No matter how much house hunting you do, the chances that your unique dream home already exists AND is on the market are pretty slim. Building a custom home offers the possibility of checking off every item on your dream home wish list. But turning your dream into reality is a bit more complicated than most people realize.

Here are seven things that Rhode Island home builders like us want you to understand when it comes to designing and constructing custom homes.

1. Dream Homes Need to Translate to Reality

It’s important to know that the vision you have built in your mind's eye might not translate exactly to real life. From floor plans to fixtures, everything that goes into a home design takes careful consideration and planning. It’s often less a matter of what is physically possible and more a matter of what is possible within your budget.

This is where a skilled design/build firm can help. They can guide you on what's realistic, what's not, and how all the flourishes in your dream might affect your real-life budget.

2. Big Changes Cost Big Money

A custom home means custom prices. If you make any changes mid-stream to the building of your custom home, it will affect the bottom line. Again, the beauty of working with a design/build firm like ours is that you can avoid these costly missteps.

Early in the design process, we create a comprehensive project plan with accurate cost estimates and realistic schedules. The result is fewer surprises and no need to revisit the drawings when bids come in from builders.

3. Now is the Time to Think Green

If you are concerned about energy use and sustainable materials, the time to make energy-saving upgrades is now, when your custom home is being designed and built. It will cost significantly more to change things like insulation, roofing materials, and windows down the road.

4. Consider Your Surroundings

If you are planning to build in a neighborhood filled with three-story Victorian homes, an ultramodern design will stand out. If you’re looking for a solution that will give you modern features in a design that doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb, a design/build firm can help with that too.

6. Think about Your Changing Needs

The custom home that meets your needs today may be too big or too small down the road. Consider your changing needs when planning your custom home. Do you need enough bedrooms to accommodate a growing family? Will this be your forever home or do you plan on selling it in five or ten years?

7. There Are No Dumb Questions

If you have any questions about building a custom home, just ask!

It’s vital that you understand where and how your budget is being spent on any home project. A good design/build firm will always communicate with you clearly and openly, and address any questions or concerns you might have.

Building a custom home is an exciting project. It is the best way to get a house that meets your needs while satisfying your aesthetic sense perfectly. Enjoy the journey!