As we prepare our bank account for the unrelenting onslaught that is to come, we have decided to ensure there won't be any financial heart attacks waiting for us at the end of the process.

While we are comfortable with the quoted prices coming back from our builder finalists, there are "one or two" added costs that we need to consider before believing we're set.

What added costs, you ask?

How about: Legal fees, moving expenses, window coverings, lawn and landscaping, appliances, furniture, concrete driveway, interior designer time, maintenance equipment like snow blower and lawn mower...

That intimidating list doesn't even include other expenses like temporary pet boarding charges or dining costs during the moving process.

I was saying to Rosanne that we won't need window coverings right away - we can just throw up some old white sheets for the time being. She had to physically repress the urge to vomit at that suggestion.

Good thing I didn't add that we could always go sans coverings - the image of an innocent neighbour spotting me as I slid across the hardwoods dancing to Old Time Rock N' Roll clad only in my 15-year-old gotch would definitely be the last straw.

Of course, I would never dream of putting up sheets (or confederate flags) in our windows, future neighbours...

Builders may not include concrete driveways in their initial quotes, as you¹re likely to wait a full season before having one poured. That¹s something you'll have to get done down the road, and it's wise to budget liberally for that element.

We¹re also going to wait a full set of seasons before putting sod in, to allow for settlement. The last thing we'd want to do is find ourselves replacing expensive sod because everything has sunk in the spring. Don't forget property taxes. That's an obvious one, you say?

Well, when we purchased our lot last September, we forgot to read the fine print in our purchase agreement. We had to pay the taxes for the full year
because the seller paid up front, and was reimbursed for the months they were no longer owners.

Unfortunately, we received a late-payment notice from the municipality asking for the taxes and a penalty. We quickly sent a cheque, together with a box of freshly baked chocolate-chip cookies, hoping the municipality could forgive our oversight.

The last thing we need as we prepare our final drawings is to find out the municipality is mad at us for "forgetting" to pay our taxes. We'd hate to see a "Rejected" stamp in bright-red ink across the plans.

And, if you¹re one of the unlucky ones who face delays with their builder, the costs of a hotel room as you wait for your home to be finished need to be tacked on.

Many builder's don't include the net GST due in their quote, so that will be another few grand to add to your budget.

Of course, you can't forget the added expense of that all-important first house-warming party.

Because everything will have to be perfect for friends and family as you gather in your new dream house for the first time, you¹ll have to spare no expense when cleaning and decorating your home.

While I'm not suggesting flying in The Designer Guys to shoot a segment for their show, it would be advantageous to have a professional consult with you before the big day.

After all, you best have your "Fang Schway" in order before the guests arrive.