Process
How a build works
A custom home takes about two years from the first lot walk to move-in. Here is every step, how long it usually takes and what we'll need from you along the way.
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Lot walk
Before you buy · No charge
We walk the lot or the teardown with you and tell you what it allows: setbacks, height, drainage, trees the village will want kept and what the existing house might hide.
From you: the address and, if you have it, the listing and survey.
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Design
3 to 5 months
With your architect or one of the three we work with most. We price as the drawings develop, so the design never gets ahead of the budget.
From you: how you live now and what you want to change.
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Pricing
3 to 4 weeks
A line-item budget from real subcontractor bids, not allowances that grow later. You see every number, and our fee is a fixed percentage stated up front.
From you: decisions on the big finishes: windows, roofing, flooring, cabinetry.
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Permits
6 to 12 weeks, depending on the village
We file and manage the village review, answer the comments and schedule the pre-construction meeting. Demolition starts the week the permit is issued.
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Build
10 to 14 months
A partner and our superintendent run your site. You get photos every Friday and a standing site meeting every other week, and you can walk the house any time with us.
From you: selections on schedule, so the trades never wait.
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Walkthrough
2 to 3 weeks before move-in
We walk every room with you and write down everything that isn't right. The list is finished before you get the keys, not after.
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Warranty
One year, in writing
Call us for anything that comes up in the first year. We come back at month eleven to check the house and fix what's settled.
Start a conversation
Tell us about the house
A partner reads every message and calls within two business days. If we're not the right builder for the project, we'll say so and suggest who is.
Prefer to call? (630) 555-0163