4 Common Mistakes Preconstruction & New Build Homeowners Make — and How to Avoid Them

sales@livenormad.com

04 Jul 2025 — 3 min read

Buying a new home—especially a preconstruction or new build—is one of the most exciting steps in life. But excitement often leads to overlooked decisions that could cost you comfort, time, and thousands of dollars. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or building your dream home from the ground up, avoiding these four common mistakes could make the difference between just owning a home… and building real generational wealth.

1. Waiting Until the Last Minute to Plan Your Interiors

It’s easy to focus on possession dates, builder upgrades, and mortgage approvals—so easy that most homeowners forget to plan how their home will actually look and feel once they move in.

Here’s the problem:
Many new homeowners wait until after possession to begin shopping for furniture. At that point, you’re in a rush, dealing with moving stress, and faced with retail markups that can be up to 70% more expensive than manufacturer pricing.

Here’s a smarter way:
Livenormad gives you the ability to custom-produce your furniture while your home is still under construction—timing delivery to align with your move-in date. You get to choose the color, size, and material of each piece, ensuring everything flows together—without the stress of hopping between multiple stores trying to mix and match styles.

💡 A single luxury recliner in retail can cost between $7,500–$25,000. With that same budget, Livenormad clients have furnished their entire home with custom pieces built to their taste.

2. Selecting the Wrong Real Estate Agent

Your first home isn’t just a place to live—it’s your first step toward long-term financial security. But too many new homeowners work with agents who are more focused on quick commissions than your long-term success.

What to watch for:
Some agents may not offer advice beyond the sale. They may push properties that don’t align with your financial goals, or overlook important elements like community growth potential and future resale value.

What to do instead:
Livenormad partners with a network of vetted real estate agents and builders across Canada who are committed to your big-picture goals—not just a paycheck. They understand that your home should be a vehicle for generational wealth, and work hand-in-hand with furnishing experts to help you plan your home from the inside out.

3. Ignoring Professional Advice

Real estate can be complex, and too many new homeowners try to navigate it alone—or rely on advice from social media and hearsay.

Why it matters:
Buying a new home involves multiple steps that can quickly become overwhelming:

Step A: Knowing how much you qualify for
Step B: Choosing the right neighborhood based on budget, lifestyle, and goals
Step C: Planning how you’ll furnish and live in your new home

Without expert guidance, you risk missing key financial opportunities—or worse, ending up in a home that doesn’t meet your lifestyle needs.

How Livenormad helps:
We provide free expert consultations that guide you through the furnishing phase of your home journey. You’ll get professional help deciding which pieces to produce, when to produce them, and how to budget effectively—so you’re never left scrambling at the last minute.

4. Focusing Only on Mortgage Rates Without Reading the Fine Print

Sure, a low mortgage rate sounds great. But is it really the best option for you?

What many don’t realize:
A lower rate might come with hidden restrictions—like steep prepayment penalties, tight renewal terms, or long amortization periods that hurt you in the long run.

Smart buyers go deeper:
Take the time to understand your full mortgage terms—not just the headline rate. Lenders should offer you transparent, tailored advice, and if they don’t, you could end up with limited flexibility when your financial situation evolves.

Why it ties back to furnishing:
Your home is a major investment, and your interior setup should reflect that. A cookie-cutter mortgage paired with a cookie-cutter couch from a big-box store won’t cut it. Livenormad helps you design a personalized living space that works for you—just like your mortgage should.

Final Thoughts: Build Smarter, Live Better

At Livenormad, we believe your first home should be the first building block toward generational wealth and lasting comfort. We’re more than just a furniture company—we’re a strategic furnishing partner that helps you:

✅ Customize your interiors to your taste
✅ Save 50–70% on furnishing costs
✅ Avoid retail markups and stress
✅ Time your production to match your home’s completion
✅ Access a network of expert agents and builders

No matter where you are in your home buying journey, learn how the trusted experts at Livenormad can help provide advice, support, tools and specialized solutions to fit your needs.