7 Misconceptions About Building A Home With A Builder

The dream of building a custom home is one that a lot of us have. Unfortunately, misconceptions and hearsay keep a large population of potential homeowners from even researching what the process entails. 

‍

We want to change the narrative—Bennefield Construction is known for constructing high-end, luxurious living spaces for people just like you. We turn overwhelm into reward, and make the process of custom home building easy to understand and achievable for our clients. 

‍

That home you dream about is closer than you think. Let’s debunk 7 of the most common misconceptions about building a home with a builder like us.

1. New Homes Are More Expensive Than Pre-Owned Properties

The question we’d like to ask is, “Says who?” You see, while the initial investment of building a custom home might be higher, the long-term benefits of a new home can, and often do, significantly outweigh the costs associated with purchasing an older one. 

‍

New homes are designed to be more energy efficient, and are fitted with brand new fixtures, appliances, and inner workings. These costs alone start to compound very quickly, especially with the type of variable weather we experience here in Western Canada. Additionally, our work and product is warrantied—providing you peace of mind for years to come.

‍

If you ever want to resell, you’re already years ahead of similar homes that have been standing for decades on end. The kind of custom homes we build are designed with quality and luxury in mind, and that value is going to be reflected in your asking price should you ever decide to move onto something else.

2. The Bigger The House, The Higher The Cost Per Square Foot

It’s actually most often the opposite. Cost per square foot tends to go down as the size of the house goes up, and fixed costs like offsite servicing and impact fees remain constant, regardless of how big the home is. Architectural and design fees? Again, not directly tied to the square footage, but instead based on a percentage of the total construction cost.

‍

Look at it this way: A smaller home with high-end finishes and elaborate designs could easily end up costing more per square foot than a larger, less complex home. At Bennefield Construction, we specialize in finding the balance between opulence and practicality to ensure our clients receive value at every imaginable scale.

3. You Should Purchase A Plot Of Land Before You Hire A Builder

We’ve all seen those vacant lots with home builder signs planted in them, so that must mean you need to purchase one before you hire out for your custom build, right? Not at all! It’s actually far more beneficial to involve your builder early in the process. 

‍

A knowledgeable and experienced home builder like Bennefield Construction can help evaluate prospective plots by considering things like orientation, topography and view quality. These are things that may not be immediately obvious, but are important factors when trying to design a home that checks all of your boxes.

4. It’s Incredibly Difficult To Get A Construction Loan

While a construction loan might sound a bit scary, it’s often much easier to facilitate than people think—especially with the help of an experienced builder. Bennefield Construction helps clients through this process by recommending reputable lenders, organizing documentation, and assisting with the loan application process every step of the way.

‍

Another thing that is useful to know: It’s much easier to obtain a construction loan if you already have home equity built into an existing property. So if you think your current home is holding you back, it might actually be able to work to your advantage. 

‍

Bennefield Construction is here to help you build a home you truly love by securing the necessary funding. We will offer you valuable financial advice and coordinate with brokers to make it possible. 

5. You Need To Be A Design Expert To Build A Custom Home

Especially with the type of high-end homes we produce, we’ll oftentimes get customers coming to us worried about their own personal design skills. We want to break down this barrier right now—you do not need to be a design expert to work with us. 

‍

Our team can help anyone bring their vision to life, and we have all the skill sets in-house to align with client priorities; no matter how complex, nuanced, or inexperienced they may be. We have an industry-proven track record for providing innovative design solutions and engineering expertise. Even the most ambitious concepts are challenges we thrive at executing.

6. There Are Hidden Costs

The idea of hidden costs can deter even the most assured custom home buyer, but the risk is minimal if you choose a respected home builder and stay true to your original plan. Bennefield Construction will always discuss potential challenges and upfront costs with every client, and work side-by-side with customers to create a collaborative budget that works for everyone.

‍

A good builder will outline your budget in detail, covering permit fees, landscaping, and any other potential expenses. “Hidden costs” often result from changes initiated by the homeowner; even small changes made partway through the process can significantly affect the total cost of the project. 

7. Home Builders Don’t Communicate

Effective communication is important in any relationship, and your relationship with a home builder is no different. Our team at Bennefield Construction works hard to quell unnecessary anxiety through constant, clear, and effective communication about your home. Regular updates, fast replies, and even post-move-in support are all standard practices in our company.

‍

We wouldn’t be here without our customers, and always make it our priority to ensure outright satisfaction with every interaction we have and project we pursue.

‍

‍

Don’t let the fear of what’s to come stop you from living your dream. Building a custom home with Bennefield Construction is within your grasp, and we want to help you achieve that goal. Located in Cobble Hill, British Columbia, we’re experts in the threads that connect luxury and comfort. Contact us today, and let’s start down the path together. 

‍