Bartos Group BLOG

Bartos Group invites readers into a candid and energetic exploration of building a new home in this companion piece to their video, Building a New Home | Part 2 [Really Mary Ep. 30]. Drawing on on-site observations, memorable moments, and practical advice, this article summarizes the key decisions, surprises, and emotional highs that accompany the journey of building a new home. The Bartos Group speaks with warmth and enthusiasm throughout, reminding readers that the process is as much about lifestyle and choices as it is about bricks and mortar.

Why Building a New Home Can Be the Right Choice

Building a new home is a statement: it’s a chance to shape daily life, personalize every room, and invest in long-term comfort. The Bartos Group approaches this process not as a sequence of transactions, but as a human experience—complete with excited moments, design debates, and occasionally, unexpected twists. Throughout the project they highlight how careful planning, clear communication, and smart decisions can transform stress into satisfaction.

“I have the best image premium out what you are here and that’s it, I love you,” they say in the video—an offbeat, genuine expression of the joy that motivates many who take on building a new home. That enthusiasm is infectious and useful: it keeps priorities in perspective when budgets tighten or timelines shift.

Planning and Budgeting: Start Strong

At the heart of every successful project is a realistic plan. The Bartos Group emphasizes the importance of an accurate budget, a timeline that accounts for permitting and supply delays, and a priorities list that ranks must-haves versus nice-to-haves.

When building a new home, early expenses include land acquisition, site preparation, permitting, and the initial design work. Buyers often underestimate soft costs—architect fees, surveys, utility hookups, and landscape grading—so pad the budget by at least 10% to 15% for contingencies.

Practical steps recommended:

• Create a line-item budget and track every change order.
• Prioritize structural and functional features first (roof, HVAC, foundations), then allocate remaining funds to cosmetic upgrades.
• Set aside an emergency fund for surprises—old drainage issues, soil remediation, or delayed shipments.

Assembling the Team: Who to Hire and Why?

Success depends on the people involved. The Bartos Group recommends forming a reliable core team: a real estate agent with new construction experience, a reputable builder, an architect or designer, and a licensed inspector. Each plays a distinct role:

• Real estate agent: Guides site selection, negotiates contracts, and coordinates with the builder. An agent familiar with the local market brings invaluable insight about resale, neighborhood trends, and community amenities.
• Builder/contractor: Delivers the actual construction. Vet builders by visiting finished homes, checking references, and reviewing their warranty policies.
• Architect/designer: Translates lifestyle needs into floor plans and finishes. Good designers anticipate future needs and maximize natural light, traffic flow, and energy efficiency.
• Inspector: Acts as an independent quality control layer, conducting periodic inspections at key milestones.

The Bartos Group stresses that hiring professionals who communicate clearly and show shared commitment to the homeowner’s vision avoids missteps later. Simple gestures—timely emails, clear change-order forms, and on-site check-ins—keep everyone aligned.

Design Decisions and Finishes: The Power of Small Choices

Design is where personality and function meet. In the video, brief, playful references—like a mention of “Fresh Apple pore serum” or “Stickers and professional the face to use”—become metaphors for finish selections and product choices. Whether selecting cabinetry hardware or exterior paint, these decisions add up.

Practical advice on finishes:

• Choose durable materials for high-traffic areas: engineered hardwood or porcelain tile for floors, solid-surface countertops in kitchens.
• Test samples in your home’s lighting. A paint color that looks great under store lights can read very differently in morning or evening sun.
• Invest in energy-efficient systems—high-efficiency HVAC, LED lighting, and insulated windows—to reduce operating costs long-term.
• Reserve part of the budget for “polish” items—hardware, faucets, and lighting fixtures—that elevate the home’s look without major expense.

Small, thoughtful touches—like a well-placed window seat, a dedicated pantry, or a master closet designed for usability—deliver outsized daily value. Think of these as the “how to tie a necktie” moments: the final flourish that completes the outfit.

On-Site Management: Overwatch, Inspections, and Communication

Building a new home requires active oversight. The Bartos Group repeatedly uses the term “overwatch” to describe the steady attention needed throughout construction. Regular site visits, scheduled inspections at foundation, framing, and mechanical rough-in stages, and documented meetings keep the project on track.

Tips for effective on-site management:

• Schedule walk-throughs at milestone points and document agreed changes in writing.
• Use photos and timestamped notes to track progress and reference decisions later.
• Keep a shared folder for plans, permits, warranties, and product receipts so everyone has access to current documents.
• Address small disagreements early—delays expand costs; clear, polite communication resolves most issues.

When the team functions like a coordinated unit, surprises feel manageable and the homeowner retains confidence in the outcome.

Common Surprises and How to Handle Them

Every build has its surprises. Bartos Group candidly notes examples from the site: supply challenges, weather impacts, and last-minute design tweaks. Some of the lighter mentions in the video—like referencing a blockbuster movie (“Furious Nine”) or an awards show (“Dragon Awards”)—capture the roller-coaster emotional arc of construction: sudden urgency, unexpected recognition, and delight at finished moments.

How to handle surprises:

1. Accept that not everything is controllable—plan for delays rather than be derailed by them.
2. Keep the budget flexible; allocate contingency funds for true surprises rather than predictable overruns.
3. Document changes immediately and agree in writing on time and cost implications before work proceeds.
4. Trust the expert recommendations when safety or structural integrity is at stake—vital fixes are not the place to cut corners.

Real-Life Moments: Why Emotion Matters

Throughout the project, the Bartos Group highlights the emotional dimension of building a new home. Moments of gratitude, exasperation, and playful banter keep the process human. Simple phrases from their commentary—expressions of love for the project, surprise at small wins, and humor about everyday obstacles—remind readers that building a home is as much about memory-making as it is about construction.

“I have the best image premium out what you are here and that’s it, I love you.”

Homeowners who remember that sentiment tend to make choices aligned with long-term happiness rather than short-term trends.

Conclusion: A Thoughtful Path When Building a New Home

Building a new home is an opportunity to design a life rather than simply buy a product. With clear planning, the right team, thoughtful finishes, and consistent oversight, the process can be both effective and enjoyable. The Bartos Group’s approach is practical and person-centered—balancing timelines and budgets with the emotional rewards of a home that truly fits its owners.

For anyone considering embarking on this journey, the single best recommendation is to prepare thoroughly, hire experienced partners, and keep lines of communication open. The payoff is a home customized to how people live—spaces that welcome mornings and celebrate evenings, and a structure that becomes a trusted backdrop for life’s next chapters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: How long does it typically take when building a new home?

  A: Timelines vary based on size, permitting, and site conditions. A realistic range is six months to 18 months. Delays from weather or supply chains can extend schedules, so plan with buffer time.

• Q: How much should be budgeted for contingency?

  A: Bartos Group recommends setting aside 10%–15% of the overall budget for unforeseen issues. For custom builds, consider 15% to 20% if there are many unknown site conditions.

• Q: When should a homeowner hire an inspector?

  A: Hire an independent inspector before breaking ground (to identify site issues) and at key milestones—foundation, framing, mechanical rough-in, and final walkthrough.

• Q: Are design changes easy to make mid-build?

  A: Small changes are manageable, but major layout shifts become costly after framing. Finalize core layout and structural plans before construction begins, and treat finish choices as flexible items.

• Q: How involved should the homeowner be on-site?

  A: Regular involvement is helpful—weekly check-ins or milestone visits work well. Rely on the project manager for daily oversight, but maintain visibility for important decisions.

Final Note

The Bartos Group’s narrative blends practical expertise with an authentic, human perspective—exactly what homeowners need when building a new home. With preparation, patience, and the right partners, the process becomes a rewarding path to a home that reflects lifestyle, priorities, and the joy of personal creation.