So you want to build that dream home?

Chapel Ridge is a custom home community - and since I work onsite and specialize in Chatham County homes and land - I meet many people who want to build a custom home but don't really know where to start.  So when you are finally ready to build your Dream Home, where do you start??

Building a Custom Home, in Chapel Ridge, or any of the neighboring communities, is a detailed process with many decisions along the road to completion.   The builder you choose should work side by side with you every step of the way facilitating the process and making it fun and exciting. You should be able to play an active role and have input at all levels of the design build process. The right builder will make sure that your individual tastes are realized while closely monitoring your budgetary goals versus your actual costs.   The following steps are typical when building a custom home and are for informational purposes only.  You should meet and speak with different builders to determine if their philosophy and style of building will work for you.

1. Site Acquisition - Some buyers meet with a builder having already bought a lot to build on.  Others may prefer to meet with a builder prior to putting an offer in on a piece of property.   Whichever situation you are in, the builder will work with you to develop your vision.
2. Site Planning - After a lot is selected, a site plan is developed and the building parameters of your lot are determined with input from you, the Engineer and the Builder.   The builder and architect are able to help you design the layout of your house. Things to consider might include the following: the traverse of the sun, natural topography of the land, existing trees, garage placement, and privacy. The builder will discuss each decision with you and the ideal orientation of your home dependent on the priority you put on each of these criteria. Sometimes there are neighborhood covenants that must also be taken into consideration.
3. Home Design - Once site location and orientation have been established the design of your dream home begins. This process involves you, the Builder, perhaps and Interior Designer, and the Architect. Since every home is unique, builders often work with highly skilled and experienced architects who are very familiar with meeting the needs of the Client, while incorporating unique and artistic details in a home design. The builder will usually first work with a client to create a concept plan before choosing an architect. 
4. Pricing Proposal - The builder will provide a detailed quote on the build job, based on the preliminary drawings and custom features you desire.  This quote will outline all of the features, upgrades, materials and allowances that will be included for the proposed price.  Don't be surprised that this is a fairly lengthy and detailed document, builders want to make sure that you get what you want and that they meet your expectations.  Often times, the builder will include several allowances, i.e. $5,000 for lighting fixtures or carpet in all bedrooms priced at $23/yd.  This level of detail will help ensure that you work within your budget and enable you to accurately determine areas where you might want to spend a little more/less on a custom feature.
5. Contract - Enter into a contract to build once the concept plans and the Pricing Proposal are agreed upon.  A contract is then executed for building your custom home.   At this stage, many buyers enter into a construction-perm financing arrangement to finance the building of their home.  If you need more information about financing - Chapel Ridge Realty would be happy to refer you to an expert in these types of loans.
6. Approve Final Construction Drawings - Once your vision is approved in the blueprint phase, and building permits are issued, construction commences. 
7. Selection Process -the selection process should be thoroughly organized and carefully documented. You will work with your builder or one of their designers/staff  who will guide you through the selection process
8. Home Construction - Your builder will build your home using the quality materials and work hard towards finishing your home in the most timely and efficient manner possible. During the building process, builders realize you may want to make some changes along the way and they will accommodate these changes, with change orders, as they arise. 
9. Closing - After your home is completed, a time and day is scheduled for a final inspection and for the closing. You can expect quality customer care before, during, and after the construction of your home with our Preferred Builders.  Each builder will offer of warranty of your home for a certain length of time and will give you documentation which outlines their warranty.

A realtor can be invaluable to you during this process, help you negotiate contracts, ensure that every aspect is covered, and monitor the build job especially if you are unable to be onsite.  If you have any questions about the Build Process I would be happy to help! Having recently built a custom home myself I know how daunting the task can be and I would be happy to assist you with any questions you might have.  I also specialize in home and land sales, so when deciding where to build that dream home, please consider using a realtor for site selection, you'll be glad you did!

Yvonne Beal, Broker/Realtor, Chapel Ridge Realty