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Make trade-offs to keep your home construction on budget

If you have expensive tastes but a modest budget, you might have to rethink some of your design choices to avoid spending too much. That’s why making a list of needs, wants, and like-to-haves and setting a budget early on are such important steps. All homes need a roof, for example, but Riordan says an inexpensive composition roof accomplishes this need, even if you have your eye on a pricier option like slate. Maybe you’d rather spend that extra money elsewhere. Home fixtures and features like appliances, lighting, countertops, tile, and flooring come in all price ranges. Most likely you’ll find something you like that’s also budget-friendly. “If you need to make trade-offs to stay in budget, I would focus on putting the finances toward anything that is structural,” she explains. “I advise against cutting corners on items like cabinetry, flooring, or paneling because these are the long-term items that will cost more in the long run to update or change.” And keep revisiting your priority list. Vaughan says it’ll help you make all the important decisions along the way.

Check in on your construction site often

Building a home is a huge investment, so you should keep tabs on how it’s progressing. Vaughan suggests scheduling regular meetings with your builder, designer, and any contractors involved. “Make sure you spend time in the space— without the contractor, as well as with them—just after framing and just after sheetrocking,” says Vaughan. “This is so critical to make sure the fl ow of the rooms feels right, as well as the size of the rooms.” At this stage, think about how you might arrange your furniture and where electrical outlets should be placed. Visit more frequently when finishes are being placed to make sure everything is correct. Regular check-ins can save you time and money in the long run, since your questions and concerns are being addressed along the way, Swenson says. “The best way to have fun and not get too stressed about everything being Pinterest-perfect is just to remember what an achievement and blessing it is to be able to build your home,” she adds. “Have fun with the process, and truly take time to enjoy and take in all the details of options, layouts, and materials that are out there.”

Erica Sweeney is a writer whose work has appeared in the New York Times, Parade, HuffPost, Business Insider, Money, and other publications.