So you've made the decision that you're ready to move forward with building your dream home. Arriving at this realization is one part of the equation, and knowing how to make your dream come to life is just as important.
When it comes to custom home building, many people are not sure of the best way to start the process. To help ensure that your project runs as smoothly as possible with an outcome that exceeds your expectations, here are 7 steps that your ideal contractor should follow when building your custom home:
Step 1: Initial Consultation
You and your home builder will meet to discuss your objectives for the project. For new construction projects, your contractor should evaluate the proposed building site and share with you how to best maximize the use of your land with your ideal home design. This meeting should also help to establish a budget for the project.
Step 2: Design Phase
During this phase, your home builder should conduct a thorough investigation of any design restrictions from a Home Owner Association if applicable and zoning requirements. The design plans presented to you should incorporate lot specific features (trees, waterways, slopes, etc) to ensure the project is taking these factors into consideration.
Step 3: Budgeting
While you should talk about your budget during the initial consultation, you and your home builder can have a more detailed conversation after the design phase. The builder should be able to provide you with a detailed scope of work during this stage as well as a preliminary estimate for the project cost. Modifications can be made to the scope of work be sure that the custom home building project is within your budget.
Step 4: Sign a Contract
Once you have agreed upon the scope of work and budget, your builder will have you fill out some paperwork. Such documentation will likely include a Contract Agreement, Final Detail Cost Budget Spreadsheet, and Defined Payment Schedule. Be sure to ask your home builder plenty of questions to make sure that you are comfortable with this documentation.
Step 5: Pre-Construction
To help ensure that the construction phase is completed as expected and within a timely manner, your builder should arrange for environmental protection techniques, inspections, client/builder meetings, and daily visits to the job site.
Step 6: Construction
You'll want to make sure that your home builder is visiting the project site daily as this will help to keep the construction phase moving along smoothly. If you are using a custom home builder to add on to your existing home, you will want to make sure that he or she is taking proper measures to protect your finishes and prevent dust from invading your home. You'll also want your builder to put together a punch list upon the approach of the project's completion.
Step 7: Completion
Once the project is completed, your home should be thoroughly cleaned, and the builder should run through a final walk-through with you. At this time, you will be give your final invoices. Upon payment, any liens on the property should be released before turning your new custom home over to you.
To learn more about how the custom home building process works, please feel free to contact us at Empire Custom Builders. With more than 500 custom homes built in Central Florida over the past three decades, we are well-versed when it comes to helping you design and create the home of your dreams.
