From Blueprint to Reality: Understanding the Custom Home Building Process

Building a custom home is a dream many of us cherish. It's the culmination of years of saving, planning, and dreaming.

No matter the home you envision, taking the journey from idea to reality is exciting. However, it does take quite a lot of work. As custom home builders, we’re very familiar with just how many moving parts go into this process.

To keep the process as smooth as possible, it’s important to understand each step involved in building your custom home. Below, we’ll share some more information about each of these steps to help you understand the process a little bit better.

Dreaming & Planning

Before we lay any bricks or hammer any nails, you start to dream. When you start to envision your home, you think of everything you truly desire in it. Are you looking for a sunlit breakfast nook, or a library with shelves all the way to the ceiling?

Consider everything you’re looking for in your dream home and start to jot it down. Then, we recommend identifying which parts of that vision are absolute non-negotiables. For the rest, you’ll have to see how that plays in with your budget and the rest of your plan.

Speaking of budget, that has to be done before starting to build, too. Make sure you come up with a budget for your custom home so you can stay within reasonable limits for your finances. If you aren’t sure what that looks like, we recommend speaking to a financial expert, such as a potential mortgage lender.

Remember to keep your design realistic and within your finances. We also recommend saving up a bit of money for extra expenditures along the way. You never know when you may need extra funds, and you don’t want to come up short.

Finding the Right Homebuilder

Once you have an idea in mind, it’s time to find a custom homebuilder. The quality and integrity of your home fully rely on your builder, so this is arguably the most important step in the process.

Make sure you do your research on local builders by looking at their websites and their reviews. You may even want to visit some of their completed projects to get a feel for the quality and aesthetics of their homes.

A good builder will listen to your vision and use their expertise to make it become a reality. Make sure you work closely with them to ensure that your ideas are possible and are properly represented.

If you’re interested in learning more about Red Door Home’s building process, you can check out our process page and contact us for a consultation.

Design & Blueprint Creation:

Once you’ve chosen a builder, it’s time to create a blueprint. You’ll likely work with an architect to develop a full blueprint of your home for the builders to follow.

This phase is truly collaborative, needing both you and your builder’s input. They know more about how the building must be done, so it’s important to listen to their recommendations to ensure that your home will be built properly.

Expect to meet multiple times to review and revise the plans during this phase. It’s important to be meticulous at this point - this is the step that sets the trajectory of the entire build.

Securing Financing & Permits:

Before you start to build, you’ll need to secure financing and get the necessary permits.

Construction loans are different from traditional home loans, so you’ll have to find a financial expert who understands these differences. Your home builders may know some local lenders they can recommend, so be sure to speak with them about that.

You’ll also need the necessary permits to break ground. Every county and municipality has its own regulations, so be sure to get everything on hand before starting the process. This can take some time, so try to be patient and remember that this step is essential for doing the job right (and legally!).

Breaking Ground & Site Preparation:

Finally, you’re here - breaking ground!

It’s always thrilling to finally see that building machinery on your land. Before construction begins, your lot will have to be prepared with excavations and laying the foundation. This also means the site should only be accessed by professionals, as safety is absolutely paramount at this point.

Remember to keep in touch with your builder to keep tabs on the land prep process and to stick with your timeline.

Construction Phase:

Once the land is prepped, construction begins!

Your builders will first build the foundation and framing of your home, which are truly the backbone of your custom abode. Once the framing is done, your builders will install the internal systems like plumbing, electric, and HVAC installation.

Once you’ve got the “bones” built, solid external elements like roofing and siding are built. Then, once the structure is protected from the elements, your builders will finish up by completing the inside of your home with finishes such as flooring, amenities, and a fresh coat of paint.

Walkthrough & Final Inspections:

Once construction is completed, you and your builder will complete a walkthrough of the property. This is the time to note any issues you observe with the build or to discuss any final touches.

Once everything meets your approval, a final inspection is conducted by city or county officials to ensure the home is up to codes and regulations. Upon passing, you’re then handed the certificate of occupancy!

Moving In & Post-Construction Care:

It’s hard to capture the true joy of moving day. Though you may be tired and strained from moving and unpacking boxes, the reality finally starts to sink in: this is your home.

After moving in, you’ll want to maintain your home well so it lasts you many years. Some home builders, like, Red Door, offer warranties to ensure nothing goes wrong within a certain amount of time. This is also a testament to their confidence in their craftsmanship.

Always make sure you keep these documents handy in case of any potential issues, and reach out to your builder with any questions.

Finally Home

The journey from blueprint to reality is filled with countless decisions, but also an underlying excitement. By understanding each stage of the process, you’ll be able to navigate your build with clarity and confidence. And what better reward do you have than a home that you’re truly proud of?

If you’re interested in learning more about the Red Door process, contact us today for a consultation. We would love to help you make your dream home a reality.

FAQs

1. How long does the custom home-building process typically take?

Building a custom home isn't a one-size-fits-all timeline. Generally, the process can range from 10 to 16 months, starting from design to move-in.

Factors influencing the duration include the complexity of the design, the size of the home, weather conditions, and any unforeseen challenges. Regular communication with your builder can help set and manage timeline expectations.

2. What's the difference between a custom home and a spec home?

A custom home is tailor-made for the homeowner. From design to finishes, every detail is determined by you, the client, ensuring the final result is uniquely yours.

A spec (or speculative) home, on the other hand, is built by a builder without a specific buyer in mind. They decide on the design and finishes, anticipating that a buyer will purchase it once it’s completed. Think of it as "ready-to-wear" versus "made-to-measure" in the fashion world.

3. How can I ensure my custom home stays within budget?

A clear, realistic budget is your best friend. Start by prioritizing must-have features and allocating funds accordingly.

Regularly review the budget with your builder, ask for itemized costs, and be vigilant about any changes or upgrades, as they can add up. It's also wise to set aside a contingency fund, around 10-15% of your budget, to account for unforeseen expenses.

4. Are there any hidden costs I should be aware of during the construction process?

Hidden costs can crop up, but they're less menacing when you're prepared. Some often overlooked costs include utility connections, landscaping, driveway paving, and permit fees.

Changes or upgrades made after construction starts can impact the budget. Ensure you have open communication with your builder to stay updated and always ask for clarity on any cost you're unsure about.

5. Can I make changes to the design once construction has started?

It's possible, but changes mid-construction can be challenging and costly. Small tweaks might be manageable, but major changes can disrupt the timeline and budget.

Before making alterations, discuss potential implications with your builder. It's always best to finalize the design in the blueprint phase to minimize post-start changes.

6. What should I prioritize when creating my wishlist of home features?

Prioritizing hinges on both desire and practicality. Think about your long-term needs. Do you plan on expanding your family? Do you work from home? Features that enhance your daily life, like an extra bedroom or a home office, might take precedence.

Also, consider resale value. While this is your dream home, it's wise to keep in mind features that might be appealing to future buyers.