Top 10 Mistakes People Make When Building a House (And How to Avoid Them)
Building your own home is exciting. It’s a dream many people work hard for. But as a contractor working with homeowners across Bangladesh, I’ve seen many people run into the same problems — avoidable problems.
From missing deadlines and blowing budgets to making poor design choices, people often face stress, delays, and extra costs. Most of the time, the root cause is simple: poor planning and not working with the right experts.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the top 10 mistakes people make when building a house — and how you can avoid them.
At Archiconnect, we’ve helped hundreds of clients avoid these mistakes through proper planning, licensed professionals, and honest guidance. Let’s dive in.
Mistake #1: Hiring the Wrong Contractor
This is the biggest and most costly mistake.
Many people choose the contractor who offers the cheapest rate. But cheaper doesn’t always mean better. An unlicensed or inexperienced contractor will cause delays, low-quality work, and even legal issues.
Warning signs:
- No valid RAJUK license or approvals
- No written contract
- Poor communication and vague answers
- No timeline or warranty
My Tip: Always ask for their portfolio, license, and reviews from past clients. Hire someone who gives you a clear timeline, a signed agreement, and warranty on their work.
Learn More: What Does a Contractor Do
Mistake #2: Ignoring a Realistic Budget
One of the most common house building mistakes is underestimating the total cost. People often forget to include soft costs like:
- RAJUK permits
- Soil testing
- Utility connections
- Interior finishes (like tiles, wardrobes, or lighting)
Then come the unexpected costs — like price hikes in materials or emergency repairs. That’s why I always suggest keeping a 10–20% buffer in your budget.
My Tip: Break down your cost into hard costs (materials & labor) and soft costs (permits, design, testing). A good contractor will help you prepare a proper budget before construction begins.
Learn More: What Contractors Make the Most Money
Mistake #3: Choosing the Wrong Location or Plot
Plots that look cheaper upfront may cost more in the long run.
Soil condition, ground level, drainage, and even traffic access matter. I once saw a homeowner spend 3x more on waterproofing because they bought a low-lying plot without checking the soil.
Things to check before buying land:
- Soil test results
- Road access and utility lines
- Local zoning (what you’re legally allowed to build)
- Sunlight and wind direction
My Tip: Always test soil and check RAJUK land-use approval before buying. Trust professionals with land selection — it pays off in the end.
Mistake #4: Rushing the Design and Floor Plan
We get it — you want your dream house fast.
But jumping into construction with a half-baked design leads to layout issues, wasted space, and expensive changes later. Some homeowners focus only on what “looks good” and forget about how the space will actually be used.
Think about:
- Room flow
- Natural light & ventilation
- Storage space
- Attach bath vs. shared bath planning
At Archiconnect, we work with both architects and contractors from Day 1. This ensures your design is buildable, cost-effective, and functional.
Mistake #5: Poor Ventilation and Lighting
Bad air and low light levels = high energy bills, mold, and discomfort.
Natural light and fresh air make your home healthier and reduce electricity costs. Many people forget to plan window locations, or block airflow with bad layouts.
Tips:
- Place windows across from each other for cross ventilation
- Plan open spaces for air flow
- Use skylights for interior rooms
- Align rooms with sun path for natural light
Bonus Benefit: Better lighting and ventilation also increase the value of your home.
Mistake #6: Making Frequent Changes During Construction
Changing your mind after construction has started? That’s a recipe for extra cost, delays, and material waste.
Every time someone says, “I want to change the tile,” or “Let’s shift the wall,” it causes a chain reaction. Materials must be reordered, workers rescheduled, and costs go up.
My Tip: Finalize your layout, fittings, and finishes before work begins. If you really need to make a change, use a written variation order and confirm costs before starting that change.
Mistake #7: Compromising on Materials and Quality
Many clients try to save money on cement, steel, waterproofing, or bricks — but the structure is the heart of your home. You can always upgrade tiles or lighting later. But once you build the foundation, changing it is expensive, if not impossible.
I’ve seen buildings develop leaks, cracks, or electric faults within the first year, just because of poor materials.
My Tip: Never compromise on core structure items. Use trusted brands, and always demand quality checks.
Mistake #8: Not Planning Enough Storage
You won’t notice lack of storage during the build. But months later, you’ll wish you had that extra store room or wardrobe.
Smart storage options:
- Built-in wardrobes
- Under-stair storage
- Overhead lofts or attic spaces
- Full-height kitchen cabinets
Why it matters: Good storage improves daily life and increases resale value.
Mistake #9: Skipping Quality Inspections
Some people think, “The contractor will handle it all.” But without proper checks, even good contractors can miss things.
Critical areas to check:
- Foundation
- Rebar (steel framing)
- Plumbing layout
- Electrical wiring
Quality Tip: Ask for regular site updates, visit the site yourself weekly, or hire a 3rd-party engineer for visits. At Archiconnect, we offer photo updates and in-progress site checks with our packages.
Mistake #10: Failing to Plan for Future Needs
You may not need a bigger space now, but what about 5 years from now?
Plan ahead:
- Make doors and bathrooms wider for elderly access
- Leave open space for a future room or upper floor add-on
- Design one room flexible enough to be office/playroom/guest room
My Tip: Think long-term. Your life will change — your home design should allow for that.
Learn More: Which Contractor’s License Do I Need
Quick Checklist: Build Your House the Right Way
- Hire a licensed, experienced contractor
- Create a full cost plan — add 10–20% buffer
- Finalize floor plan before construction starts
- Don’t cut corners on structure — finish later
- Schedule regular site inspections and photo updates
- Think about your future needs (not just present)
FAQs
What are the common mistakes to avoid when building a new house?
Hiring the wrong contractor, underestimating the budget, poor floor planning, and skipping quality checks are major ones.
How do I choose the right contractor for my home?
Check their license (like RAJUK approval), work history, project portfolio, and online reviews. Never choose only based on price.
How much should I budget for unforeseen costs?
Add 10–20% extra to your base budget for unexpected changes, material price hikes, or emergency work.
Can I make design changes after construction begins?
Yes, but it’ll cost more and delay the timeline. Always record changes with updated cost agreements.
How do I ensure my house design is energy-efficient?
Maximize cross ventilation, use natural lighting, plan window positions wisely, and use insulated materials.
What is the hardest stage in building a house?
The foundation and structure stage — mistakes here are very costly to fix. Always inspect during this time.
What is the most important thing when building a house?
Hiring the right contractor and planning well. Everything else depends on that.
What to choose first when building a house?
Location, plot, and then your contractor — these three will make or break your project.
Conclusion: Build Smart, Build Once
Building your own home isn’t just a project — it’s a lifetime investment.
By avoiding these 10 common mistakes, and working with the right team, you’ll save time, money, and stress.
At Archiconnect, we bring experienced contractors, architects, and project planners under one roof to help you build smarter.
