Starting a custom build, whether it’s a home or cottage, can feel intimidating. There are so many unknowns, and most people have never done it before, leaving uncertainties on what to expect.
If this sounds like you, you are not alone.
In this article, I’m going to break down the custom build process step-by-step; from your first meeting with Pine Creek Homes to handing over the keys. If you’d like more detail than what we’ve provided in this article, you can sign up for our email series here to receive exclusive custom builder content. For the purpose of this post- I’m going to make an assumption that you don’t have any plans drawn yet, but you do have a property.
In anticipation of this build- you have been researching every design website known to man and followed every social media page alike. Now, you’ve landed on Pine Creek’s website and feel that you’re finally ready to take the next step.
What does that look like?
Stage 1
New client phone consultation
Click the “Schedule an appointment” button in the top right corner of our website. This will bring you directly to my schedule. This schedule will show all of the available appointment times available for the upcoming weeks. Pick one that works for you, and book it.
This first meeting will be about answering all of your questions regarding your upcoming build and reviewing where, when and what you are looking for. We don’t set a specific agenda for this meeting, as everyone has their own unique sets of questions and concerns. We like to take this first meeting to explain our process and answer all of your questions so you feel comfortable and informed moving forward.
1 hour in-person meeting
Following our first conversation about your design ideas and your property we would love to meet with you in person at the Pine Creek Homes office. Together we can get a better sense of your build and your lifestyle by asking more specific questions and sharing some ideas we have for you.
You’ll want to come to this meeting with your budget in mind- it is important to us that we build you a home you love that fits your budget!
Once we are clear on your design ideas and desired budget we will provide you with a Concept Agreement so that we can start your custom design.
Design deposit
If the budget range that we provided in the concept agreement fits within your budget, we would then take a design deposit and start drawing your custom plan. At this point, we’ll also pencil you into one of our construction slots.
Stage 2
Begin the Design Process
Your lifestyle, your property, and your vision. Using all the information we have collected in discovery we will create a custom floor plan to suit your family.
Through meetings and phone calls, we will draw until your floor plans and exterior are just the way you’ve envisioned. Our designers will render a digital 3D model of your home- we know it can be hard to envision on paper! Touring your finished product before we start building means you know exactly what to expect.
We will provide for your approval an accurate budget based on the design we have developed. Upon approval of the budget, we will take a second deposit.
From here will have the detailed engineer drawings made and apply for all necessary permits on your behalf. The final fixed-price contract will be presented 6 weeks prior to construction starting.
Selections
Your home should be uniquely yours. Working with our trade partners we will go through every selection: flooring, cabinetry, lighting, etc. By following our design schedule this process will be stress-free and fun!
Once your fixed price contract is complete we will meet to go through every detail and answer all your questions. When everything is understood and agreed we will sign the construction contract. At this time we will require a 10% deposit.
Stage 3
Build (+/-) 40 weeks
The big day has arrived, the trades are scheduled, and materials are ordered.
Let’s start digging!
During construction, you can expect regularly scheduled site meetings at important stages of the build. It’s important you are happy with the decisions you’ve made and get to share the excitement of seeing them come to life.
Through phone calls with Josh and access to Buildertrend, you’ll be kept up to date on the schedule, invoicing, and all progress. We know that communication is key to a smooth build.
Stage 4:
Get your keys
You’ve imagined this day- and now it’s here! The day you get the keys to your dream home!
Leading up to this day we will take the time to ensure everything is handed to you at the highest standard of completion.
We’ve built a relationship while designing and building your dream home, it’s a personal thing- we will keep in touch often to ensure you’re happy for the years ahead.
Check out this video from one of our latest projects where our design manager Amanda talks about turning this client’s vision into their dream cottage.
