10 Things That Could Go Wrong During a New Home Build (and How to Avoid Them)Building a new home should be exciting—but anyone who’s been through it knows it’s not always smooth sailing. A new build is a big project with a lot of moving parts, and if something slips through the cracks, it can create stress, delays, or added costs. The good news? Most of these problems can be avoided with the right planning and the right builder.
Here are 10 things that can go wrong during a new home build—and how to stay ahead of them.
1. Weather Delays
Oklahoma weather doesn’t always cooperate. Rain, snow, and freezing temps can all slow progress. A realistic build schedule needs cushion time built in to handle the unexpected.
2. Material Shortages or Delays
From framing lumber to specialty tile, supply chain hiccups happen. We order early and plan carefully so your project doesn’t get stuck waiting on backorders.
3. Permit and Inspection Hold-Ups
Inspections and approvals are part of every build. If paperwork isn’t right or inspectors are backed up, timelines slip. An experienced builder who knows the process can help keep things moving.
4. Budget Overruns
One of the biggest frustrations for homeowners is the “hidden” costs—things like lot prep, driveways, or utility hookups when you’re building on your own land. We walk buyers through those costs up front and protect them with fixed-price contracts so there are no surprises.
5. Design Changes Mid-Stream
Deciding to move a wall or change finishes after construction starts adds weeks and dollars. We guide you through selections up front so you’re confident before we ever pour a slab.
6. Poor Communication
Not knowing what’s happening at your own build is stressful. That’s why we use multiple touchpoints to keep you in the loop—texts, phone calls, scheduled walkthroughs, and our Buildertrend online portal. With Buildertrend, you can see updates, photos, schedules, and messages all in one place, so you’re never left wondering what’s happening with your home.
7. Subcontractor Issues
Your home relies on dozens of specialized trades. When you hire a subcontractor directly for just one job, it can be difficult to get them back to finish the work or handle warranty issues. That’s where a professional builder makes the difference.
We carefully vet every contractor we work with and have long-standing relationships with them. Because we provide consistent, weekly work, we have the leverage to make sure they come back, fix issues, and stand behind their work. That ongoing relationship is what ensures both quality and timeliness—and it’s something you don’t get with a “one-and-done” subcontractor.
8. Quality Control Problems
Crooked walls, sloppy finishes, or weak materials aren’t acceptable. At Two Structures Homes, every home we build is Energy Star Certified and goes through third-party inspections to verify performance and quality. On top of that, we use construction practices you may never see—like 2x6 walls, Tyvek wrap, steel porch posts, and upgraded insulation—that keep your home solid and efficient for the long haul.
9. Financing or Appraisal Challenges
Loans and appraisals can throw curveballs. We’ve walked through this process many times and connect our buyers with lenders who know new construction inside and out.
10. Warranty & Post-Move Issues
Even the best homes need small touch-ups after move-in. That’s why we back our work with a 1-2-10 insurance-backed home warranty. It covers workmanship, systems, and structural issues so you have peace of mind long after closing.
Bonus: Trying to Build on Your Own
Some people think they can save money by managing a build themselves or hiring a “pick-up builder.” What usually happens is blown budgets, unfinished work, poor quality, and endless frustration. Many times, homeowners even end up paying twice for work—once to the original contractor, and again to someone else to fix it.
Building a home is more than ordering materials and finding a crew—it’s about having systems, processes, and accountability in place to get it done right the first time.
Bottom Line
Yes, things can go wrong during a home build—but the right builder plans ahead, prevents most of the problems, and helps you through the rest. At Two Structures Homes, we keep the process simple, transparent, and fixed-price, with homes built to last.
Because building your new home shouldn’t feel like a gamble—it should feel like the start of something better.
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