The Custom Build Process: A Comprehensive Guide
Building a custom home can be costly and stressful. In addition, as the future homeowner, it is easy to feel disconnected from the process, with so many facets of the build being out of your hands and outside your knowledge base. Yet, simultaneously, you continuously transfer large sums of money and hope you can trust it's being used correctly and things are running to schedule.
However, in this day and age, it is much easier to educate yourself on the custom-build process—and knowledge is power. By empowering yourself with an idea of the process, you may feel more involved, connected, and in control of your custom build.
Here at Jem Homes, we believe the homeowner should be informed and involved in their custom build. In this article, we have provided a basic guide to the custom-build process, so you can better understand and potentially negate some confusion and therefore feel more prepared for your future custom-build project.
The custom HOME building process
Working with a custom builder can differ significantly from a regular builder, where you may have set home configuration options. While it can be more involved, it is often much more rewarding seeing your dream build come to fruition.
Below are some steps and processes you can expect to go through in your custom house build journey.
The custom-build timeline
Every custom house build will be unique, which is the nature of a tailored design. However, there are some basic processes you can expect to experience.
Initial consultation and brief
The design consultation process in a traditional build can be more straightforward than in a custom build, as there are set parameters and configurations in place.
In a tailored home design, this process can be more extensive, as the build aspects are unique. As a result, a custom builder will likely ask more questions and present more scenarios, options, features, utilities, structures and add-ons.
This is a vital process, and we encourage you to get fully involved. Ask questions, do more independent research, and learn all you can about the building process; that way, you can feel more connected to your build and strongly contribute to the whole design and construction of your custom home.
Meeting on-site
With a custom build, often, the land has already been pre-purchased. A custom builder may require things like soil testing and other land-related pre-examinations to be completed before the consultation and design stage; however, other custom builders may prefer to use their inspectors to do the testing.
The on-site meeting helps everyone get on the same page and get a realistic idea of what's possible with the space and land you have.
Building plans, interior design development and costings
This is the exciting piece of the puzzle where you start to initialise drawings, decide on the look of your home, work on the interior design of your layout, and get a rough idea of the costs.
The building and interior design stage can include:
The facade
Roof
Surrounding paths, driveways and features
Verandas and pergolas
Windows
Doors
Kitchens
Bathrooms and ensuites
Bedroom layouts
Paint
Lighting and more
Depending on your contract and the builder's capacity, you may also include landscaping into the build, though people may choose to hire a landscaping specialist after the house is complete.
Building agreements and contracts
Now all the groundwork is done, the plans are in place, and the land has been assessed, it's time to write up an official agreement between you and the builder and create a contract.
The contract will include things such as:
The total cost of the project
A cost break-down
Plans and specification
Fittings, fixtures, appliances and additions
Expected building time frames and deadlines
Clear legal obligations and more
Depending on the builder and your agreement, a third-party legal aid, like a real-estate lawyer, can sometimes be involved.
You have the right to choose an independent law expert to oversee your contract to ensure you are clear on all aspects of your contract, which can provide peace of mind to all parties.
Pre-construction brief, final drafts and building contracts
Now your project is well and truly underway. At this stage, there is likely to be a final pre-construction meeting to share the final drafts, review the building contract, and make any final adjustments before the building begins.
It is worth noting that this final draft is now contracted and signed, and any alterations from this point may incur significant fees.
However, becoming self-educated and involved throughout the previous stages means you can be clear about all aspects of your build and avoid any frustrations or budget blowouts during construction.
CUSTOM Building Construction
The plan is set, the contract is signed, and your builder can begin the foundations and construction of your custom home. A good builder will work diligently to stick to the contracted deadlines so that all parties can plan ahead for the future.
While most builders can promise a smooth process, some aspects of construction may be out of their hands, so be prepared for minor delays, which could involve unfortunate material supply issues, and unforeseen weather conditions.
Having a plan A, B and C from the get-go can alleviate stress so far as your temporary living arrangements are concerned.
Hand-over
The final brick has been laid, the last lick of paint has dried, and it's time to hand over the keys. You can now sign off from the builder, open the front door, and crack the champagne with the building team.
There is no better feeling than unlocking the door of your dream home for the first time. It is time to move in, set up, and celebrate.
Custom HOME buildERS IN Melbourne
If you are looking to start your custom build in Melbourne, and want a building team who is passionate about world-class builds while offering exemplary customer service, contact here at Jem Homes.
We are dedicated to providing dream custom homes with a dream experience. For more information about our custom home builds, call us today on 0423 044 467, or provide your details via our online contact form, and we can contact you at a preferred time. To see our quality work, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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