07/30/2026
💰 Lesson #4: Require Approval Before Major Cost Overruns
One of the biggest lessons we learned during our custom home build was that construction budgets can change, but homeowners should never be surprised by those changes after the work is complete.
Some additional costs are unavoidable. Hidden conditions are discovered. Material prices fluctuate. Plans evolve.
That’s part of building.
What shouldn’t happen is learning about a significant cost increase only after the work has already been completed.
Looking back, I wish we had established one simple expectation:
If a project is expected to exceed the budget, stop and have the conversation first.
That conversation should include:
✔ Why the cost is changing.
✔ What options are available.
✔ The updated cost.
✔ Whether we want to move forward.
Sometimes we would have approved the additional expense without hesitation.
Other times, we may have chosen a different solution.
The important thing is that homeowners deserve the opportunity to make an informed decision before costs are incurred.
🏡 Building a Custom Home: Lessons We Learned
Sharing our experience so your journey can be a little smoother.
➡️ Next Lesson: Visit the Job Site More Than You Think You Need To. SouthDakotaRealEstate
