Custom homes are a vision brought to life. When executed properly, they can transform what was once a mere dream into your new reality. If approached incorrectly, however, the process can quickly turn into your worst nightmare. It’s unfortunate but this happens all too often – people will make mistakes that result in a wide array of consequences. The reason this happens is simply because there is a lot to consider before starting on this project. You would need a step-by-step guide to process all the information, and organize it. Having been in this industry for nearly three decades, our experts at Rovimat Group Inc. have basically seen it all. That’s why we’ll outline the top 8 mistakes clients make with their custom home, so you get the home you deserve without the hassle. 

Falsely Priced Estimates

This one is all about trusting your gut when you’re planning out the details of your custom home. There are countless people within this industry who are trying to “make it”. This, unfortunately, leads to a lot of undercutting. Of course, you can’t know what’s going on behind-the-scenes right off the bat. That isn’t under your control. Nevertheless, there are a few things you can do:

• Always question cheaper estimates: keep in mind that the material costs what it costs (the numbers can only vary so much), so if something seems too good to be true, more often than not it’s because it is
• Pick a company based on significant research and reviews, or trusted word-of-mouth
• Be aware of common tricks: for example, being shown a cheap estimate and immediately asked to sign the dotted line

 

Building Code/Ministry of Labour

This one is a no-brainer, but it’s a detail most people forget to check up on because they assume the contractor has the position because they are certified and qualified to have it. Make sure the contractor you hire abids by the laws of where you reside, and is compliant with all building code and ministry of labour guidelines. This tidbit of information essentially ensures that this individual comes with substance reports, soil reports, first aid packages, a secured job site, permits, and much more. Without this, there’s a high chance your project won’t reach completion – or if it does and the city gets a whiff of the law breaking structure – you may be asked to correct the deficiencies (additional cost) or worse, demolish the property (money down the drain). 

 

No HandShake Deals

Here’s a simple truth, when it comes to business there should be no handshake deals. Document everything, from the initial visit to the planning and estimate stage to the actual build. In fact, take notes of everything discussed during meetings so you have a point of reference. If you’ve hired a reputable contractor, they should and will most likely be doing the same on their end. Moreover, ask for plans – whether it be for electrical or plumbing. This way you have a documented note of their locations, so when someone comes in for the installation – you can make sure everything goes where it was requested to go.

 

Research, Research, and More Research

This one ties into our first point. Before selecting any contractor – no matter how appealing (and even realistic) their estimate may be – do your research! This involves deep diving into a company’s reviews and social media. Furthermore, inquire about the company’s referral list. It’s easy to appear like you’re a big shark in a sea of fishes; many companies portray themselves as top-tier companies through their presence online. However, some are fakes. The easiest way to spot them is by going through their photos – if you see more image renders than real pictures of previous work, you may want to remain wary with that company. 

 

Timelines & Payments

It goes without saying but do not sign any contracts without having all the necessary information written down on the document. This includes a concrete deadline date, the final payment, as well as some type of payment plan. Without these details, a project would last a lot longer than anticipated, and without a written amount – your payment could be a lot more than previously agreed upon.

 

Allowances

This form of flexibility is only used when the price, for whatever reason, cannot fully be determined. Allowances give contractors wiggle room when it comes to the cost of material or installation. Of course, they should provide an educated guess and ballpark estimates so you’re aware of the maximum cost. Just be aware of the fact that if you’re building a beautiful, modern, home – you’re going to need higher allowances than if you’re building something a little more traditional. 

In such a case, make sure the allowances your contractor offers fit the quality of finish you are looking for. In addition, do your own research. Look online and check out the suppliers in person so you have an idea of what type of finish you’re looking for, and whether the allowances you’ve been given (i.e. the ‘wiggle’ amount presented to you) fit accordingly. 

 

The Design

It’s crucial that you find a reputable and sensible architect and/or designer to work with. The reason being, it’s really easy to get caught up in making your custom home and opt for things like extra rooms, or washrooms. While it may seem like a fantastic idea, in hindsight – it isn’t really beneficial to the overall space. A cramped home is a stressful home. Your best bet is to find a creative individual who can design your home with the intent of a smooth flowing and functional living space.

 

Enthusiasm Factor

While this isn’t necessarily a requirement, it’s a bonus worth investing in. When you meet your contractors in person, gauge their level of enthusiasm and motivation regarding the project. Take our company, for example. Whether we have secured a job or not, we are always excited to meet new clients and discuss future projects.

At Rovimat Group Inc. our services range from renovations to complete custom home builds, and everything in between. We provide energy-efficient and sustainable building methods in order to make our clients’ dreams come true. Moreover, we will never let you make the common mistakes. Your satisfaction is our main goal. Check out some of our projects to see what we are capable of achieving. If you need a custom home builder in Toronto and the GTA, Rovimat Group is there! You can trust us to help you realize your vision for your home. We have been pushing boundaries since 1991, offering custom home builder services. So, if you’re ready to actualize your vision – contact us and we’ll be happy to help!

Need a quote for your own project? Give us a call today at (647) 808-2509.