Table of Contents
Find a Builder
The builder you pick is the difference between a great experience and a disaster, choose wisely! They should be licensed, have experience, and should be able to quickly tell you their average cost per square foot and average timeline.
A good builder will provide a warranty on the home. Ask about that too!
Find a Houseplan
In order for your builder to provide you a quote, the layout of the house is needed.
There are two ways to obtaining a house plan:
- House plan websites
- Architecture Design
House plan websites offer thousands of different house designs at a fraction of the cost of an architecture, from micro-homes to mansions. But before buying a house plan, verify with the builder you’re ordering the right type.
Locate Land
Zillow is a popular home and land locating website but there are many Realtors excited to support you in finding the perfect location to build a home.
A few very important questions when locating your home location:
- Is the lot big enough to fit the home? Keep in mind that easements makes the building space smaller than the actual size of the lot/land.
- What are the neighborhood requirements? The Bill of Assurance is a common document for neighborhoods that hold the requirements for easements, the size and type of home allowed in the neighborhood.
- Is there an HOA that requires approval of the home design before building.
Builder will provide a quote
Once the home design is selected, the land is found, and the builder has asked you many questions about your vision, it is time for a quote to be provided to you.
The builder should explain what type of contract (total cost or cost-plus), options to add luxury or make the home more cost-effective, and an explanation of cost.
Get a Construction Loan
Once you receive a quote, you are ready to go to the bank for a construction loan. Construction loans last the length of the build and then a second loan will be used for your mortgage. Many banks can convert between the first and second automatically to avoid a second closing cost, but make sure to ask what type of programs they offer for construction.
Your builder will also help you obtain the loan by providing their builders licensing information, insurance, references, and much more.
During this process you will also sign the agreement with the builder to build the home.
Building Begins
Now for the exciting part, building the home! Building process typically follows this flow:
- Dirt and Excavation
- Initial Plumbing
- Foundation
- Framing & Roof
- Windows Installation
- Electrical and Plumbing Rough-In
- Exterior Brick or Siding
- HVAC Duct Installation
- Insulation
- Sheetrock Install
- Tile or Shower Installation
- Cabinets Install
- Countertops Install
- Painting
- Garage Door Install
- Final Electrical and Plumbing Fixtures
- Flooring
- Final Grading and Sod Install