders can move to the next phase of development. These permits might include:
- Structural or building permits
- Plumbing and electrical permits
- Site development and zoning permits
- Mechanical permits for HVAC and gas piping systems
For properties under Lane County jurisdiction, certain projects require land-use planning and sanitation approval before they become eligible for a building permit.
Thankfully, your builder is often responsible for seeking the relevant permits throughout the project. But the process doesn’t happen overnight, so factor this into your build timeline.
7. Ignoring Septic and Utility Requirements
No one likes to think about the septic or sewage system that services their home. But one mistake to avoid when building a custom home is overlooking these integral systems that keep your home working as it should.
In Oregon, if a community or public sewerage system is legally and physically available to your lot, you must connect to it. Otherwise, you must conform to statewide guidelines for seeking a septic permit.
Water-service requirements vary by location. Some Lane County properties connect to a municipal or community water system, while rural properties may require a private well.
When considering septic and utility systems, your builder will help make this process seamless and explain any costs associated with adding the necessary systems for a safe, functional home.
8. Prioritizing Trends Over Long-Term Value
What’s trendy right now will be outdated in 5 to 10 years. If you want to enjoy your custom home for the long haul, prioritize timeless design choices over trends.
For example, gray luxury vinyl plank flooring was hugely popular between 2019 and 2022, but many homeowners now prefer warmer wood tones. While you can change flooring, it isn’t always convenient or cost effective. Choosing a more timeless flooring option means you won’t risk disliking it once the trend fades.
Meanwhile, energy-efficient homes are a trend that’s here to stay. Sustainable design choices will benefit you now and in 20 years by saving on energy costs and minimizing your environmental impact.
9. Choosing Finishes Without Understanding Their Impact on Budget
The small details are what turn a basic home build into the custom home of your dreams. Materials and finishes can also significantly impact your total costs, so it’s important to understand pricing before making these decisions.
For example, ceramic tile and butcher block are often considered budget-friendly countertop materials, while marble and porcelain are at the higher end of the spectrum. If you are on a tight budget, choosing materials early can help you avoid the custom home building mistake of going over budget at the end.
10. Waiting Too Long To Talk With a Builder
Building a house in Oregon takes time, so don’t delay talking with a builder. It’s often a good idea to meet with a custom home builder in Oregon as soon as you start exploring the idea of a home build. If you’re ready to break ground now or move into a home in the next six months, this timeline probably won’t be feasible if you haven’t already met with your builder.
This early planning is especially important for rural or unincorporated Lane County properties, where zoning, sanitation, floodplain, utility, and access requirements may need to be resolved before construction can begin.
Choose Schar Construction as Your Custom Home Builder in Oregon
If you’re considering a custom home in Eugene, Springfield, or Lane County, Schar Construction is a trusted local builder with more than 50 custom home builds under our belts.
We can help you avoid common mistakes and build the home of your dreams. Call us today at 541-255-1624 to schedule a consultation.
