Skills Needed for Managing a New Build
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Here on Selfmadesns.com, I share my personal life experiences so you can learn from both my mistakes and successes. However, what works for me might not work for everyone. Always do your own research and consider consulting a professional before making important decisions. Doing both will give you the best chance for success. For more details, please visit our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy pages.
Not What I Expected
So, for my first new build I did not understand what I was getting myself into at all. I had an idea of what to expect, but when you’re on site of the new build, everything you plan for goes out the window. Let me tell you guys how I thought things were going to go. I was thinking I’d get the plot of land, connect with a construction company after reviewing some bids, pick a floor plan, and everything would pretty much handle itself. Boy was I wrong.
From day one, I didn’t think I’d need to be on-site at all. I thought it would be like those TV shows—you know, just pop in every once in a while, check the progress, and show up for the big reveal at the end. I quickly found out that’s not how it works. You have to be hands-on with your project.
This is where I discovered the first skill I needed: due diligence. If you don’t research the company building your new home, you could be in for a rough ride. Make sure they have a solid reputation. Look at reviews, talk to past clients, and, if possible, go see some of their previous work.
Construction Knowledge
If you plan to act as the project manager, you’re going to need some construction knowledge. You should know the process, the methods, and the materials being used. Some builders may cut corners if they think you don’t know better. I found that out the hard way.
That’s when I brought in a friend with construction experience. He walked the site with me daily and showed me the ropes—for a small fee. He even offered his own project manager, but I wanted to get hands-on experience myself.
Beyond the basics, I realized I needed to know how to read blueprints. You’ve got to understand what you’re looking at when those plans come across your desk. Knowing construction also means knowing quality control—how to identify risks, ensure compliance with building codes, and maintain high standards across the board.
Budgeting
You must know how to budget for a project like this. Taking bids is part of that. It includes negotiating terms and evaluating which company fits best within your price range. Just remember: you get what you pay for. Going with the cheapest bid may cost you more in the long run.
I always like to keep some extra funds set aside for unexpected issues. Trust me, they happen.
Communication
Strong communication is key. You need to clearly convey your expectations to your contractors and project manager. Miscommunication can lead to costly mistakes. If your communication isn’t on point, now’s the time to level up.
Management Skills
You’ll also need good management skills. There will be multiple teams working on different parts of the build. You must make quick, informed decisions and solve problems on the fly.
Time management is crucial—deadlines must be met, and delays cost money. Prioritizing tasks efficiently will keep things moving. You may also need basic software skills to review digital plans, schedules, and reports. It’s easier than ever to make adjustments on-screen.
Bonus: Time vs. Money
Let me tell you a quick story about a young man named Joey, who learned the value of time vs. money.
It was the summer of 1998, Joey’s last day of middle school. He was excited for summer but nervous about starting high school. He wanted to make a good impression on the first day—with a brand-new pair of Air Jordans. The only problem? The price tag.
He didn’t want to ask his parents for money. Instead, he decided to earn it. Joey asked his dad to rent him the lawnmower for $50 a week—and asked for $20 in gas money, which his dad gave him for free. He started cutting two yards a day for $20 each, earning $200 a week. After paying his dad, he still cleared $150.
Then, his dad asked if he wanted to make extra money by washing his car. While doing that, a neighbor asked if Joey could wash his car next. That sparked a new idea—Joey started a car washing service for the neighborhood.
But Joey didn’t have time to do both jobs. That’s when his dad said, “Sometimes your time is more valuable than your money.”
Joey hired a friend to cut the grass for $50 a week while he focused on washing cars. Soon, Joey was earning an additional $200 a week from the new venture. In no time, he had enough money for three pairs of shoes—and started saving for a car.
Moral of the story: Know when to spend time and when to spend money. Sometimes spending extra cash frees you up to take on more profitable opportunities. In Joey’s case, his extra expense turned into an investment.
So, when it comes to your new build—ask yourself: should you manage the project or pay someone who can? Either way, having the knowledge is always a smart move.
Summary
These are the key skills I believe you need to manage a successful new build: research, construction knowledge, budgeting, communication, and management. I’ve got project managers who handle all of this for me now—but I started by learning the ropes myself.
If your time is better spent elsewhere, spend the money to bring in someone qualified. But knowing how things work will help you stay in control no matter what.
I hope this post helps someone out there. And I hope you enjoyed the little story lesson, too. Thanks for your time and the visit—share the blog with friends and family if you think it could help them. Good luck!