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You've dreamed about building your custom home for years, but are you prepared for what lies ahead? Before you break ground, learn why the National Association of Home Builders reports that most people exceed their budgets by 10-20% when building custom homes.

The budget represents just the first of ten critical mistakes homeowners make. Hidden costs lurk everywhere – from utility hookups and site preparation to surveys and landscaping requirements. One particularly confusing aspect is understanding the difference between "heated and cooled square footage" versus "under roof square footage." As our expert Adam explains, a home with 1,700 square feet of livable space might actually have 2,500-3,000 square feet under roof when porches, garages, and other non-heated areas are included. This misunderstanding alone can add $100,000 or more to what homeowners expect to pay.

Your choice of builder might be the most consequential decision you'll make. The builder-client relationship can transform your dream home into either your greatest asset or worst nightmare. While budget constraints and timelines matter, that gut feeling when interviewing potential builders shouldn't be ignored. And never select based solely on the lowest bid – there's usually something missing from that estimate.

Communication forms the foundation of any successful building project. Establishing clear expectations about meeting frequency, acceptable contact methods, and communication hours creates a framework for addressing inevitable challenges. When problems arise, measured responses prove far more effective than emotional reactions that can damage the builder-client relationship and lead to avoidance patterns that ultimately hurt your project.

Whether you're a first-time builder, a DIYer seeking tips, or a contractor looking to grow your knowledge base, this episode provides critical insights to help you navigate the complex journey of creating your dream home without it becoming a nightmare. Subscribe to our podcast and follow us on social media to continue learning how to build better.

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