Our Process

Step 1

Initial Conversation

Everything starts here: the initial meeting of the client and builder. We talk about what you’re looking for from your builder, begin discussing your project, and map out what it may look like: bedroom and bathroom count, build style (traditional vs. barndo), and build material (brick, vinyl, or metal). 


We get a sense of what you’re hoping the end result will be as we get to know each other. We believe that not every builder is right for every client, and not every client is right for every builder. We want to make sure that we are going to work well together throughout the process. The building process, from the initial call to the project's finale, can take 12-16 months, or even longer depending on the project's scope, so we want to ensure we are a good fit for each other. 


During this call, we explain the building process, timeline, and what to expect from us, your builder. We start the process off with clear, open communication so that you know exactly what to expect from the beginning. 

Step 2

Lot Evaluation & Rough Building Estimate

Once we have an idea of the project's scope, it is time to meet in person. This usually takes place on the land that you want to build on. While we need to know the general plan of what you want to build, we don’t have to have every decision made at this point. Looking at the site where we will be building helps us guide you through the home's design phase and set expectations for what can and cannot be done on the building site. It also helps us further understand the goals of your project and the home that you want to build. The numbers discussed during this phase will be very high-level, but will hopefully give you an idea of the price range in which you should expect to build the home you are dreaming of.

Step 3

Design & Customizations

There are hundreds of decisions that need to be made during a custom home build. Our goal is for you to feel supported and to aid in the decision-making process at whatever level you’re comfortable with. We can connect you with our preferred experts to help you refine the specifics of your design. You can be hands-on in every decision. Or, if you’d rather, we can narrow down the options for you and let you choose the final decision from a limited number of selections that fit your budget and design vision. Either way, we want the process of building your custom home to be enjoyable and fun! 


Within this phase, we will also discuss which custom design features fit within your budget and which items we may need to shift to make the whole design work together. Some sneaky custom details that add up quickly are large porches, safe rooms, large garages, advanced trim and cabinet projects, tall ceilings, large windows, large door openings, and multiple paint colors.

Step 4

Estimates & Bids

Once you have a set of plans and we understand the style and level of accessories you want for the build, we can put together your pricing package. If you want to finance through a bank, they will require a detailed cost-to-build document to approve the loan. If you are not working with a bank, we will still need a budget to work within during the build to ensure we stay on track financially. These price packages require a lot of work from both our trade partners and us. We do charge a non-refundable fee to put this level of pricing together for you, but it will go toward the fee you will pay us as the contractor building the house. This fee will also get you on our building schedule.

Step 5

Pre-Construction Planning

At this stage, we meet again and discuss details together:


  • The Floorplan
  • The Selections
  • The Timeline
  • Your Questions


It’s exciting, and everyone is eager to get the build started. We will also review surveys, septic plans, and permitting processes to ensure the project is truly ready to start.

Step 6

Building Your Home

Now for the fun part: we finally get to put it all together. Here are the sequential steps included in the building process:


  • Property Access
  • Building Site Preparation
  • Foundation
  • Framing
  • Roofing
  • Exterior Finishes
  • Rough Mechanicals
  • Insulation
  • Drywall
  • Interior Finishes
  • Final Details


Along the way, there are bound to be bumps in the timeline due to unforeseen circumstances, but as your builder, we aim to provide you with regular updates and timeline changes as they arise, maintaining consistent communication. 

Step 7

Final Walkthrough & Move-In

Once the home is complete, if you are in a city, you will get a certificate of occupancy. If it is in an area without code enforcement, you will get a document of major completion. Prior to these documents, you may want to have an independent home inspection performed. If you want to do that, we welcome it. Home inspectors are professionals who have a great eye for detail. While we strive to build the best home we can, a third party with a fresh set of eyes may help catch something we missed. After all of this is complete, it is your move-in day! Once you’re in the house, we will be there to help with the transition: from knowing which switch does what and how to turn on the fireplace to using a programmable thermostat. We want to ensure your new home is everything you want it to be.

Fun Facts

1

During the build, the size of the house will feel wrong, but this is normal.


Once the slab is poured, you will swear the house and rooms are too small.


Once the studs are up, you will swear the house and rooms are too big and not the right size.


However, once the sheetrock is on, you will start to get a true feel for the spaces and sizes in your new home

2

The first check is the hardest, and the last is the most important:


The first check you approve for the builder feels the worst. Many banks allow a ‘soft draw’ or a certain percentage of the build at the beginning, which can be up to $40-50 thousand. When you approve this amount, it can feel overwhelming.


You will have to approve multiple amounts between 35-50k during the build, which can lead to the feeling that checks that large are insignificant.


Towards the end of the build, it’s time to come back to reality: the more money you spend, the more your mortgage will be.

"I believe we were given the best of the best service throughout our entire home building journey! From answering our million questions to the very end of having a beautiful, safe, comfortable, and functional home to live in, we couldn’t be happier! To Josh, Kristyn, Tyler, and everyone else who worked so hard to give us something so life-changing, thank you for everything!!"

Laekyn Cogan

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