The Cons of Building a Home: Why It Might Not Be the Best Choice

Building your dream home from scratch might seem like a great idea, but there are some significant downsides to consider before starting such a project. Here are some of the cons of building a home:

Cost: Building a home from scratch can be very expensive. Even if you have a clear idea of what you want and try to stick to a budget, unexpected costs can arise. From permits and inspections to labor and materials, the costs can quickly add up.
Time: Building a home is a time-consuming process. Depending on the complexity of your design, it could take several months to a year or more to complete. This can be frustrating, especially if you need to move in quickly or have a strict deadline.
Stress: Building a home can be a stressful experience. There are many decisions to make, and you’ll likely encounter unexpected issues along the way. It can be challenging to manage everything, and the stress can take a toll on your mental health.
Unforeseen Problems: Even with the most careful planning, there are bound to be problems that arise during the building process. There could be issues with the soil, the foundation, or the weather that could delay the project or add costs.
Something is Always Wrong: Even after the home is completed, there will always be something wrong with it. It could be a small issue like a squeaky door or a major problem like a leaky roof. As the homeowner, you’ll be responsible for fixing these issues, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Lack of Charm: Newly built homes often lack the charm and character of older homes. They can look cookie-cutter and lack the unique features that make a home feel warm and inviting.
Just Ground Prep and Utilities are More Than You Think: Running utilities, digging a well (or water tap fees) and moving rock, dirt and ground can be another $150,000-$450,000 no matter how big or small the property is.
The Builder Can Reduce Price on Additional Phases Instantly Lowering Your Value: We see this happen all the time. Market shifts and the builder freaks out and drops prices on homes built not yet occupied. Instantly harming the values of homes they JUST sold to you.
Most Colorado Counties Have Very Strict Building Codes: Most Denver Mountain counties have all passed very strict laws about building. From minimum requirement for lot size, septic systems, setbacks, building materials for heavy snowloads… I could keep going but you get the idea.
Many Pre-Existing Homes Have Features Grandfathered In: A lot homes that are already built have a lot of features you can’t have in a new build. One big one is A WOOD BURNING FIRE PLACE.

Colorado Gas Stove Regulation The State of Colorado regulates the sale and installation of new and used woodburning devices and the use of woodburning stoves on Air Quality Action Days in the Denver-Metro Area (including Boulder County). Individual cities may have additional, stricter regulations within their jurisdiction. Regulations require that: Only EPA Phase II or Colorado Phase III certified woodburning devices be sold, resold, or installed. Colorado Phase III stoves must pass both particulate matter and carbon monoxide emission standards EPA Phase II certified stoves must only pass standards for particulate emissions. Any fireplace installed in a residence must be gas, electric, or certified woodburning stove/inset, or an approved pellet stove/insert. The use of woodburning stoves and fireplaces on a Air Quality Action Days is prohibited unless: The woodburning stove is the primary source of heat (greater than 50% of annual heating of a residence*). The stove is EPA Phase II/ Colorado Phase III certified. The stove is an approved pellet stove. The area is above 7,000 feet in elevation.* To apply for an exemption for the primary source of heat, call the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment at 303-692-3165.

Given these downsides, it might be a better idea to buy an existing home instead of building one from scratch. When someone has already lived in a home for a while, they have likely worked out any kinks or issues, and the home will have more charm and character. Plus, you’ll be able to move in much more quickly and avoid the stress and cost of building from scratch.

In conclusion, building a home from scratch can be an exciting process, but it comes with many downsides to consider. If you’re thinking about building a home, be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. It may be worth considering an existing home instead.

Building a home from scratch can be very expensive, even with a clear budget in mind.
The building process can take several months to a year or more, causing frustration and stress.
Unexpected issues can arise during the building process, leading to delays and increased costs.
Newly built homes often have issues that need to be fixed, which can be time-consuming and costly for the homeowner.
Newly built homes can lack the charm and character of older homes.
Ground preparation and utilities can add an additional $150,000-$450,000 or more to the cost of building a home, regardless of property size.
It may be better to consider buying an existing home that has already been lived in and worked out any kinks or issues.
Building a home requires a lot of decision-making, from choosing a floor plan to selecting finishes and materials. This can be overwhelming and time-consuming.
Building a home in a new subdivision can also mean living in a construction zone for a while, with all the dust, noise, and disruption that comes with it.
Building a custom home can be a long and drawn-out process, as you may need to work with an architect to design your dream home from scratch. This can add even more time and expense to the project.
The cost of building a home can be hard to predict, as unexpected issues can arise during the construction process. This can make it difficult to stick to a budget.
If you plan on financing your home build, you may need to put down a larger down payment and pay higher interest rates than you would for an existing home. This can make the cost of building a home even more prohibitive.
Building a home from scratch means you may need to find temporary housing during the construction process, which can add additional expenses to your budget.