Per my other post, we’re looking to build a custom home for a late 2018 move-in date. What’s the full, step-by-step process (i.e. purchase a lot, hire architect, etc.) and how much time should we allow for each stage?
Hi Eugene,
First you need to find the lot that you like, the area where you want to built your new home.
Then you find an architect that will design your new home. That process takes some time.
Riight after approval of design, you go to engineer that will get all structure for the design. Then, plans go to city approval. This will take up to 8 weeks. At that time you need to find your self a contractor to work with.
Good luck to you,
Best Regards,
Armon @ AB Design & Remodeling,
Once you get the lot, you will hire an architect. Then he will ask you for a survey in order to see what is the exact measure of the lot and, with the codes and zoning, he will see how much sqft can be built. He will do a preliminary draft that you will have to approve. After this, he will start the construction drawings that will be filed to the building department. Later on, when you have the approval, the general contractor will be able to start pulling the permits and begin work on the construction. Throughout the construction, you will have many inspections and the contractor will have to comply with everything noted on the drawings in order to avoid any fines. Once finished, there is a final inspection which will finalize with a C.O. (certiicate of ocupancy) and then the house is all yours.
After you purchased the lot, hiring and working with the architect to draw the plans and design will take a 3 to 4 weeks depending on how many sketches and revisions you make. Having the plans approved by the city may take the same amount of time. The city’s turnaround time is not usually within the control of the home owner and the contractor. Once the plans are approved, your selection process for the general contractor will start off with getting estimates for your approved plans. It can take another 2 to 4 weeks depending on how long the negotiations for the price and scope of work. The general contractor will take care of the permit process prior to starting the job.
This is a really broad question. Here are some questions that could help provide more context:
- Is this your dream home or an investment property?
- Are you looking to do a lot of custom work or would you be fine with something more templated (e.g. modular, going based on a stock plan)
- If you were to prioritize a. time; b. quality; c. cost, how would you do that?
This would help me (personally) answer the question.