Custom Home Building
Building a custom home can be quite a daunting task, but the team at lezzi Custom Homes views every custom build as making a dream come true. To make the process seem a little less intimidating, we have created a brief outline of how your custom home will develop.
Pre-Construction
Financial Feasibility and Lot Purchasing
Before the building process can begin, it is very important to have a budget in place and funds available or obtainable. It is also very important to have a lot purchased or have a few lots in mind for purchase. Building in the mountains can be difficult, and not every lot is ideal for building. If you are unsure about your lot, we are more than happy to view the lot and help you decide whether it is a good fit for you and your home.
Design
After you have purchased a lot, the design process can begin. Once we have a general idea of your wish list, we can begin with the basic floorplan, ideal square footage, room sizes, etc. A topography of your lot is then created by a surveyor to better understand the complex terrains and how the home will be positioned. The initial design will be tweaked as needed to ensure optimal placement and views. This is also an ideal time to submit your design plans to your Home Owner's Association for approval. Once the design is finalized, an architect will stamp them for final approval.
Permits, Utilities, and Insurance
There are a few preliminary steps that need to be completed between the design phase and the construction phase of the home build. This includes applying for a building permit, obtaining construction risk insurance, and setting up your 911 address and temporary utilities.
Construction
*Now would be a good time to select all cabinetry, plumbing and electrical fixtures, counter tops, exterior paint and stain colors, and audio/video/smart equipment.*
Site Clearing and Foundation
The first step of the construction process is clearing your lot, or excavating. Once the lot is excavated, the septic system will be placed. The next step is pouring any needed retaining walls as well as the foundation. Once the foundation has set, water proofing will be installed.
Framing
Framing is an exciting time in the build process because your two-dimensional plans start to take 3-dimensional form. The walls, trusses, roof sheathing, porches, and decks will be framed. By the end of this stage, room identification is possible. You will be able to walk through our home and point out the kitchen, living room, bedrooms, etc.
Dry-In
The dry-in phase of the build consists of roofing, windows, and siding. Once the roof has been framed and sheathed, your roofing material will be installed, this includes shingle, metal, cedar plank, etc. It is at this time your windows will also be installed throughout your home. This phase of the build your siding and stonework will be installed around the home.
Rough-In
*Now is the time to order all appliances*
The rough-in stage of the build includes the beginning stages of all utilities. This includes electrical wiring, plumbing, HVAC, and low voltage audio/visual/smart home equipment. It is at this time insulation will be laid within the walls and ceiling space. Fireplaces will be installed during this phase as well.
Interior Finishes and Trim-Out
This is another exciting time of the build, as your house starts to become a home. All walling materials (drywall, shiplap, etc.), flooring materials (hardwood, tile, carpet, etc.), exterior and interior doors, molding and trim, cabinetry, electrical and plumbing fixtures, and televisions and Wi-Fi appliances will be installed. It is also at this time the exterior and interior of the home will be painted and/or stained, and appliances will be installed.
Post-Construction
Grading
The construction phase of the build has now been completed or is almost complete. The excavators will return to your lot and back fill and grade the landscape. This phase also includes any scenic landscaping that you may have planned.
Utility Activation
The electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and audio/visual trades will return for a final review and tuning. This is also an ideal time to transfer all utilities into your name and acquire insurance
Final Inspections and Punch-List
This is the final phase of your home build. Final inspections will take place and a Certificate of Occupancy will be granted. Your home is now move-in ready! While every stage is meticulously carried out, there are bound to be things that needed to be "touched up", such as paint scuffs, lock adjustments, etc.
Congratulations!
You have made it through the home build process! We hope you love your home as much as we do. Whether you are from the area, or are new, we would like to formally welcome you home.
-Iezzi Custom Homes