Building your first custom home is one of the most exciting and rewarding milestones in life. It’s your chance to create a space that truly reflects your lifestyle, taste, and future needs. But for many first-time custom home builders, the process can also feel overwhelming. Between budgeting, design decisions, and construction timelines, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect both your experience and your results.
At Select Design & Build, we’ve helped countless clients navigate their first custom home project successfully. Based in Bend, OR, our team guides homeowners through every step, helping them avoid common pitfalls and enjoy the process of bringing their dream home to life. Below, we share the top five custom home building mistakes first-timers make and how to avoid them.
1. Skipping the Planning Phase
Many people are so eager to see construction start that they rush through planning. This can lead to overlooked details, design regrets, or costly changes later.
Your home should fit both your current and future lifestyle. Take the time to think about how you live: Do you need a home office? A large kitchen for entertaining? Space for future family growth or aging in place?
At Select Design & Build, we start with a Discovery and Visioning phase to fully understand your daily rhythms, priorities, and vision. By clarifying your needs early, you set the foundation for a design that works beautifully for years to come.
Tip: Never underestimate the value of thoughtful new construction planning. The more detailed your design phase, the smoother your build will be.
2. Not Setting a Realistic Budget
Budget surprises are one of the biggest frustrations for first-time custom home builders. Many clients focus solely on square footage costs, forgetting about site prep, permitting, upgrades, and landscaping.
A reliable builder will provide a transparent, itemized estimate and help you plan for contingencies. At Select Design & Build, we believe in full cost transparency, so you always know where your investment is going.
Tip: Add a 10–15% buffer for unexpected costs. Custom homes often evolve during construction, and flexibility ensures you can make those “must-have” design choices confidently.
3. Choosing the Wrong Builder
Your builder isn’t just a contractor, they’re your partner for the next several months (or longer). Choosing based on price alone is a common custom home building mistake that can lead to miscommunication, delays, and disappointing workmanship.
Look for a builder who:
- Has experience in building a custom home in Bend, OR or your local area.
- Provides clear communication and regular updates.
- Uses high-quality materials and trusted trade partners.
- Values collaboration and transparency.
At Select Design & Build, we pride ourselves on precision craftsmanship, clear communication, and lasting relationships. From design consultation to final walk-through, you’re never left guessing what’s next.
4. Ignoring Function for Aesthetics
Everyone loves a beautiful design, but functionality should always come first. A stunning open-concept layout isn’t practical if noise travels too easily, and oversized windows can impact energy efficiency.
Our design team takes a holistic approach, blending beauty with livability. We help clients balance what looks good with what works for their lifestyle, whether that’s optimizing natural light, designing better storage solutions, or creating seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
Tip: When you’re reviewing plans, picture yourself living in the space. Where do you drop your keys? How do you move between the kitchen and outdoor area? Thinking practically early on saves you from layout regrets later.
5. Underestimating the Timeline
Custom homes take time, especially when done right. Permitting delays, weather, or custom materials can extend timelines. Rushing your builder only increases stress and mistakes.
At Select Design & Build, we prioritize precision and quality over speed. Our detailed process and project management systems help keep things on track while ensuring every element, from foundation to finishes, meets the highest standards.
Tip: Plan your move-in with flexibility. Building a custom home is a major investment, and giving your builder adequate time ensures your vision comes to life perfectly.
Avoid Mistakes, Build With Confidence
Avoiding these common pitfalls starts with partnering with a builder who understands the emotional and financial investment behind your new home. At Select Design & Build, we make the process collaborative, transparent, and deeply personal.
Our in-house team of architects, designers, and craftsmen handle every step, from customization and planning to construction and final detailing. We’re here to make sure your dream home isn’t just beautiful, but also built to last.
When you’re ready to start building a custom home in Bend, OR, trust a team that knows how to bring your vision to life with care and expertise.
Schedule Your Consultation with Select Design & Build
Your home should reflect your story, your values, and your lifestyle. Whether you’re planning your first custom build or exploring new possibilities, we’ll guide you through every step with clarity and confidence.
Start your new build consultation today and discover how Select Design & Build can turn your ideas into a home that’s uniquely yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to build a custom home?
A: Most custom homes take between 10–16 months, depending on the design complexity, lot conditions, and permitting timelines.
Q: How much should I budget for my first custom home?
A: Costs vary based on size, materials, and finishes. We recommend planning for a base estimate plus a 10–15% buffer for flexibility.
Q: Can I make changes during the build?
A: Yes, but it’s best to finalize as many decisions as possible during the design phase. Changes later in construction can affect cost and timeline.
Q: What makes Select Design & Build different from other builders?
A: We focus on collaboration, precision craftsmanship, and long-term durability. Our in-house team handles everything from design to construction with complete transparency.
Q: How can I get started?
A: Schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your vision, goals, and budget. We’ll help you plan every detail of your dream home from the ground up.