Building your dream home is probably one of the most challenging things you’ll ever do, but the rewards are great if done correctly. After years of hard work and sacrifice, you’ll finally be able to start a stable home life for you and your family. And no more compromises: You get to customize your home to suit your tastes and requirements.

But you still have to deal with the grueling construction process. Cost overruns are unfortunately common, which forces you to stretch your already thin resources to the very limit. You’ll have to deal with architects, contractors, engineers, plumbers, electricians, and many more. If you want a smooth and painless process, then you need a proper plan.

Having a plan in place ensures that you stick to the budget (or at least close to it). You can then use the savings for a property tax specialist. We’ve compiled some of the best advice to make the home construction process as easy as possible.

1. Know what you want

When it comes to construction, you need to know what you want from the very beginning. You can’t just wing it. The plan must be extremely detailed: the number of rooms, the floor plan, lot direction, down to the number of power outlets. Work with an architect to ensure that nothing is left behind. Do not start construction until you have a finalized plan.

I also suggest keeping a scrapbook of design ideas for your home. Not only will you need a general theme for your home, but you’ll also have to think of individual designs for each room. You can scour design magazines and websites for inspiration.

2. It’s going to cost more than you expect

Construction projects almost always cost more than expected. The contractor’s cost estimate only includes their anticipated expenses. Anything that doesn’t fall within their control is rarely taken into consideration.

To give you a rough idea of the final cost, tally all the expenses you’ve made so far, add the contractor’s estimate, and add 25 percent on top of that. Gas and power meter installations, cable connections, and landscaping are just some of the expenses you have to prepare for. You’ll also have to pay for inspection and zoning fees.

3. Always communicate

You need to remain in constant contact with the contractors and builders. Ask them for construction updates daily. It’s also a good idea to visit the site once or twice a week. Don’t forget to take photos and videos to document the process.

Expect some pushback from the construction crew, so don’t be afraid to assert yourself. But you also need to listen to them, especially when it comes to technical matters. If they have concerns or recommendations, listen to them and do your research. Make sure everyone’s on the same page to avoid mistakes and arguments.

Home construction can be a daunting process. Weather delays, unforeseen costs, and sudden changes can give you a lot of grief and anxiety. But with careful planning and the right team in place, you can make the construction process easier and less stressful.