Once you have chosen a lot for your dream home, it’s time to get started creating your dream home on paper. Everything that is done during the Pre-Construction Phase works to prepare for construction and greatly minimize many of the uncertainties normally associated with custom homes. During this phase, the builder will work with the necessary parties to perform the due diligence and determine what potential challenges might exist.
The architect will create the initial design of the home for your review. Once the design has been finalized, the builder can then create a detailed budget that takes into account every aspect of the project and what it will ultimately cost the buyer to build.
This phase usually takes anywhere from 3-5 months and is probably the most demanding period for the buyers. You will need to be easily accessible during this period to make design decisions, discuss potential issues, review materials and more.
Pre-Construction Phase Stages
Pre-Construction Agreement & Due Diligence
At this point in the process, the buyer and builder enter into an agreement that simply states that you, as the home buyer, are committed to building the home with the builder once all of the due diligence is completed to everyone’s satisfaction. Once the agreement has been signed, the builder will start to work with civil engineers, architects, city building departments, subdivision trustees, and other parties to perform due diligence and insure the feasibility of your project before you get too far along. If there are problems with your lot, design preferences or neighborhood requirements, now is the time to discover them and work through any issues that might affect your build. You are not obligated to proceed to the construction phase until all potential issues are resolved to your satisfaction.
Architect Begins on Initial Home Design
With due diligence performed, the architect can now begin to create the initial design of your home. This will include sketches of the exterior, basic floor plans and more. You will continue to participate with the builder and architect to refine your home design. Once the design has been completed and approved by all parties, the builder can begin preparing the budget and the design can be converted into a technical blueprint that will be used for construction.
Builder Creates a Detailed & Reliable Budget
One of the biggest advantages that an experienced builder brings to the table is their ability to create a detailed and reliable budget. A good builder will not leave any stone unturned and produce a budget for your project that is extremely accurate. In order for them to do this though, you will need to be prepared to work hand in hand with them to make decisions about everything from paint colors, flooring materials, appliances and much, much more. In a sense, you are working with the builder to build your home on paper first, prior to the actual groundbreaking.
When everything is handled properly during the Pre-Construction Phase, the home’s construction will have a much higher chance of being completed on time and within the budget. It’s during this phase that a great builder will truly shine, so that by the time construction of you home begins, you will feel confident that all of your needs and concerns have been addressed. If you are still unsure of what to expect of your home at the end of this phase, you might want to have a conversation with your builder.
Once the architect completes the blueprint for your dream home, it’s finally time for one of the most exciting parts of the entire process… get ready to grab that shovel and break ground!
REA Homes builds high performance luxury homes with the customer’s entire well-being in mind. To learn more about our custom built homes in St. Louis, MO, visit our blog or Facebook page.
