Building a custom home has a lot of moving pieces. A clear plan for every step is what keeps it from feeling overwhelming.
Here's how it works, step by step, so you always know what's coming next.
We start with a conversation, in person, by phone or on Zoom, about what you're looking for, who will live in the home and why you're building. We also agree on the ground rules, who will be on the contract and the one person who will sign off on decisions.
Plans are finalized with the architect and designer we work with, or from plans you bring.
We prepare a contract with every term we've discussed and send it to each party to review and make any changes needed.
Once everyone is happy, the contract is approved and signed.
Your contract and plans go to the lender, an appraisal is ordered and we wait on funding approval.
Funding is approved and the first draw is issued.
With funding in place, we schedule groundbreaking.
Construction begins and the schedule in your contract takes over. This is also when you'll choose your appliances, flooring, plumbing and light fixtures.
We get your certificate of occupancy, hand you the keys and the moving van is on its way.
Our custom homes typically start around $800,000, not including the lot.
Every item that needs approval is signed off by one designated person, so decisions don't stall and there's never a question about who has the final say. We set that up at the first meeting.
If you're financing, we ask for a pre-approval from a lender who does construction-to-perm loans before going any further. We also have a bank we know well review your ability to pay, though you're not required to finance through them.
Many fixtures aren't stocked, and special orders can take months. A low-stock item can hold up completion or even be discontinued, and delays add up in cost quickly, so the sooner appliances, flooring, plumbing and lighting are chosen, the better.
Your contract lays out the dates and times when each element will be needed, and we follow up daily. You'll get regular updates on progress from start to finish.
It happens. No matter how much planning and re-planning gets done, something always changes, which is why we set realistic expectations up front and make as many decisions as we can early.
Every new home includes a 1-year standard builder warranty and a 10-year structural warranty. We're also an approved 2-10 Home Warranty builder, so you can add third-party coverage at completion for an additional cost; it only takes effect if the builder defaults. Your new appliances carry their own manufacturer warranties, many for 2 years, so send in the warranty cards when you close.
