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GoBuildYourHouse
  • Financing
  • Construction Process
  • Planning & Design
  • Permits
  • Mistakes
  • Tools

Construction Budget

Mistakes to Avoid

The Mistake of Not Setting Aside a Contingency Fund

September 3, 2025 by Matt Harlan 22 min read

Avoid project chaos. Learn why a contingency fund is essential for renovations, covering hidden costs, delays, and surprises to keep your build on track and …

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Mistakes to Avoid

Why Skipping the Soil Test Can Cost You Thousands Later

September 3, 2025 by Matt Harlan 9 min read

Skipping a soil test can lead to cracked slabs, wet basements, and huge repair bills. Learn why this $1,800 test can save you over $65,000 in construction co…

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Mistakes to Avoid

The 20 Most Common Mistakes First-Time Home Builders Make

September 3, 2025 by Matt Harlan 12 min read

Avoid costly errors with our guide to the 20 most common mistakes first-time home builders make. Get practical fixes, real cost ranges, and expert tips.

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Loan-to-Cost vs. Loan-to-Value: The Ratios That Decide Your Construction Approval
Financing & Loans

Loan-to-Cost vs. Loan-to-Value: The Ratios That Decide Your Construction Approval

September 2, 2025 by Matt Harlan 21 min read

Understand Loan-to-Cost (LTC) and Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratios to secure construction financing. Learn how lenders calculate these caps and maximize your loan …

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Why Site Preparation Is the Most Overlooked Step in Home Building
Construction Process

Why Site Preparation Is the Most Overlooked Step in Home Building

September 1, 2025 by Matt Harlan 18 min read

Don’t let site prep ruin your home build. Learn why this overlooked step protects your budget, timeline, and foundation quality from costly surprises.

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The Role of a General Contractor in a Home Build
Construction Process

The Role of a General Contractor in a Home Build

August 31, 2025 by Matt Harlan 16 min read

Learn how a general contractor orchestrates your home build, managing timelines, budgets, and subcontractors to turn plans into your dream home efficiently a…

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Can You Build a House with Cash? The Real Costs and Benefits
Financing & Loans

Can You Build a House with Cash? The Real Costs and Benefits

August 16, 2025 by Matt Harlan 18 min read

Discover the true costs and benefits of building a house with cash. Learn how to avoid risks, manage liquidity, and decide if an all-cash build is right for …

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10 Questions to Ask Your Lender Before Taking a Construction Loan
Financing & Loans

10 Questions to Ask Your Lender Before Taking a Construction Loan

August 13, 2025 by Matt Harlan 13 min read

Ask these 10 crucial questions before signing a construction loan. Learn about rate locks, draw schedules, inspections, and how to avoid costly surprises.

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Recent Posts

  • Financial Help to Build a House in Pennsylvania (Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

    Financial Help to Build a House in Pennsylvania (Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

    Matt Harlan•Nov 18
  • Financial Help to Build a House in Virginia (Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

    Financial Help to Build a House in Virginia (Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

    Matt Harlan•Nov 18
  • How to Get Financial Help to Build a House in Tennessee

    How to Get Financial Help to Build a House in Tennessee

    Matt Harlan•Nov 18
  • Financial Help to Build a House in North Carolina (Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

    Financial Help to Build a House in North Carolina (Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

    Matt Harlan•Nov 13
  • Financial Help to Build a House in Georgia (2025 Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

    Financial Help to Build a House in Georgia (2025 Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

    Matt Harlan•Nov 13

Featured Posts

  • Financial Help to Build a House in Pennsylvania (Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

    Financial Help to Build a House in Pennsylvania (Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

    Matt Harlan•Nov 18
  • Financial Help to Build a House in Virginia (Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

    Financial Help to Build a House in Virginia (Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

    Matt Harlan•Nov 18
  • How to Get Financial Help to Build a House in Tennessee

    How to Get Financial Help to Build a House in Tennessee

    Matt Harlan•Nov 18
  • Financial Help to Build a House in North Carolina (Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

    Financial Help to Build a House in North Carolina (Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

    Matt Harlan•Nov 13
  • Financial Help to Build a House in Georgia (2025 Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

    Financial Help to Build a House in Georgia (2025 Guide to Grants, Loans & Programs)

    Matt Harlan•Nov 13

Calculators

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Square Footage Calculator

Material Cost Calculator

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Foundation Cost Calculator

Framing Cost Calculator

HVAC System Calculator

Electrical Cost Calculator

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Everything You Need to Know to Build Your Own Home

  • Financing
  • Construction Process
  • Planning & Design
  • Permits
  • Mistakes
  • Tools

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