the process
Consultation - The home building process begins like this: The homebuyer meets with the builder to set out the architectural and financial goals for their dream home. The homebuyer may already own a building lot or the builders may have one available. The homebuyer tells the builder what they want and the builder tells the homebuyer what they can get based on their budget considerations. The buyer's goals for their dream home should be outlined in a list of "must have" and "hope to have" items and general thoughts about aesthetic and lifestyle desires. The financial goals should include a target budget as well as possible optional pricing items. The builder can then explore options for achieving the majority, if not all of the homebuyer's goals.
Follow-up Meetings - The builder presents alternate concept plans for the custom home along with an outline list of specifications. During follow-up design meetings the builder distills the concept plans into schematic plans and elevations. This stage of the process will conclude with a written proposal with final specifications. Up to this point in the process, the homebuyer typically has not made any financial commitments.
Contract Meeting - At this meeting the builder presents the formal contract and specifications in order to finalize the schematic plans into a working set of construction drawings and in some cases the civil engineering plans for the permitting and construction of the owner's home.
Financing the Custom Home Purchase - Typically, custom homes are constructed using the implementation of a vehicle called a "Construction Loan". It is important to select a financial institution that specializes in these loans since loan packaging and servicing during construction are more complicated than the standard 30-year mortgage.
Finish Selections and Building Process - After the processing and approval of the building permit for the custom home, the builder assists the owner with the finalization of all the selections of materials and finishes which make up the custom home. Construction now begins and the owners are encouraged to stay involved throughout the building process. Many custom changes have even been made during the construction phase of the work.
Home Delivery - At the completion of the custom home, the builder will walk through the home with the owner to review construction finishes and details along with the review of all included appliances, equipment and systems. The builder will provide a One Year Warranty on workmanship at closing.
Customer Service
The builder will provide the needed follow-up work as provided by the home warranty. Homeowner satisfaction is the life-blood of future work for the builder with referrals from satisfied customers accounting for a large share of new business.

Mike Burns, CRS, GRI, REALTOR®
RE/MAX Realty Associates LLC
www.StevensPoint Realtor.com
www.StevensPointHomes.net
www.StevensPointMLS.com
www.Homepointers.net
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