10/28/2026
The most expensive mistake first-time developers make happens before a shovel ever hits the ground.
They go straight to the architect and engineers, and no one from the construction side is in the room.
So the plans get drawn exactly the way the owner described them. Nobody really pressure-tests the budget, the pro forma or the ROI.
Then, 12 to 18 months later, they finally have a fully approved permit set. They send it out for bids… and the numbers come back way over.
Now it's value engineering. Back to the architect. Redraw. Resubmit. More months gone, more money burned.
We've seen this play out with a lot of first-time developers, so here's our advice:
Bring a general contractor in during design and permitting, just as a reviewer. You're not obligated to give them the build. You just get someone who can tell you early what your design will actually cost to build.
A few hours of review up front can save you a year.
Planning a project? Our team is happy to review your plans from the construction side. Send us a message or
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