Custom homes and the journey to creating the ideal home for you
Embarking on your custom home journey can be daunting. That’s why we hire professionals and designers. With our day to day lives, who has time to navigate the regulations, vet subcontractors, and research all the angles of creating a home that reflects our lifestyle and personality. It’s a lot! We want to help you simplify this process, even if you don’t choose us to help you bring it to life. So lets start with a basic checklist to get your gears turning and we’ll expand on topics as we move forward with our vision in helping to bring serenity into our community, with custom home and gardens. Keep in mind, this checklist is starting from a fresh slate and not for remodel or additions. We can get more into those later, but don’t hesitate to drop us a line if you’d like to discuss more.
Phase 1: Idea and Planning
[ ] Define Your Needs and Wants:
[ ] Determine the size of the home (square footage, number of bedrooms/bathrooms).
[ ] Identify essential features and desired amenities.
[ ] Consider your lifestyle and future needs.
[ ] Establish a Budget:
[ ] Determine your maximum budget for the entire project (including land, design, construction, and landscaping).
[ ] Get pre-approved for a construction loan if necessary.
[ ] Create a detailed budget breakdown for each phase.
[ ] Find and Purchase Land (if needed):
[ ] Research potential locations based on your lifestyle and budget.
[ ] Evaluate factors like zoning regulations, utilities, and neighborhood amenities.
[ ] Conduct due diligence on the property before purchasing.
[ ] Develop a Vision and Style:
[ ] Gather inspiration from magazines, websites, and model homes.
[ ] Define your preferred architectural style (e.g., modern, farmhouse, traditional).
[ ] Create a mood board or collection of ideas.
Phase 2: Design
[ ] Hire an Architect or Home Designer:
[ ] Research and interview potential architects or designers.
[ ] Review their portfolios and check references.
[ ] Ensure they understand your vision, needs, and budget.
[ ] Sign a design contract outlining the scope of work and fees.
[ ] Develop Preliminary Floor Plans and Elevations:
[ ] Collaborate with your architect/designer to create initial drawings.
[ ] Review and provide feedback on the layout, room sizes, and flow.
[ ] Consider factors like natural light, views, and accessibility.
[ ] Refine the Design and Finalize Plans:
[ ] Work through revisions based on your feedback.
[ ] Finalize floor plans, exterior elevations, and roof design.
[ ] Select preliminary materials and finishes.
[ ] Obtain Structural Engineering Plans (if required):
[ ] Your architect/designer will coordinate with a structural engineer if needed.
[ ] Create Detailed Construction Documents:
[ ] These include comprehensive drawings and specifications for all aspects of the build.
[ ] Ensure all details are clearly documented for bidding and construction.
Phase 3: Financing and Permitting
[ ] Secure Construction Financing:
[ ] Finalize your construction loan with your lender.
[ ] Understand the loan terms, draw schedule, and inspection requirements.
[ ] Obtain Necessary Permits:
[ ] Your contractor or you (depending on local regulations) will need to apply for building permits and other required approvals from your local municipality.
[ ] Ensure all plans and documentation comply with local zoning and building codes.
Phase 4: Construction
[ ] Hire a General Contractor:
[ ] Research and interview potential contractors.
[ ] Review their licenses, insurance, and references.
[ ] Obtain bids from multiple contractors and compare them carefully.
[ ] Sign a construction contract outlining the scope of work, timeline, payment schedule, and responsibilities.
[ ] Pre-Construction Meeting:
[ ] Meet with your contractor to review the plans, schedule, and communication protocols.
[ ] Site Preparation:
[ ] Clearing the land, excavation, and grading.
[ ] Foundation:
[ ] Pouring the foundation according to the plans.
[ ] Framing:
[ ] Building the structural framework of the house.
[ ] Roofing:
[ ] Installing the roof structure and covering.
[ ] Exterior Finishes:
[ ] Installing siding, windows, doors, and exterior trim.
[ ] Systems Installation:
[ ] Electrical wiring and fixture installation.
[ ] Plumbing installation and fixture placement.
[ ] HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system installation.
[ ] Insulation:
[ ] Installing insulation in walls, ceilings, and floors.
[ ] Drywall and Interior Walls:
[ ] Installing drywall and framing interior walls.
[ ] Interior Finishes:
[ ] Installing flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and interior trim.
[ ] Painting walls and ceilings.
[ ] Installing doors and hardware.
[ ] Regular Site Visits and Communication:
[ ] Regularly visit the construction site to monitor progress.
[ ] Maintain open communication with your contractor.
[ ] Address any questions or concerns promptly.
Phase 5: Finalization and Move-in
[ ] Final Inspections:
[ ] Schedule and pass all required inspections by local authorities (e.g., building, electrical, plumbing).
[ ] Final Walkthrough:
[ ] Conduct a thorough walkthrough with your contractor to identify any deficiencies or punch list items.
[ ] Address Punch List Items:
[ ] Ensure all identified issues are corrected to your satisfaction.
[ ] Final Payment and Closing:
[ ] Make the final payment to your contractor as per the contract terms.
[ ] Complete the closing process with your lender.
[ ] Landscaping and Exterior Details:
[ ] Complete landscaping, driveway, and any other planned exterior work.
[ ] Move In!
[ ] Congratulations on your new custom home!
Remember that this is a general checklist, and the specific steps and their order may vary depending on your needs, the complexity of your home design, and your agreements with your architect and contractor. It's essential to stay organized, communicate effectively, and work with experienced professionals throughout the process. At IDO Homes, we have a wealth of building experience in North Central Florida and can help you navigate the process. We look for creative solutions to complex problems and always find a way to get the job done. Contact us today for a simple inquiry, we’re happy to discuss the possibilities and help you navigate the process. We can even assist you in owner build projects where you want to trim down the budget and take a more hands on approach. Whatever your needs, we are sure to be a great resource for you.
Thanks for reading, next post we will have a checklist for creating a custom and creative outdoor space and like I said, we will dive deeper into the sections of these checklist and discuss specifics about different phases of new construction/additions and remodels. We want the experience to be enjoyable for everyone and to remove as much of the stressful and intimidating features. Til’ next time.