Custom home design and construction can be an overwhelming process for anyone. Having spent my entire life building custom homes I understand that and make every effort to ease your worries from purchasing your lot through move in.
When discussing our process with past clients I have described it as being organic in nature. Meaning that it is flexible and evolves along the way pending the individuals I am working with.
I will personally guide you and manage the daily activities whether it is coordination with the design team or meeting each trade to review progress.
I believe this is a critical part of the program in that I do not rely on hired help but prefer to personally guide my core group of trade partners in every detail of the construction of your new home.
Location
Many clients come to us with a lot already purchased. For those who don't, we will help in that process to ensure there are no surprises after the purchase.
Before you buy, we provide a preliminary development cost estimate so you can compare potential sites and make an informed decision about this critical purchase.
DESIGN
Through the years we have become know for our distinctive designs but we are also happy to work with your architect or home designers plans.
The majority of the homes we build are designed by our team to your specifications and for your lot.
This allows us to take advantage of any unique features the site offers and to maximize of any potential views that may be missed with a stock plan.
Estimate
Once the plans are complete we will provide a fully itemized estimate of costs.
To ensure that your finish selection costs are in line with your desires and budget, you will work with our design team and visit with our preferred vendors to make preliminary selections for items ranging from doors and windows to cabinets and countertops.
These preliminary selections are used to create contract allowances that will be on budget when you make your final selections during construction.
Construction
After completing the estimate and signing of the contract the client will determine any financing needs and work with the lender to establish a construction loan as needed.
At the same time we will prepare and submit applications for all required permits. From here we separate the actual construction into five distinct phases.
Foundation - The foundation of your home is obviously one of the cost critical components. During the design phase we have reviewed the lot and determined the type of foundation best suited to your location and homes design.
Framing - Being a carpenter by trade framing is one of my passions. Not only ensuring that all engineering requirements are met but also with daily onsite coordination with the framing carpenters to ensure a quality build.
Rough Mechanics - This stage includes plumbing, mechanical and electrical rough installations. This is an exciting time and is also critical to the functionality of your home.
To ensure we meet your expectations we will schedule the electrical walk through. This walk through covers much more than its namesake. Beyond placement of light switches and final lighting schedule we also review and finalize items like shower valve/head placement and final doors swings.
Cladding - Now that we have the pipes, vents and wiring complete we begin the cladding process. First siding then drywall. Progress is quick at this phase with the drywall up walls and spaces are now divided and you can see each space more clearly. On the exterior the siding transforms the plywood box into a home.
Finishes - Now for the exciting part. See all of those materials you selected being installed with the highest attention to detail. Cabinets, countertops, tile and flooring all go in now to bring your new home to completion.
Post Construction
During the first year we continue to fine tune any items that come up. In later years we are still here for you should any non maintenance related issues arise.
Photography by Christopher Scharf for Lifted Pictures