Why 80% of Home Designs Never Get Built (and How to Avoid Over-Budget Home Designs)
Imagine this scenario: You’ve spent months working with an architect to design your dream home. You’ve pored over every detail, from the layout to the finishes. But when the final design is ready and you get the cost estimate, you’re shocked. The price is far beyond what you had budgeted. Now, your dream home design might never see the light of day. This is a reality for many homeowners—over 80% of designs never get built because they come in way over budget. Avoiding over-budget home designs is crucial to making sure your dream home becomes a reality.
The Hidden Danger of Over-Budget Designs
One of the biggest frustrations homeowners face is realising that their meticulously planned designs are financially out of reach. Architects often design homes that meet a client’s vision but fail to align with their budget. This mismatch is not necessarily the architect’s fault; they might not have a deep understanding of current building costs, leading to significant underestimations—sometimes by as much as 50-300%. Avoiding over-budget home designs can save you from this disappointment.
The Solution: Involve Your Builder Early
The key to ensuring your design is both beautiful and buildable within your budget is to involve your builder from the start. A professional builder has the experience and knowledge to foresee potential cost implications of design choices. By consulting a builder during the design phase, you can create a custom home that meets both your aesthetic desires and financial constraints. Avoiding over-budget home designs becomes easier with a builder’s insight.
Take the story of Mike and Emma, for example. They were excited about their modern home design, complete with large windows and a rooftop terrace. However, when their architect provided a cost estimate, it was double their budget. Disheartened, they consulted with a builder who pointed out that by slightly modifying the design—reducing the size of the windows and opting for a simpler roof structure—they could still achieve a stunning home within their budget. The result? Their dream home was built without financial strain. This is a perfect example of avoiding over-budget home designs through early builder involvement.
Why Builders Are Essential in the Design Phase
Only residential home builders can accurately predict the costs associated with difficult sites or specific architectural features. However, while you might pay $10,000-$50,000 for an architect, many professional builders offer consultation for just a few thousand dollars. Moreover, most custom home builders even provide design and build services, often including the consultation as part of the package. Therefore, avoiding over-budget home designs often means leveraging these affordable consultations.
By getting your design and specifications right from the beginning, you save thousands of dollars in potential redesign fees and avoid months of wasted time. Consequently, this approach ensures that your dream home doesn’t remain just a paper dream.
Steps to Ensure Your Design Gets Built
- Set a Realistic Budget:Determine what you can afford and be clear about your financial limits from the start. This is a crucial step in avoiding over-budget home designs.
- Involve Your Builder Early:Consult a builder during the design phase to get accurate cost estimates and practical advice on your plans. This step is essential for avoiding over-budget home designs.
- Work Collaboratively:Ensure open communication between your architect and builder to align design aspirations with budget constraints.
- Be Flexible:Be prepared to make design adjustments based on your builder’s recommendations to stay within budget.
Conclusion
Understanding why so many home designs never get built is crucial to avoiding this common pitfall. By involving your builder early in the process, you can ensure that your home design is both beautiful and financially feasible. Don’t let your dream home remain a distant vision—take proactive steps to make it a reality. Avoiding over-budget home designs is key to achieving your dream.
Ready to take the next step in your home-building journey? Download our eBook, “7 Must Knows For Your Dream Home Design,” for more tips and insights to ensure your project is a success. Visit www.alivebc.com.au to get your free copy today!