The custom home building process should be savored, as a major milestone in life. It is a time of fulfilling your dreams and seeing the fruit of your hard work and savings. You will be making decisions that impact the rest of your life, as you live in the dwelling you create.  As we discuss the steps of the home building process I want to stress that each one should be enjoyable, and that every single step should be the fulfillment of your wishes.  At every turn ask yourself, “Is this what I want?” and discuss each of these decisions with your spouse.

THE PROCESS:

Research and Preparation, the first step is to begin thinking about what you really want in the house.  Consult all the family members and think of all the activities which might go on in the house over the next 50 years.  Maybe you are only in your 20’s, and have no children, but this home will serve you for the rest of your lives unless you decide to move.  Therefore consider the unborn children, the possibility of elderly parents coming to live with you, and the elderly you who may not feel like climbing three flights of stairs to reach that master bedroom in the attic. Consider what activities and parties you might host in the future, and how the future co-worker might view your house when you invite them over. It is OK to daydream because this is a process of dreaming, as well as planning.  The important thing is to be able to plan a home that will fit your lifestyle, now and in the future.

Consider the budget carefully and estimate what you can afford to spend.  Consider the area and the lots available, and how you want your home to look.  Plan in detail the number of rooms necessary, and the space you’ll need in each room.  Research building codes, various development restrictions, and what school district the lots under consideration are in.

Pre-Construction, the first step is to select a lot.  In many ways selection of the lot is the most important step of the building process.  After all, location is the number one factor determining the resale value of a home.  Consider school districts, the neighborhood, and if the lot is large enough to afford the degree of privacy you want.  Do you want to live where utilities are provided by the city, or where you will be responsible to drill a well, and putting in a septic tank?  If you want a septic tank you must order a perc and mantel test before you purchase the lot.  If you already own the lot many home builders and contractors are very willing to build on your lot.

Selecting Building Materials, after you have selected Len Stevens Construction and have a plan, the next step is to start considering building materials and exterior and interior finishes, moldings and the overall look of the house.  It’s about taste and the overall emotional feel of the house, so only you and those who will be living with you should decide how the house should feel.

Discussing the Custom Build Budget, the next steps are very important and it is discussing the budget in detail with the builder or contractor.  Actually budgeting is an ongoing process up to this point, as each phase of the process determines cost.  Lot and floor plan are huge factors in the budget, so by now you are merely finalizing the price, and determining that you can get a loan for this amount. In our experience home buyers have no idea which things will cost more than others.  It pays to research the costs, and to discuss less expensive ways to achieve the same look with less money.  Len Stevens Construction will help you deal with the bank, and can recommend a specific loan officer if you do not know any.  We can even help you set up the appointment with the loan officer.

Signing the Custom Home Building Contract, the fifth step includes the Proposal.  A couple of weeks after meeting with Len Stevens Construction to discuss the budget , plans and materials, he will come up with a final quote, which includes all the things you wanted at the price given.  Any compromises will be worked out and the contract and paperwork finalized, and signed.

*Tip: it’s always a good idea and I always recommend that you have an attorney review the contract before signing.

Finalize the Loan, this can sometimes be a painful waiting game, because all your hopes and dreams are just waiting for that final signing of papers.  When the bank has finished with all the paper work, you will sign it and suddenly you’ll have enough money to launch the project.  In many cases you can have much of the paperwork completed early on in the process.

Construction of the Home, while the custom home building schedule will take six months or longer depending on scope, the time will fly by because you will be actively involved in making small selections, and watching your home take form.  Len Stevens Construction and our extensive staff of sub-contractors will do all the work, but you may be as involved as you like in visiting the site, observing the processes and occasionally even lending a hand if you like.  It is a good idea to understand the process of construction as well, so you should do extensive research on line, and ask questions if you like.  It is important to stay involved in the home building process and enjoy this important life experience to the fullest.

Custom home Building Process Overview:

  1. First think about what you really want in a house
  2. Next select a lot or land to build your custom home on.
  3. Select Len Stevens Construction and have your home plans drafted up.
  4. Start considering and selecting building materials and exterior and interior finishes, moldings and the overall look of the house.
  5. Discuss the build budget in detail with Len Stevens Construction throughout this process
  6. Finalize the estimate and sign the contract
  7. Finalize your loan
  8. Construction begins and ends and can take anywhere from six months to a year depending on numerous factors
  9. Learn more about the steps involved to build a custom home and the overall custom home building process. Educating yourself on the process from start to finish will assure the build out will be a pleasant experience

I hope this information on the custom home building process was informative for you.  Good luck with your custom home building dream, and we look forward to being part of this process.  If you have any questions let me know.