What I Wish I Knew Before We Built
Dear Future Homeowner,
If you are anything like I was, you are probably surrounded by floor plans, paint samples, bookmarked inspiration photos, and more ideas than you know what to do with. You may feel excited one moment and unsure the next. Building a home brings out both feelings, sometimes on the same day. What I did not realize at the time is that this mixture of anticipation, questions, and hopes is completely normal.
Looking back, there are things I wish I had understood before we began. Not because they would have changed the end result, but because they would have helped me enjoy the process more. I am sharing them with you in the hope that they do exactly that.
1. Your lifestyle should guide every layout decision
It is tempting to choose a plan because it looks beautiful on paper. But what matters most is how it supports your everyday routines. Think about where you drop your keys, how you move through the kitchen on a busy night, whether you want the laundry room near the bedrooms or tucked away. Picture the quiet moments and the chaotic ones. When your home works with your natural habits, life at home becomes easier and more intuitive.
2. You will never regret having more storage
I did not fully understand the value of storage until we moved in. The extra shelves in the pantry, the additional linen closet, the mudroom with space for bags and shoes, all of it helped us stay organized without trying. Storage becomes the foundation of a calm home. It creates room for real living without the constant shuffle of belongings.
3. The process takes time, and that time matters
Early on, I found myself wanting everything to move faster. But once the home was complete, I realized that every step had served a purpose. The design phase protects your vision, the build phase ensures quality, and the waiting teaches patience that pays off in the long run. When you take the time to get things right, you get to enjoy the results every day.
4. The smallest details often make the biggest difference
During the planning process, it is easy to focus on the big elements like flooring, countertops, and paint colors. What surprised me was how much the little finishing touches influenced the feeling of the home. The lighting placement, the trim style, the way cabinets opened and closed, the texture on the ceilings, and even the way certain rooms connected. These details shape the personality of your home more than you might expect.
5. You do not need to have all the answers
I spent too much time worrying that I did not know enough. What I learned is that this is exactly why you work with a builder you trust. Their experience becomes your safety net. A team like LaFollette Custom Homes brings clarity to the decisions that once felt overwhelming. They help you weigh options, understand the tradeoffs, and choose what truly matters. The best decisions I made were the ones I made with guidance, not guesswork.
6. One day you will walk inside and realize you did it right
This moment might arrive unexpectedly. It might be the way the morning light settles in the living room or the way your family gathers around the kitchen island without thinking. It might be the satisfaction of finally seeing the spaces you imagined come to life. That feeling makes every meeting and every decision worth it.
Final Thoughts
If I could give you one piece of advice, it would be to trust the journey. Building a home is not only about walls and floors. It is about creating a place that fits your life, your routines, your celebrations, and the quiet moments you will come to treasure. Give yourself permission to ask questions, to change your mind, to slow down, and to enjoy each step. And when you choose to work with LaFollette Custom Homes, know that you are partnering with people who understand the significance of what you are building.
Warmly,
Someone who once stood in your shoes and is grateful every day for the home that came from it.