Building a Custom Home (Part 3): Gather your Professional Team and Monitor the Process

At this point, you are well underway with your custom home project. The budget and timeframe are set, and you’ve thoroughly outlined the preferred design for your family. You may have already selected a building plan, which gives you the ability to envision your new life with anticipation and excitement. Now is the time to put your dream team together; a team of professionals that will help guide you through the next phase of the custom home building process.

In case you missed it – Part 1 & Part 2 about Building a Custom Home

Hire a General Contractor

Talking with friends and family is the best way to find the right general contractor for your home. Referrals allow you to gain insight on other experiences, ask questions, and listen to any advice given. When talking with past clients of a particular general contractor, be sure to ask about the following items:

  • Communication style and timeliness?
  • Setbacks?
  • Likes / dislikes?
  • Would you recommend them?

Ask for pictures of the general contractor’s past work. Do they specialize in a particular style of home? Who are their subcontractors, and do they work with them often?

Other Professionals to Consider

When purchasing a building plan, many will wonder if they need to hire an architect. Afterall, licensed architects and designers draw the plans initially. An architect may be required if a modification needs to be made, but a change to a pre-existing plan is a much faster and cost-effective option than designing a plan from scratch. Other professionals to consider, include:

  • Landscape Architect
  • Interior Designer

Monitor the Build Process

Insurance, permits, and inspections should all be handled by your general contractor, but you may want to obtain copies for your records. A good general contractor will stay in constant communication with you throughout the process. Make sure to visit the site often. If problems arise, it’s better to catch them as early as possible. Changes during construction do come up, but you will want to minimize them in order to stay on track with budget and timeframe.

Walk through the site with your builder before handing over the final check. Make sure not to hurry through the final walk-through. Most likely there will be a list of items that need to be completed before the build is complete. Make sure the exterior has also been cleaned to your satisfaction, according to your original contract.

With proper planning and focus during the projected timeline, the custom home building process will be a rewarding experience for you and your family to enjoy for years to come.