Building a new home is one of the most exciting milestones you’ll experience but it can also be overwhelming. With so many moving parts, it’s easy for homeowners and even developers to run into costly mistakes that delay timelines, increase budgets, or lead to regrets down the road.

At La Pera’s General Contracting, we’ve seen firsthand the challenges that come with new builds and we’ve built our process around helping clients avoid them. Here are the most common mistakes we see during new home construction, and how our team prevents them from happening to you.

1. Skipping the Planning Stage

The mistake: Jumping into construction without clearly defined goals, a realistic budget, or finalized design plans. This often leads to expensive changes mid-build.

How we prevent it: We start every project with a detailed consultation and planning phase. Our team walks you through budget considerations, design options, and potential challenges so that everything is clear before we break ground.

2. Choosing the Wrong Lot or Site

The mistake: Purchasing land without considering factors like soil quality, drainage, zoning restrictions, or utility access. These oversights can add thousands to a project.

How we prevent it: We provide site evaluations and land prep expertise. From grading to utility connections, we ensure the site is truly build-ready and won’t cause headaches later.

3. Underestimating the Budget

The mistake: Setting a budget based only on construction costs and forgetting about permits, site prep, utilities, or finishing details.

How we prevent it: We offer transparent pricing and detailed estimates, so you know exactly what’s included. Our goal is to prevent budget surprises and keep your project on track financially.

4. Ignoring Energy Efficiency and Future Needs

The mistake: Focusing only on the “now” and not planning for energy savings or future family needs. Many homeowners end up remodeling within just a few years.

How we prevent it: Our builds include modern energy-efficient features, like upgraded insulation, HVAC, and windows – plus layouts designed to grow with your family. We think long-term so you won’t need costly renovations down the line.

5. Hiring Multiple Contractors Instead of One Trusted Partner

The mistake: Piecing together subcontractors for demolition, debris removal, framing, and site prep. This can lead to miscommunication, scheduling issues, and project delays.

How we prevent it: La Pera’s is a full-service general contractor. We handle everything from demo and land prep to final walkthrough, giving you one point of contact and a seamless build process.

6. Forgetting About Permits and Code Compliance

The mistake: Overlooking local permit requirements, zoning restrictions, or building codes—only to face costly delays, fines, or required do-overs.

How we prevent it: Our team is well-versed in Florida’s local permitting and code requirements. We manage the paperwork, coordinate with inspectors, and make sure your home passes the first time.

7. Not Thinking About Resale Value

The mistake: Over-customizing a home to the point where it doesn’t appeal to future buyers.

How we prevent it: We balance customization with timeless design and practical layouts. That way, you get a home that fits your life today and retains strong resale value tomorrow.

Our Service Areas

La Pera’s General Contracting proudly serves families, homeowners, and developers throughout the Florida Panhandle. Whether you’re planning your first custom home or a large-scale residential project, our team is here to guide you through every step of the new build process.

We provide new construction and general contracting services in:

• Panama City, FL – Custom home builds and residential developments
• Panama City Beach, FL – Coastal and vacation property construction
• Lynn Haven, FL – Family-friendly neighborhoods and new builds
• Callaway, FL – Affordable, modern home construction
• Springfield, FL – Full-service general contracting for new homes
• Marianna, FL – New builds and property development support
• Chipley, FL – Land prep and new home construction
• Bonifay, FL – Small-town charm with custom home options
• Crestview, FL – Growing communities and residential builds
• Destin & 30A Area, FL – Luxury coastal homes and high-end custom builds

If you’re in Bay, Walton, Washington, Holmes, or surrounding counties, La Pera’s General Contracting is your trusted partner for new builds done right.

Building Smarter with La Pera’s General Contracting

A new build is a major investment and the last thing you want is to learn costly lessons the hard way. At La Pera’s General Contracting, we combine experience, planning, and craftsmanship to make sure your project avoids these common pitfalls.

From the first design sketch to the final walkthrough, our mission is simple: deliver a home you’ll love, on time and on budget.

Ready to start your new build the right way? Contact La Pera’s General Contracting today to schedule a consultation.