The Design Build Process
How to Move Forward and Design / Build Your New Home
We start by looking at different floor plan ideas and concepts. We have a portfolio of floor plans that are very popular, but sometimes our clients bring their own drawings or sketches. Other times, we find a plan in a book and then incorporate those ideas into their design. (I have some plan books you can borrow)
The next thing we do is sit down together and make out a wish-list of everything you'd like to have in your home. Typically we classify these items as:
- Absolutely Neccessary - If you couldn't get these features, you wouldn't even want the house.
- Important - These items are important to you, but you could survive without them.
- Nice to Have - These are things you want, but are more willing to give up in order to afford other items.
We may also spend some time at your proposed building site to layout the house on the property and identify any site-specific construction expenses. If you do not already have a homesite selected, we will assist you in the property search (if you'd like).
Next we will also discuss your budget and how it will impact our wish-list of desired features. We will then try to provide you with a "ballpark" investment amount required to construct your new home. This will be a range, not an exact figure.
After we establish a price range that is within your expecatations and comfortable budget, we enter into a design agreement. This is a low up-front investment towards the design (typically $1,000) which will be applied to the final price of the finished home. Once we have a design agreement, Maplewood will provide the following:
- Full scale CAD drawing for you to keep and mark-up with your changes.
- Floorplan and front elevation drawings.
- 3-D rendering of the home.
- Kitchen layout
- 3-D rendering of kitchen
- Final exact price, too the penny.
This process can take a few weeks, depending on how many revsions are required and how complex the home is. As you can see, though, once the process is complete, we are nearly ready begin your project. All that remains is to finalize any last revisions, complete the construction drawings, and sign the construction contract.
Then the fun begins! We go to work while you sit back and enjoy the show. We can build most homes in 120 days from start to finish. Learn more about the contuction process here.