By: Mark Nordgren

Thinking of building a new home? Before you pick your Location, your Home Plan or your Home Builder, invest some time, to read about the 7 common mistakes when home building. Avoiding these mistakes can ensure that your home creates... The Wow Effect.

1. Finding a Home Builder with ... Passion!

"Home Builders with Passion" - In every town, there are always a few Home Builders that are so passionate about their craft, that every home they build is a "Work of Art?. Their attention to detail, ensure that they will always be at the top of their industry.

When you first meet a "Home Builder with Passion", you will notice their charm, and keen listening skills. They are very similar to a great doctor. Their focus will be entirely on listening to the patient, or you the homebuyer. They will have many questions, which will help them diagnose or determine your needs.

Once they understand your needs and desires... Hang On. They will begin a presentation of ideas and possibilities that will astound you. You are now sensing that they are more than just a Home Builder.

To find your "Home Builder with Passion", begin by asking for referrals from friends, subcontractors, Interior Designers, and Architects. Also visit new real estate developments, looking for clues.

One of the "Secrets to Great Curb Appeal" in a new home, is the importance of "Staggered Visual Lines". Square boxes are not visually interesting, without another visual dimension added to it. Our eyes and our emotion, love to focus on... curves, angles, depth, texture, and color tones.

When first meeting with the Home Builder, listen to their story. How are they different from the other Home Builders in the area? How do they capture trends in New Home Building Construction Ideas?

Important - do not make your decision on the lowest bid. Almost anyone can make various cuts to lower their final estimate.

Invest the time, to find your "Home Builder with Passion". Their ability to balance your enthusiasm and the realities of building, are what make them so unusual.

2. Saving Money On Your Lot? ... Maybe Not

If you are saving money on your lot today, you will have to pass this savings on tomorrow. The Number One Rule is ... go heavy on your lot purchase. This is Critical!

Unfortunately, it is very rare that you will find a good deal. Great location comes at a price. Do not make your decision based on price alone. Look at the other homes that are in or will be built near your location. Are they in the same price range? What are the future and current traffic patterns? What direction does the lot face?

Note - Location truly is everything. This is one of those decisions in life, when you cannot make a mistake. Always, go heavy on your lot investment; you will never regret this decision.

3. Common Floor Plan? ... Lost Opportunities

Creating drama is much easier when building a home from the ground up. Within your building plan, you must design and designate some areas of unique opportunities. This is where you will be able to create the drama in your home.

The additional investment for a Tray Ceiling, Niche, Barrel Ceiling, Dome Ceiling, Unique Drywall Spaces, Dramatic Dining Room, or Grand Columned Entry Way, are minimal for what they can add to the total market value of your home.

Bring your Interior Design team together when you are drafting your floor plan. Their experience from previous projects and gift for great design can offer you a collection of ideas to introduce in your home. This additional step can ensure that you do not miss out on the many creative opportunities in the designing stage.

4. Is Your Custom Floor Plan Marketable? ... Review Your Plan With An Architect

Custom floor plans are the Pinnacle of Home Building, but make sure that your dream home is marketable in the future. We have all seen floor plans that were not as well thought out, as they should have been.

If the floor plan for your dream home is truly unique, I would encourage that you discuss your project with an Architect.

Architect's have the vision to identify problem areas and discover new areas of opportunity in your home that you may not have considered.

Finally, someday, maybe sooner than you think, you will be selling your home. Could you sell your home tomorrow? What is it about your home that will generate Home Buyer's knocking at your door? Take the additional step to share your home plan with an Architect.

5. Lost In My Design Layers ... Share A Coffee, With An Interior Designer

Once you have agreed on your floor plan, and have drafted your unique spaces or opportunities for drama, the next step is ... Interior Design.

Here you will coordinate all of the layers of your Interior Design Project. This can be overwhelming at times. All of these design elements must flow congruently to create a dramatic effect throughout your home.

I would strongly encourage you to discuss your project with an Interior Designer. They have a unique gift to visualize multiple layers of color, texture, and effect, which is difficult to do. Discuss their fees, which can vary from nothing, to an hourly fee.

6. Electrical Decisions ... I Wish I Would Have

This has to be high on the list of regrets for many homeowners. It is so hard to visualize all of the areas where you will have future electrical needs. During the holidays it may be a receptacle on the stair landing, front porch, or separate breakers for outside lighting.

Important - go through the seasons, reviewing how all areas of your home will be used. Will a bedroom someday become a future office? Remember, lighting is so important when you are staging a room. Meet with a lighting specialist to discuss these many decisions.

If you invest the time, you will be well prepared, when you get the call to meet with your Electrical Contractor.

7. Budget Blues, Not Designating Funds For ... "The Wow Effect"

Everything in the Home Building Construction process revolves around the target budget. But almost everyday, you will be confronted with new cost overrun decisions.

Keep in mind these words ... Drama, Effect, and Staging. If you truly wish for your home to have ?The Wow Effect?, then you must designate a budget for it. Without designating funding, the opportunities that you have designed and drafted into your floor plan will not create the drama or effect.

Think back, we have all gone through the annual Home Builders Parade of Homes, and waited in line for the 1 or 2 homes, that truly understand "The Wow Factor". It is hard to describe its effect. It will stop you in your tracks. You will stop and stare, trying to absorb what you are seeing. All senses are kicking in. Conversations can be heard around you.

Look at this room,... Wow, what is it?"

"I love the colors. What is the finish on the walls? It is almost translucent.?

Did you see the Barrel Ceiling finish, is that Italian Venetian Plaster?"

"Did you feel the Dining Room Walls? Cold like stone, but felt just like marble or granite... Wow!"

The Best Home Builders and Interior Designers will always include a room that will take your breath away. It is bold, but not brash. It can change your taste in an instant. The ?Wow Factor? has pushed you out of your comfort zone. Contact these professionals to discuss your project.

Finally, building "Your Dream Home" is an important goal for most families. But a word of caution, the Home Building process can be stressful. As a couple, I would strongly suggest that you discuss the following rule ... "Preferably, over a Glass of Wine and some Great Italian Food."

"The Marriage Saving, Home Building Rule"

"As a couple, if you cannot agree on a Home Building Decision, then wait on the decision. Sleep on it that night. The next day, begin to look for a better idea. You will not be as emotionally charged, and together, you will come up with a much better solution.

"When emotions are high and each side has dug in, you will be glad you have discussed this rule. This will give you a reason, to set aside a difficult Home Building decision, preventing it from becoming a much bigger issue than it really is. Trust me ... It Works!

To ensure that your new dream home, has a minimal list of... "I wish I would have's", you must literally... "Live In Your Floor Plan". Your opportunities for any change in design are... very brief. Lastly, the "New Home Building Process" is an incredible experience. Looking back, you will never forget the memories, the lessons, the laughs, and the new friendships you have made in this exciting chapter of your life.

Enjoy this ... Fun Walk!

Mark Nordgren