The process of building a new house is an exciting and at the same time, unfamiliar and mind-boggling endeavor to you. It is routine and just another day at work for your architect and contractor. Hence, these two attitudes are bound to clash at some point in time.

Building your new house should be an active experience; you can’t afford to be passive because you have to make all the important decisions. If you are an unable or unwilling to make certain decisions, the homebuilder will be forced to make them for you.

Your new house should follow your vision; your construction team is just there to make sure that that you are able to see that vision at the end of the day.

Here are some guidelines to help you actively take part in your residential construction project:

Understand Your Contract
You need to be familiar with the paperwork because you are spending a large amount of your hard-earned money when you put your signature on a contract to design and build your new house. Know all of your rights to be able to exercise them!

Read and understand your contract. You are paying the architect and the contractor for their experience and ability. What can you expect in return and how do you ensure that you get what you expect? Simple: communicate and write it down.

The homebuilder will keep track of anything you add to the house after the contract is signed. On your end, keep track of anything you add or reduce.
 
Keep Costs in Perspective
The average house contains approximately 1,500 to 2,000 square feet. Do you need more space? Why? How much more? Remember: you pay for each and every square foot of space in your house, be it occupied, usable, vacant or unnecessary.

Don’t be dazzled by the flashy stuff suggested by friends or magazines. Good construction should always come first.

Check the Building Codes
While you shouldn’t expect to know the number of nails used, you should expect a substantially built house that is free of defects and constructed in compliance with all applicable codes and regulations.

While design trends and construction methods may change, the basic things do not and should always be done properly, including a properly sized and constructed foundation system and a properly designed and installed structural system. Don’t give more attention to changeable features like finishes and coverings; they should not distract you from closely keeping an eye on the steps that require good basic construction.

Call your architect or contractor’s attention when you see things that don’t look or seem right because you may not be able to easily and cheaply replace them. Seek some reliable outside, impartial advice.

Be Flexible
Learn how to compromise in order to resolve issues and problems. Look at both sides of the coin and be aware of what you may be giving up. Ask yourself if the situation is worth what you are losing.

The builder is fully capable of doing anything (or can find someone who can) you wish, but everything comes with a price, so be careful when making unique, inordinate or far-out requests which may require new technology and untested materials and equipment.

Construction is an imperfect science, and when combined with natural elements like site conditions and the weather, things could change, must be changed, or simply exceed capabilities.

Mistakes do happen so don’t expect the construction of your new house to be absolutely perfect. However, drastic imperfections can and should be corrected, and it is well within your rights to demand this.