Building a custom home is a complex and exciting process that requires careful
planning, attention to detail, and the ability to make a multitude of decisions. Beyond the tangible reality of building a structure, building a custom home is the manifestation of hopes and dreams of a brighter tomorrow. It’s the place where you will raise your family, the setting of unforgettable memories and milestones in your life, and the fruit of years of hard work and saving money. It can be an overwhelming undertaking, but with the right team and a clear understanding of the steps involved, it can also be an extremely smooth and rewarding experience. While the building process has the reputation of being difficult, stressful, and hard to navigate, here at Southern Oak Custom Homes we are confident that we can produce for you a better build experience.
Establish a Budget for your Home
The first step in the process of building a custom home is to determine a budget and find a suitable property or lot. It is important to have a realistic budget in mind from the outset, as this will help to guide decisions about the size and scope of the home. Settling on a realistic budget is the first step toward avoiding unneeded and unwanted stress. With an accurate budget selected everyone involved in the project can start on the same page and unified in direction.
Choose a Builder/ Designer for your home
Once the budget and desired location have been secured, the next step is to find your builder and team of professionals to help bring your project to fruition and to help navigate the many hurdles that exist when building a home. Depending on your situation, you may prefer to first consult an architect to design the home or a general contractor to help oversee the entire construction process - including the design of the home. Southern Oak Custom Homes offers a number of ready-made floor plans to our customers and we are able to change, edit, and customize all designs to the satisfaction of our customers easily and efficiently without months of drag.
During the design phase the architect and/or general contractor will work with you the homeowner to develop a design for the home. This will typically involve creating a set of blueprints or floor plans that detail the layout and features of the home. It is important for homeowners to carefully consider your needs and preferences during this phase, as the design of the home will have a significant impact on its functionality and overall appeal for decades to come. During the design phase communication between the homeowner and builder is paramount. Builders exist to serve the needs and desires of customers and to help bring their dreams into reality. When selecting an architect and/or builder it is important to feel comfortable communicating freely and important that you, the homeowner, are heard and that your desires for your home are received.
"During the design phase communication between the homeowner and builder is paramount. Builders exist to serve the needs and desires of customers and to help bring their dreams into reality."
Home Building Permits & Administration
Once the design of the home has been finalized, the next step is to secure the necessary permits and approvals. This may involve obtaining building permits from your local municipality, as well as any other approvals that may be required depending on the location and nature of your project. It is important to ensure that all necessary permits and approvals are in place before beginning construction, as failure to do so can result in costly delays or even the need to rebuild. All permits and municipal requirements should be handled by your builder as they will be your liaison throughout the entire process - from before dirt work begins through the entirety of your home warranty. The speed and efficiency with which a builder is able to pass through these hurdles often demonstrates their experience and comfort, or lack-thereof, with the building process and being able to kickstart your home quickly.
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Begin Building Your Custom Home
With all of the necessary approvals in place, construction can begin. This involves excavating the site, preparing the foundation, and framing the structure of the home. It is important for homeowners to stay involved throughout the construction process, as there are oftentimes changes that homeowners decide they would like. Regular communication with the general contractor is standard practice and often distinguishes the quality of one builder to another. A general contractor’s worth is found in their ability to communicate with the homeowner and be the conduit that helps manifest the home of your choice. At Southern Oak Custom Homes we understand that we work for you - the homeowner - and are proud to serve you. We appreciate our customers and thank them for trusting us with one of the biggest purchases and projects of their lives’. We fully understand the difference between “houses” and “homes” and from the onset will treat your home with the respect it deserves and provide for you a better build experience.
"A general contractor’s worth is found in their ability to communicate with the homeowner and be the conduit that helps manifest the home of your choice."
Finish Your Home Well
As construction nears completion, the final touches are added to the home. This may includes installing finishes such as flooring, cabinetry, and countertops, as well as fixtures such as lighting and plumbing. It is important that the general contractor carefully reviews the work of all subcontractors to ensure that quality is maintained from the very beginning to the very end of your project. While problems with the foundation have cascading effects on the life of a home, awful finishing touches on a “sound” home can create equal unpleasantness for the experience of a homeowner. Selecting a builder who you can trust and has the skillset to deliver you a quality home with regard to both seen and unseen elements might be the most important decision in the entire building process - a decision with lasting ramifications...
Finally, when all of the work is complete and the home is fully functional, it is time to move in and enjoy the fruits of your labor and planning. Building a custom home is a significant undertaking, but with the right builder and a clear understanding of the process, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. At Southern Oak Custom Homes we deliver the results you are right to expect and hope for. Good luck on your journey no matter what you are building nor who you choose to help along the way, we wish you all the best!
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