I love getting questions from our amazing BuildHer community, and today I’m addressing one we’ve received about how to best tackle a home build. We’re talking all about decision-making, knowing your strategy, planning ahead and who to trust.

Firstly, there are a million different decisions to make during a build, and it seems to come easier for some people than others. However, if you struggle with or find the decision-making process overwhelming, there are definitely ways to ease the load. 

I encourage you to take the time to document every aspect of the build well in advance of it starting. From the tile set up, to joinery, to knowing what stone you want - planning ahead is key. However, I also share tips for those who may not have the time for meticulous planning, or who thrive on spontaneity.  

There will inevitably be unforeseen challenges that arise during a build. They may be due to circumstances out of your control, such as stock arriving late or a site changing over time. However, they sometimes arise from our own oversight on things like cooling or heating systems and waste flow. So, how do you stay on top of all the nitty-gritty details, especially when they’re outside your wheelhouse?

If you’re project managing your build, it’s important to ensure you’ve coordinated the required services and experts who can advise you on what needs to be done and when. Keeping ahead of this early on will reduce a lot of stress and help mitigate unexpected issues. Alternatively, having a builder on site you can trust and lean on is key in making sure all the different aspects of the build are covered. 

This leads me to my next insight: getting advice from people you trust. There is so much to understand before going into a home build project, and there are some things you can’t anticipate until you come face-to-face with them. Whether it’s making decisions on design plans, decor or furniture layouts, having trusted people in your corner who align with your vision will help take the pressure off when you have to make tricky decisions. 

At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to a home build. Having a strategy based on how you work best will give you the greatest chance of success. However, I will reiterate that documenting the entire process as much as possible is vital for anyone looking for a smoother and more enjoyable process. 

So, I encourage you to keep these insights in mind as you set out on the path to your dream build. Remember, the more organised you are from the get-go, the more you can make this journey a fun one!

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