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Our Process

building process The custom home-building experience should be both exciting and enjoyable. With proper planning and communication, you will watch your future home go from an empty lot to just that, a home. It is a process of organization, details, and decisions culminating in a structure of beauty and functionality that will last for generations. At every stage of the process, Long View Custom Homes will keep you informed of the decisions to be made. We are a cost-plus builder. This allows you the flexibility to choose what you want throughout the build.

Step 1: Initial Interview

This is the first meeting you will have with us. If you have not already determined where you wish to build or what you wish to build, this is the meeting where we try to clarify the direction you wish to go. If you have a lot and your own plans, you are well on your way to beginning the building process. If you need us to help you select a lot, we can refer you to our local real estate company to assist you. If you need help in selecting a home plan, you can search on-line at your leisure until you find the home that’s right for you. We can also refer you to an architect if you wish to go that route. If you have not already contacted your lender at this point and need assistance locating a lender, we work with outstanding financial institutions that can provide you with attractive and flexible mortgage options that suit your specific financial scenario. We are happy to work with any bank that you are comfortable with.

Step 2: Site Visit/Analysis

Once you have selected your plan and your lot, we will accompany you to the site for a lot analysis. We will meet you at the site and answer questions like how your home will be positioned on the lot, what trees need to be cleared, etc. We will help you stake out the house to obtain a septic permit. You will also provide us with any covenants, restrictions, and surveys you may have.

Step 3: Septic Permit/HOA Approval

If you have not already done so, you must obtain a septic permit if your lot requires it. We can provide that service also if you would like us to. We will require a deposit to do this to cover permit fees, surveyor costs, and potentially, soil scientist costs if necessary.

Also, at this time, you will need to get HOA approval if you are in a neighborhood that has an HOA.

Step 4: Prelim Budget/Lending Pre-Qual letter

Because construction costs are in constant flux, it is essential to determine how much to budget for the project and how much money needs to be set aside for additional purchases made throughout the construction process. We will establish a budget after gathering architectural plans and your basic design choices. This can take some time as we may need to get bids from sub-contractors. This budget will help you start the banking process if you have not already. At this time, if you have not already, you will provide us with a pre-qualification letter from your lender.

Once we have the prequalification letter, we will sit down and go over the detailed line-by-line cost breakdown so you can see all expenses.

Step 5: Contract and Deposit

Once the estimate is reviewed and agreed upon, we will meet to sign an Agreement, and you will be required to bring a 10% deposit to begin the initial construction process. This deposit will be credited to the final invoice.

Step 6: Pre-Construction Meeting/Permitting

At this meeting, we will review plans in greater detail. We will discuss locations of more finite items like HVAC unit locations, water heater locations, hose bibbs, etc.

Also, at this time, we will apply for the building permits.

Step 7: Construction/Selections

Construction transforms your dreams and visions, our collective, careful planning, and our building experience into a home that exceeds your expectations. A team of professional craftsmen, utilizing the best materials, tools and latest trends. Using a detailed approach, the schedule for the project is created. Within our company, we review and adjust the schedule on a weekly basis. Depending on the complexity of the house and the lot, the average build time is between 8-15 months. This also can be determined on how and when you make your selections.

The next step in the building process is to collaborate on refining the final details of your new custom home. Product selections ranging from faucets, to whirlpool tubs, to light fixtures will be chosen according to your taste and style. Selecting colors,styles and materials can be a difficult task when so many items need decisions in the building process. For this reason, we have created “Selection Sheets” which guide the client step by step from choosing foundation brick, shingle color to carpet and tile selections. These Selection Sheets also direct the client to the correct stores and personal contact who will be recording their choices. This process is meant to be an enjoyable and exciting time for you, and we want to do all we can to make that happen. Let’s make your dreams come true.

Phase 1—Site Preparation and Foundation

Includes clearing the lot; digging the basement and footing; forming, pouring, backfilling, and waterproofing the Foundation; grading the construction driveway; installing underground plumbing; and pouring the basement floor or slab. If applicable, a well is sometimes drilled. Consider if you want floor outlets or drains on your basement floor.