By Tyler Gallahar | Xtreme Builders LLC
Building a home is more than just a project — it’s a personal investment in your future. At Xtreme Builders, I’ve seen time and again how a little preparation and the right mindset can turn an overwhelming experience into one you’ll truly enjoy. Whether you’re building your forever home or your first step into homeownership, here are five of the most common mistakes I’ve seen people make when getting started — and how you can sidestep them with confidence.
1. Not Having a Clear Budget (and a Little Breathing Room)
Some people walk into the home-building process with only a ballpark number in mind — but without a detailed budget, it’s easy to end up stretched too thin.
For example, imagine someone planning to spend $300,000 on their build, but forgetting to account for things like excavation, driveway grading, utility hookup fees, or even appliance upgrades. Suddenly, they’re over budget before framing begins.
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost…”
— Luke 14:28
Builder Tip: Have a complete budget breakdown from the beginning, including a 10–15% contingency fund. We help clients line-item every part of their build so they’re never caught off guard.
2. Rushing the Design Process
A beautiful house isn’t always a livable one — and when you rush through the design phase, you risk missing the small details that make a home functional.
Take a hypothetical family that quickly approves their floor plan without walking through how they’ll live in it day-to-day. Later, they realize their laundry room is too far from the bedrooms, or that the open-concept living area offers no privacy when guests come over.
Builder Tip: We use advanced design software to help you virtually walk through your home before a single nail is driven. It’s better to take a few extra days now than regret a layout for years.
3. Choosing the Cheapest Bid Just to Save Money
On paper, a low bid looks great — but behind the scenes, it might come with subpar materials, poor communication, or costly change orders down the road.
Imagine someone comparing two builders. One offers a fair price with detailed scope. The other is 20% cheaper — but doesn’t include grading, cleanup, or permit costs. In the end, that “cheap” build ends up more expensive.
“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
— Proverbs 22:1
Builder Tip: We believe in honest estimates, not bait-and-switch tactics. You deserve to know exactly what you’re paying for — and why.
4. Having Unrealistic Expectations About the Timeline
TV shows and social media can make it seem like a home goes from dirt to dream in 60 days. In reality, timelines depend on weather, inspections, material availability, and more.
Picture a couple planning to move in by a specific holiday. But then it rains for two weeks straight, delaying the foundation. Electrical inspections get rescheduled. Materials are backordered. Now their timeline is off and frustration sets in.
Builder Tip: We create realistic timelines with room for the unexpected, keeping you informed every step of the way. When you plan for flexibility, the process stays positive.
5. Trying to Manage the Project Without a Builder
Some people think they can manage trades themselves to save money, but without experience, it quickly becomes overwhelming. Missed permits, scheduling delays, or failed inspections can cost more than hiring a pro in the first place.
Imagine someone trying to line up framing, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical on their own — while working full-time. Stress builds. Mistakes happen. And deadlines get missed. Because of the delays the project ends up costing more money than expected.
Builder Tip: At Xtreme Builders, we coordinate every part of your project from start to finish. That means you get peace of mind and a clear point of contact from day one.
Final Thoughts from Tyler:
Building your home should be a rewarding experience — not a stressful one. I believe in using wisdom, communication, and craftsmanship to guide every project. We don’t just build houses. We want to build trust, structure, and peace of mind.
“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”
— Proverbs 24:3-4
If you’re ready to build with a team that puts your needs — and your faith — first, we’d be honored to help you get started. Let’s build something lasting.
Xtreme Builders LLC 