The Process of Building
There can be a preconceived idea that the process of building a custom home is about how much it will costs to build. This is not the case, some semi custom homes cost as much as or more than custom homes.
Building a custom home is unique to the individual home owner. The home is designed especially for you, to your exact specifications. Depending on the complexity of the design and specifications, they can be taken care of by either a design build contractor or by an architect. You will work hand in hand with the team you have selected to construct your home.
If you have selected a floor plan that your contractor has or perhaps you selected a floor plan from one of the many online services, but need to make some slight modifications to suit your lifestyle, you are building a semi custom home. The plans you have selected have been designed and engineered to be build on a repeating bases. The contractor or plans service allow for minor modifications that normally do not impact the structural areas of the home. The contractor also provides assistance for changes and upgrading finishes. This style of home building can save the homeowner thousands of dollars over the custom design and engineering process.
Now that we have talked about the differences, lets look at our process. The process is simlar for both remodel and new construction.
We will schedule a meeting with you to discuss your needs.
Please bring with you any information you may have gathered including a list of questions, drawings, brochures, pictures, magazine article and floor plans. We will review all of this with you and discuss styles, budgets and refer you to a financing entity if necessary.
Letter of Intent.
After meeting and establishing your needs and goals we will draw up a letter of intent. Upon signing the letter, you will then place a $3,500 non refundable deposit with us. We will then produce a preliminary drawing and general budget for your review. Upon entering into a construction contract with BWTC, the deposit will be applied to the cost of your home.
Design Phase:
During this phase, together we will refine your home design and start making the choices on finishes. You will need to make selections for trim features such as door styles, baseboard and crown molding. You will also select cabinets, floor coverings, appliances and any other items that need to be included in the final budget.
* In the event you are wish to purchase appliances or fixtures outside on your contract there will be a handling charge applied.
Final Pricing and Construction Contract:
Once you have approved your drawings and made your selections we will prepare a final budget and contract for the construction of your home. Upon execution of the contract we proceed to the next phase of construction, final engineering and permitting.
Building Department & Governmental Agency Permitting:
Now the permitting package for your new home is submitted to the building department and any other governmental agency required for construction permitting. Each city and county differ in permitting response times. Government agency response time for your home's permit should be from 4 to 8 weeks.
Construction:
This is the most exciting stage! Here, the actual building of your home takes place and tangible progress of all previous efforts begin to appear. Construction has begun. During the construction phase, you are kept informed of progress through digital photos and as-needed on-line correspondence. Your active involvement will be needed for a Pre-Drywall inspection. When the framing, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-in's are completed, we schedule a jobsite meeting and together we thoroughly inspect your home prior to the drywall being installed. Specific items we will be inspecting include not only general overall conformance to the plans and design, but specifically plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and technology installations to ensure your home is complete at this stage, and to allow for easy modifications or last minute changes you may desire before drywall is installed.
Completion Walk-through:
At the conclusion of construction and before your home is turned over to you for move in, we schedule a jobsite meeting and conduct a walk-thru. During this meeting, together we run through a checklist and orientate you room by room. This usually takes a minimum of 4 hours. At the conclusion, we confirm your move-in date, finalize any financial transactions and completion documents, then any punch-list items generated from the walk-thru are coordinated with the trade partners to be completed prior to your turn over date.
Closing/Move-In:
Your home is complete, all last minute items are complete, the local building department has completed the final inspection and has issued the certificate of occupancy, your homeowners insurance policy is in place, the lender has made his/her final inspection and disbursement. Congratulations you are now ready to move in.