Building a custom home is an exciting, rewarding experience. However, it can also be confusing and overwhelming for those who need to become more familiar with the process.
Understanding the different stages of the process is important in avoiding miscommunication and unexpected costs. Here are a few of the most important steps in the process: Design Phase, Site Preparation, Construction Phase and Finalization.
Design Phase
A good custom home builder will assist you in finding the right architect and interior designer to bring your vision to life. These services should begin congruently with the pre-construction planning stage. Lock down your must-haves and wish list items now so your design team can focus on achieving those while staying within your established budget.
Once you have your architect lined up, they will work with you to develop the custom home building process and cover all the necessary details for your new home. This is where most of your key decisions are made.
For example, at this stage, you’ll choose finishes, materials, energy efficiency elements, etc. A good custom home builder will help streamline this process by providing a selection guide with pricing targets for each item. It’s also a good time to ask for referrals from local realtors, lenders, building associations and friends who have recently purchased custom homes. They will give you the best and most honest insight.
Site Preparation
The site preparation stage takes place before construction begins. This step involves surveying the land and assessing what kind of earthworks will need to be done, including identifying potential drainage issues and other site complications. This can include excavation, grading and moving earth, and a geotechnical investigation.
Then there are the utilities to consider, such as whether there will be an existing sewer or water line on the property and if new ones need to be installed. If necessary, this may involve getting permits for utilities from local authorities.
During this phase, you will also make your first round of design selections, and your builder will be finalizing your architectural plans and engineering, providing value-engineering options, soliciting and thoroughly vetting subcontractor bids, and building a construction schedule. Then, you’ll be ready to begin construction and watch your custom home take shape from the ground up.
Construction Phase
Once the design phase has been completed and any required paperwork has been processed, it’s time to start construction. At this stage, the crew will clear the site, excavate and create a template for the foundation footings. A slab is poured, and all underground plumbing and electrical work will be laid before erecting walls.
This is an exciting time in the homebuilding process as you will see your dream house begin to take shape. The framing crew will start building your new home’s basic structure.
Depending on your desires, you can also choose to make your home green or energy efficient at this point. Hibbs Homes is an Energy STAR partner with several builders on staff to assist with customizing your home and making it as energy-efficient as possible while staying within your desired budget.
Finalization
Building a custom home is an exciting, exhilarating experience that can also be stressful. Homeowners need to understand the different stages of the homebuilding process to better prepare for the journey ahead.
Construction begins on your new home after the architectural design is complete and permits have been obtained. During this phase, your builder clears the site, pours footings, and starts putting the foundation to work. This is when you and your interior designer can make the final selections to give your custom home its unique personality.
These selections include flooring, lighting, cabinetry, and bathroom fixtures. This is a great time to stay true to your vision while working with your builder to keep the cost of your custom home within budget. During construction, your home will also be inspected for code compliance and quality control. Typically, inspections are done every week.
