The most common mistakes when building a house (and how to avoid them)
Introduction
Building a house is one of life's most significant investments. However, poor planning, the wrong choice of materials, and the absence of professional supervision can turn that dream into a costly and stressful process. Knowing the most common mistakes allows you to prevent them and ensure a more efficient and safer construction.
Lack of study and evaluation of the terrain
Many owners buy land based solely on price or location, without evaluating essential aspects such as soil type, drainage, slope, proximity to services, or the stability of the area.
A preliminary geotechnical study avoids surprises such as cracks, settlements or leaks, and allows for the design of a suitable base.
Unrealistic or poorly calculated budget
A budget without details leads to unexpected expenses, delays, and improvised decisions.
Ideally, one should consider:
Material costs.
Labour.
Permits.
Finishes.
A margin of contingencies of 10 to 15%.
This prevents the project from being left unfinished or having to sacrifice quality.
Use of low quality materials
Saving money on materials almost always ends up costing more. Cheap materials tend to deteriorate over time, causing leaks, dampness, and structural weakness.
Investing in certified materials increases the durability and value of the home.
Lack of professional supervision
Building without an engineer or architect can result in serious errors: poorly placed columns, unsafe electrical installations, poor leveling, and more.
Professional supervision ensures that everything is done in accordance with regulations and quality standards.
Improvised changes in the middle of construction
Modifying the design after construction has begun affects the schedule, increases waste, and raises final costs. Ideally, everything should be defined before starting and the original plan should be followed.
Conclusion
Successful construction is achieved through planning, appropriate materials, and professional advice. Avoiding these common mistakes ensures a safe, modern, and durable home.
