Building your first custom home is an exciting journey that allows you to bring your unique vision to life. It begins with a clear understanding of your needs and desires, as well as a realistic budget. This process involves careful planning and consideration of various elements, such as the layout, design style, and materials that will reflect your personal taste. Engaging with architects and builders who share your vision can help transform your ideas into tangible plans, ensuring that every detail aligns with your expectations. That’s where we step in. Here are the first steps to consider when building your home.

1. Location

   1. Selecting the right location for your custom home is crucial. The site should not only accommodate your design but also enhance your lifestyle. Factors such as proximity to schools, work, and recreational areas play a significant role in this decision.
      
      

2. Land loan to construction loan

   1. A land loan to construction loan is a financing structure that helps you buy a piece of land and then build a home on it, often by converting or rolling the land loan into a construction loan when you're ready to build.
   2. Ask about our preferred lenders list
      
      

3. Home Design

   1. Home design is one of the most important and creative phases in the construction process. It sets the foundation—literally and figuratively—for everything that follows.
   2. See our Behind the Build Process to learn more
      
      

4. HOA (if applicable)

   1. If you build a home in an HOA-controlled area, you must get approval for your home design before construction, even before city permits. An HOA is a governing body for a subdivision or planned community. They will have a Declaration, Covenants, Conditionals, and Restrictions (DCCR) document that the architect can reference during the design process and ensure your home meets the HOA’s requirements.
      
      

5. Engineering

   1. Engineering is a critical (but often behind-the-scenes) part of a home build. It ensures that your home is not only beautifully designed, but also structurally sound, safe, energy-efficient, and code-compliant. In our build process, your foundation and frame engineering will come together after signing the construction contract.
      
      

6. Selections

   1. When home building, the word “selections” refers to all the design and finish choices you make for your home’s interior and exterior. This is another fun part where you personalize everything in your beautifully designed home—from your countertops to your doorknobs.
   2. Your selection coordinator will help you organize your selection choices, and purchase your items for you when they are needed during your project.
      
      

7. Permitting

   1. A building permit is official permission from the city or county to begin construction, certifying that your plans meet local building codes and zoning laws.
   2. Permitting can be a bit of a longer process depending on the city or county you need to acquire one from to build your home. Every city and county works within their timeline and some extend past 30 days. This application process is managed by the General Contractor’s permitting team.
      
      

8. Construction

   1. Finally, once you receive your building permit, the construction phase is where your dream truly begins to take shape. Regular communication with your builder and frequent site visits will keep you informed about the progress and allow for any necessary adjustments along the way. This is also the time to make decisions about interior finishes, landscaping, and other personal touches that will make the house feel like home.
      
      

This is a lot of information to take in for building for the first time. Will everything go perfectly? Most likely, no. Building a new home will have its challenges but embracing the challenges and celebrating the milestones throughout this journey will ultimately lead to the rewarding experience of stepping into a space that is entirely your own.