Unlike production builders who rely on preset plans and volume sourcing, we leverage decades of local expertise and deep relationships with trusted suppliers in Statesville and the greater Lake Norman region. Month by month, you’ll experience firsthand how our personalized approach, rooted in Biblical principles of honesty and integrity, transforms your vision into a home that’s as sustainable as it is stunning.
Month 1: Initial Consultation and Vision Alignment
The very first month of your custom home build begins long before a shovel hits the dirt. During our Initial Consultation, you’ll meet one‑on‑one with our owner, Chad Holloway, and our design team to share your dreams, functional needs, and budget parameters.
Together, we’ll explore everything from ideal home orientation for passive solar gain to the energy‑efficient materials you value most. This is also when we introduce you to our transparent Cost‑Plus Building Model, explaining how every cost—from framing lumber to high‑performance windows—is passed through at actual cost plus a negotiated fee, so you’re empowered to make informed choices without hidden markups.
Month 2: Design Development and Material Selections
With your vision established, we enter the Design Development phase. Our in‑house designers and preferred architects draft detailed plans that reflect your style—whether you’re drawn to modern farmhouses or classic craftsman exteriors—and incorporate energy‑saving features such as spray‑foam insulation and thermally broken window frames.
You’ll tour local showrooms curated by Long View’s trusted partners to select countertops, cabinetry, and finishes. Because we source materials locally whenever possible, you benefit from superior quality and rapid turnaround times—advantages that simply aren’t available with national production builders.
Month 3: Permitting and Pre‑Construction Planning
Once plans are finalized, we handle all Permitting and Pre‑Construction Planning on your behalf. Our longstanding relationships with county inspectors across Iredell, Catawba, Rowan, Davie, Cabarrus, and Mecklenburg Counties mean fewer surprises and faster approvals. Simultaneously, our project managers prepare a detailed schedule, coordinate sub‑contractor availability, and secure premium materials—such as insulated concrete forms (ICFs) for foundation work—in line with the energy‑efficiency standards you expect. Throughout this month, our cost‑plus approach keeps you fully informed of any adjustments, allowing you to refine selections before construction begins.
Month 4: Site Preparation and Foundation
As ground breaks, our team mobilizes for Site Preparation, clearing and grading based on your lot’s unique contours. Local expertise shines here: we evaluate prevailing winds, shade patterns from existing trees, and soil conditions to optimize your home’s energy performance.
Once the site is ready, we pour the foundation using insulated concrete forms that create a tight thermal envelope, dramatically reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. By relying on quality materials and our experienced crew, we ensure a solid base that outperforms standard slab‑on‑grade options used by many production builders.
Month 5: Framing and Structural Assembly
With the foundation cured, we move into Framing, building the skeleton of your home with kiln‑dried, high‑grade lumber that resists warping and insect damage. Unlike production builders who often substitute materials to cut costs, we maintain strict quality controls—every framing member is selected for straightness, strength, and dimensional accuracy.
During this phase, we also integrate structural insulated panels (SIPs) in critical areas to enhance the home’s overall energy efficiency. You’ll witness the transformation as walls, floors, and roof trusses rise, all while our project manager coordinates weekly walk‑throughs to keep you updated.
Month 6: Rough‑In of Mechanical Systems
In the sixth month, tradespeople install the Rough‑In for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. We partner with local specialists who understand North Carolina’s climate demands—installing heat pumps sized precisely for your home’s load calculations and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) that maintain indoor air quality without sacrificing efficiency.
Plumbing plans include WaterSense‑rated fixtures and options for solar‑ready water heaters. Every duct run and pipe layout is double‑checked to eliminate unnecessary bends, minimizing pressure loss and ensuring peak system performance once the home is finished.
Month 7: Insulation and Air Sealing
As the mechanical rough‑ins wrap up, we turn our focus to Insulation and Air Sealing. A tightly sealed building envelope is the cornerstone of an energy‑efficient home, so our insulation contractors apply spray foam in wall cavities, seal junctions with low‑expansion foam, and install rigid foam board on exterior sheathing.
We conduct a preliminary blower door test to identify any air leaks and address them immediately. This meticulous approach—far beyond the minimal fiberglass batts favored by production builders—sets the stage for lower utility bills and enhanced occupant comfort.
Month 8: Exterior Finishes and Envelope Completion
During Month 8, your home’s exterior comes to life. High‑performance windows with Low‑E coatings are installed, preventing heat intrusion in summer while keeping warmth inside during cooler months. Doors with multi‑point locking systems and thermal breaks replace the rough‑ins, and we apply weather‑resistant barriers beneath premium siding or masonry to protect against moisture infiltration.
Roofing selections—be they metal panels with reflective coatings or architect‑grade composite shingles—are made with both aesthetics and solar reflectivity in mind, reducing attic temperatures and lowering cooling loads.
Month 9: Interior Milestones—Drywall and Trim
With the exterior sealed, we shift to Drywall Hang and Finish. Our skilled finishers apply moisture‑resistant drywall in kitchens and baths, then carefully tape, mud, and sand each joint to achieve a seamless canvas for paint. Trim carpenters follow, installing door casings, baseboards, and custom built‑ins that reflect your personal style. Although production builders often use stock trim packages, we collaborate with a local millworker to craft bespoke profiles, ensuring that the interior details mirror the high‑end quality you expect throughout your home.
Month 10: Cabinetry, Countertops, and Fixture Installation
In Month 10, cabinetry and countertops take center stage. Whether you’ve chosen locally milled wood cabinets or imported stone countertops, our team ensures precise fit and finish. Plumbing fixtures—such as touchless faucets and energy‑efficient toilets—are set and tested. Meanwhile, electrical fixtures, including LED recessed cans and dimmable switches, are installed to deliver both functionality and efficiency. Because we manage every trade under a unified project management umbrella, coordination between installers is seamless, avoiding the scheduling conflicts common with national, volume‑driven builders.
Month 11: Final Mechanical Commissioning and Inspections
As your home nears completion, we conduct Final Mechanical Commissioning. HVAC systems are balanced, verifying airflow to each room; plumbing leak tests and electrical safety inspections confirm everything meets code. We perform a blower door retest to document the home’s airtight performance and generate an energy‑use estimate for your records. Local building officials perform their final inspections, and because of Long View’s reputation for excellence, approvals are typically fast‑tracked—preventing the delays often encountered with larger, production‑builder portfolios.
Month 12: Punch List, Final Walk‑Through, and Move‑In
In the final month, we tackle the Punch List—meticulously walking you through every room to address minor touch‑ups, adjust door hardware, and ensure window operations are flawless. You receive a complete set of warranties and maintenance guides, including tips on how your energy‑efficient systems work together to deliver comfort and savings.
We hand you the keys, confident that your home—built with premium materials, personalized design, and transparent Cost‑Plus pricing—will stand as a testament to quality and integrity. Unlike national builders who may rush handovers, Long View’s local team remains available for any post‑occupancy questions or enhancements.
Why Choose a Custom Builder Over a Production Builder?
Throughout each month of construction, the differences between a custom builder and a production builder become clear. Production homes follow rigid schedules and standardized materials, often sacrificing energy efficiency and architectural nuance to hit volume targets. In contrast, Long View Custom Homes tailors every decision—from insulated concrete forms for foundations to ERVs in the HVAC system—to your priorities.
Our local relationships mean faster material deliveries, subcontractor responsiveness, and a deep understanding of North Carolina’s climate challenges. Additionally, our Cost‑Plus model provides unparalleled transparency, enabling you to prioritize investments that offer the greatest energy savings and long‑term value.
Embracing Quality Materials and Energy Efficiency
At every stage—design collaboration in Month 2, insulation and air sealing in Month 7, exterior finish selection in Month 8—our focus on high‑quality, energy‑efficient materials pays dividends. Referencing our in‑depth guide to Energy‑Efficient Custom Homes can help you explore advanced insulation strategies, solar opportunities, and smart home integrations that fit your lifestyle and budget. By building with Long View’s comprehensive project management, you avoid the hidden markups and generic offerings typical of large national builders.
Read more about our Energy Efficient Custom Homes on our Blog.
The Cost‑Plus Advantage
Our enduring commitment to the Cost‑Plus Building Model means you’re always in control. Whether you decide to upgrade to triple‑pane windows in Month 8 or add a solar‑ready conduit during the rough‑in in Month 6, you see exactly how those decisions impact your bottom line. No better way exists to balance luxury, performance, and cost than through full transparency—something production builders simply cannot match.
Read more on our Blog about Cost Plus Construction.
Begin Your Custom Home Journey
As you look ahead to the exciting year of building your dream home, remember that Month 1’s visioning session through Month 12’s final walkthrough is more than a sequence of tasks—it’s a partnership built on trust, craftsmanship, and respect. When you choose Long View Custom Homes, you’re choosing a family‑owned builder who treats your home as if it were our own. Ready to embark on this journey?
Visit our Residential Construction page or contact us today to schedule your initial consultation. Let us bring your vision of a quality, energy‑efficient custom home to life—one month at a time.
All these steps are detailed on our Process page. If you have any questions or wish to discuss a new home, contact us.