how owners can help with a successful custom home project
A successful home construction project is very much contingent on the organization and follow through of the builder. However home owners actions have allot to do with a project completing on time and on budget.
With custom homes there are many materials to select, as well as the specifics of what the finish colors will be. An organized builder should give the owner a selection list at the start of the project that lets the owner know what selections are need, and when. It is important for the owner to get the builder selections in a timely fashion.
Many selections entail changes beyond the specific item being selected. For instance when selecting light fixtures a heavy chandelier requires a ratted light box sufficient to carry the weight of the light fixture. It is important the builder gets that information before the electrician completes the rough electric or else there will be additional time and cost to come back and retrofit a box that will hold the weight.
When building a home there is a critical path to follow to keep to the construction schedule. Some thinks like exterior painting can be put off some amount of time without affecting the critical path. Other things must be known in advance of the work affected by the critical path. For instance the walls and ceilings get painted before further work such as cabinetry and finish carpentry can be started. If the builder does not get the color selections for the walls and ceilings with enough time for the painter to secure the materials then the forward progress on the critical path will be suspended.
As with most things in life, building a home is a two-way street, with both the builder and the owner holding some amount of responsibility for a successfully completed project