Why hire a Custom Home Builder when you can do it all?

We live in the state where "Industry" and the "Beehive" is incorporated into our state seal and flag. Our state has a history of being "do-it your-selfers." As a people we have been taught from our pioneer ancestors and from the 1920's through 1940's and beyond to be frugal and not spend more than that you need. Yet the question remains, if you should, in todays busy climate, should you build your own home in order to save on the contractors fee? So lets break down the reasons why it make sense to contract with a professional Home Builder so you can focus on what you love.

Reason number one- Your Family, your profession and your life adventures. We all know that if your focus is on a project of any size, other areas of your life will be put off. So, when that project comes in the shape of a Year long focus, then not only will your life be put off, but your relationships, career and hobbies very well could suffer. The truth is, every project can be divided up into multiple areas, (Estimating, Project Management, Construction Managment, Human Resources and Book Keeping etc) of and if you are now the the estimator, PM, CM and HR rep, you will find out very quick, that you might be ill equipped to handle not just the work load but the dealing with every single, contractor, vendor their employees, and all the finances from the bank draw requests and keeping your budget for the financial institution and all the estimates and invoices that never stop during that 12 month or more on a build.

Reason number two- How many contractors do you know? Right now? Most people when asked how many plumbers they know and trust can only answer 1 or zero. The truth is, you have to have a minimum of 3-5 you know and trust as a professional and we must have a revolving door because contractors move, retire, go out of business or grow out the network. And on top of that WE must vet them and train them on our own projects and that could take a year or longer to establish a well groomed and functioning relationship.

Reason number three- Do you know what it takes to create clear expectations of what quality means? This is harder than it sounds because it takes a little bit of communication and a lot of supervision and a lot of anticipation on the next step. This actually might be most home owners/builders biggest misconception regarding whether or not what you have planned actually gets built they way you envisioned the specific project. Benjamin Franklin once said, " ...not to oversee workmen is to leave them your purse open." This means... You must have enough time to oversee the very craftsman you have hired, otherwise you will be throwing away your money.

Here is a list of all the things you must do on your own just to get the home started:

Bank Approval Process-

Lender Application- Pre Approval-Find Lot-REPC Land-

Lot Under Contract-Receive Sellers Disclosures-Buyers Due Diligence-Builders Estimate- Need Soils Report, Topo, plat map, CC and R’s, HOA Information Estimate to Proposal- Bank or Financial Institution needs.Appraisal-Approved- Settlement then closing

Pre Construction Process-

Pre Approval-Find Lot-Under Contract-Sellers Disclosures/ Buyers Due Diligence

A. Select Architect

B. Create Plans

C. Revisions

D. Structural Options

E. Design Options

F. Exterior Design OptionsG. Exterior Outdoor Living/ Pools/ CasitasH. Individual Estimates- Sub ContractorsI. Proposal From Inception Homes, LLJ. Send proposal to Bank or Financial Institution

Appraisal- Settlement- Closing-

Post Closing “To Do’s”

Submit to HOA. Design Review

B. Landscape Bonds

C. Color Board “Exterior”

D. SWPPP Plans on Plat Map

E. Create NPDES NOI.

F. Window Thickness

G. RES Check- Insulation

H. HVAC-Manual J and D with Gas line Diagrams

Engineering (Earth Tec)

Complete Soils Report (if Needed or not complete)Complete Engineering-Stamped CalculationsSurvey for existing and Finished GradesA. Locate SWPPP clean out areas, locate areas for portapotty, B. Locate corner lot heights

C. Locate foundation “finish top of foundation to ground”

Prior to Submitting to City for permits: fill out form that lists all subcontractors to be used with licensed numbers and contact info.

1. Manual J and D- Ducts, Static Pressure, Load, Manual S

2. Gas Line Diagram- Locate all Gas Appliances and map them

3. RES Check

4. Stamped Plans

5. SWPPP- NPDES NOI #

6. Spoils Reports

VII. City Building Application VIII.Builder Form