Step 1: Plans
After a couple of meetings with the builder to establish general size of house,
number of bedrooms, and the basic configuration of rooms, you work with the
architect or home designer, along with the builder, to transform this basic
information into working drawings.
Step 2: Approvals
At the same time the home is being designed, the builder can be assisting
you in obtaining necessary permits such as driveway permit, septic system
permit, wetlands permits (if any), Energy Code approval, and finally the building
permit.
Step 3: Financing
While the plans and approvals are being worked on, most clients are in the
process of working with their lender to secure the construction loan, which
is usually then modified into a conventional 15 or 30 year mortgage upon completion
of the home.
Step 4: The Contract to Build
House plans and septic system plans must be complete before a final dollar
figure can be given, but all along the process the builder can give estimates
of the cost of the home being planned. Once the plans are finalized, the builder
can give a fixed price for the project, based on some assumptions and giving
allowances for discretionary items such as cabinets, carpeting, and light
fixtures.
At Buckingham Associates, the contract has four parts:
The Basic Contract
Addendum A: House plans
Addendum B: Normal building specifications
Addendum C: Changes to the Normal specs for this individual house
Step 5: Construction
You can relax for a while and watch your house take shape. The earthwork,
foundation and frame go fairly quickly. Next is rough plumbing and wiring.
Then masonry and insulation. Blueboard and plaster make the house; the rooms
are defined and light. Finish work follows, which includes cabinetry, flooring,
painting, and final landscaping.
