Realtor Bahr

🏡 Lesson #8: Spell Out Your Expectations Even the Obvious Ones

One of the biggest lessons we learned building a custom home was this:

If something matters to you, don’t assume everyone understands what you mean.

There were things we thought were obvious. Things we thought had been communicated. And things we didn’t even realize we needed to ask about until decisions had already been made.

Looking back, I would ask more questions and be much more specific:

What exactly is included?
What will the finished product look like?
What does the builder consider “complete”?
Is there another option?
Is what we’re expecting actually documented?

This isn’t about micromanaging your builder. It’s about making sure everyone is working toward the same expectation.

A custom home is too big of an investment to rely on “I thought they knew what we wanted.”

Ask the question.
Explain what matters to you.
And when it’s important, put it in writing.

If it matters to you, don’t assume it’s understood.

🏡 Building a Custom Home: Lessons We Learned
Sharing our experience so your journey can be a little smoother.

➡️ Next Lesson: Understand What “Substantial Completion” Actually Means

Just listed in Gilbert! 🏡

4038 E Orion St | $499,900

This beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2-bath, single-level home in Highland Corner has so much to offer including a remodeled kitchen, vaulted ceilings, extensive tile flooring, fresh interior paint, a spacious primary suite, and a great outdoor setup with a covered patio and expansive paver entertaining area.

✨ 4 Bedrooms
✨ 2 Bathrooms
✨ 1,685 Sq Ft
✨ Single Level
✨ Updated Kitchen
✨ Approx. $77,000 in documented improvements
✨ Widened gated side yard

And if you want to explore it before scheduling a showing, there’s a full 3D Matterport tour available too!

📍 4038 E Orion St, Gilbert, AZ 85234
💲499,900

Message me for details or to schedule a private showing.

GilbertHomes HomeForSale HighlandCorner ArizonaHomes SingleLevelHome

Just Listed in Gilbert. 🏡

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For INSTANT ACCESS to all photos, details and more, Go to https://www.searchallproperties.com/information/3500239

Beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2-bath, single-level home in Gilbert's Highland Corner! The bright, open floor plan features vaulted ceilings, extensiv.... ❤️

Just Listed in Gilbert Get the Current Price, Photos, Details & More Now!

🏡 Lesson #6: Clarify Who Is Supervising Subcontractors

One of the things we wish we had understood better before building was exactly who would be overseeing the subcontractors and checking their work.

When you hire a general contractor, it’s easy to assume someone is regularly walking the job, coordinating the different trades, identifying problems, communicating corrections, and making sure those corrections are actually completed.

We learned that you shouldn’t assume.

There were times during our build when we discovered issues ourselves while visiting the property. There were also times when subcontractors had to return more than once because everything needing attention wasn’t identified or communicated at the same time.

And sometimes one trade’s work creates another issue. If concrete is removed, something is damaged, or work is left unfinished, who is responsible for making sure it gets corrected?

That’s a question worth asking before construction begins.

Ask your builder:

✔️ Who will be supervising my project?
✔️ How often will someone inspect the job site?
✔️ Who checks each subcontractor’s completed work?
✔️ How are corrections documented?
✔️ Who follows up to make sure they’re actually completed?

Homeowners should absolutely stay involved in their build, but they shouldn’t have to become the project’s quality control department.

Know who’s supervising the work and who’s responsible for seeing it through.

🏡 Building a Custom Home: Lessons We Learned

Sharing our experience so your journey can be a little smoother.

➡️ Next Lesson: Don’t Assume You’ll Be Presented With Upgrade Options.

ATTN Home Buyers! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧

FREE REPORT: Down Payment Assistance for Local Homebuyers! 🏡

How to Buy Your Home for Less Money Out of Pocket. 💰

🎯 Go to https://DawnBahr.StopRentingStartOwning.com to get the FREE REPORT Now!

🏡 Lesson #5: Visit the Site More Often Than You Think You Need To

When you’re building a custom home, it can be tempting to assume that everything is being checked and that someone will let you know if there’s a problem.

One of the things we learned is that there is no substitute for seeing the progress yourself.

Several times during our build, we noticed things during our own visits that needed attention. Some were small. Others would have been much easier to correct had they been caught earlier.

You don’t need to hover over the job site or interfere with the people doing the work. But you should stay involved.

If possible:

✔️ Visit regularly.

✔️ Take photos.

✔️ Compare the work to your plans and selections.

✔️ Ask questions when something doesn’t look right.

✔️ Follow up in writing when something needs to be addressed.

And if you’re building from a distance, ask your builder for consistent progress photos or video walkthroughs.

The goal isn’t to become the project manager.

It’s to stay informed about one of the largest investments you’ll ever make.

🏡 Building a Custom Home: Lessons We Learned

Sharing our experience so your journey can be a little smoother.

➡️ Next Lesson: Clarify Who Is Supervising Subcontractors.

Downpayment Assistance for First Time Home Buyers! 🏡 💰

Learn how to qualify for downpayment assistance from available government and financial Programs! 😃 🙏🏻

🎯 Go to https://DawnBahr.StopRentingStartOwning.com to get the FREE Information Now!

ATTN Home Buyers! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 ❤️

FREE REPORT: Pro's & Con's of Buying New Construction Homes! 🏡

New construction homes offer many benefits and incentives that may make them the PERFECT fit for you 😃 💰

🎯 Go to https://DawnBahr.NewConstructionHomesForYou.com to get the FREE REPORT Now!

New Construction Homes for Sale! Learn about new homes, schedule tours and get the inside info on any available buyer incentives before everyone else NOW!