Building a custom home is one of the most exciting projects you can take on—but it’s also one of the most complex. The difference between a smooth, on-budget build and a financial quagmire often comes down to avoiding a handful of common but costly mistakes.
At Kugel Construction, we’ve spent decades helping clients avoid six-figure headaches. Here are the biggest custom home mistakes we see in the industry—and how smart planning prevents them.
Mistake #1: Change Orders That Spiral Out of Control
A change order is any modification made after construction begins. Maybe you decide the kitchen needs a bigger island, or you want to swap flooring materials. While some changes are inevitable, last-minute shifts can mean:
- Delays as subcontractors adjust schedules
- Rework costs for labor already completed
- Material waste and reordering fees
It’s not uncommon for poorly managed change orders to add $50,000–$100,000 to a project.
How Kugel Prevents It: Our pre-build process focuses heavily on design consultation and budgeting up front. We get clear on exactly what’s most important to you, and how to nail that within your budget—so you’re confident in your choices and less likely to face budget-busting changes later.
Mistake #2: Sequencing Errors That Cause Costly Delays
Construction sequencing is a bit like choreography—each step must happen in the right order. Pouring a driveway before heavy equipment is done, or installing drywall before final electrical inspections, can result in:
- Tear-outs and re-dos
- Schedule bottlenecks that idle crews and drive up labor costs
- Extended loan carrying costs while you wait to move in
How Kugel Prevents It: With years of local project management experience, we can see around corners that often blindside other builders. Our team coordinates trades in the correct order and builds buffer time into critical milestones, ensuring smooth handoffs that keep costs down and timelines intact.
Mistake #3: Permitting and Code Missteps
Nothing halts a project faster than a permit snag or code violation. Common pitfalls include:
- Overlooking site-specific restrictions (setbacks, wetlands, utility easements)
- Failing to get timely inspections
- Building features that don’t meet energy or seismic codes
The fallout? Weeks—or months—of delays, plus redesign fees and potential fines. It’s one of the fastest ways a budget can blow past expectations.
How Kugel Prevents It: As a Chehalis-based contractor with deep experience in the South Sound, we know local permitting offices, codes, and community standards inside and out. We handle permitting early and maintain active communication with inspectors, so projects don’t stall midstream.
Smart Planning = Predictable Budgets
The truth is, most six-figure overruns aren’t from one dramatic error—they’re the cumulative effect of avoidable missteps. Kugel’s approach is designed to safeguard against them from day one:
- Thorough design and budgeting before build
- Experienced sequencing and trade coordination
- Local expertise in permitting and code compliance
When you choose Kugel Construction, you get more than a builder—you get a partner committed to keeping your dream home on time, on budget, and done right.
Ready to Build Smart?
If you’re planning a custom home in Chehalis, Olympia, or the greater South Sound, let’s talk. Kugel Construction will help you avoid the pitfalls that derail budgets—and ensure your new home is a place you love without the $100K surprises.
Get in touch today and we’ll help you see what’s possible.
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