The key to building success starts with understanding your builder’s process from start to finish.

The beauty of the Lowcountry will entice you to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and quite possibly make one of the biggest investments of your life – a new home. As prospective buyers flocked to coastal South Carolina, 2020 presented a new challenge with home inventory at its lowest in years. While frustrating for immediate relocations, this setback transformed into new opportunities for local builders to build custom homes for clients on their choice property. A new experience for most homebuyers, building a home can be a daunting task. Understanding your builder’s process from start to finish and aligning each of your expectations will be key to your build success.

It is important to remember that your builder is experienced in managing a home build from project inception to the certificate of occupancy. Rely on the builder, his staff, and consultants to guide you through the process. Understanding the overall time frame to build is important but coordinating key dates with your schedule will ensure that the build experiences as few delays as possible. Most local builds will be separated into three phases – design, pre-construction, and construction. As the homeowner, you will have certain responsibilities to fulfill in each of these stages.

The design process is the most homeowner involved stage and can be the most fun…if you allow it! Starting with a residential designer or architect, you will design the home plan that works best for how you live. This may be an existing plan modification or a full custom design – either route will require that you spend time discussing your preferences with the design team and providing timely feedback on proposed designs. This will keep the design moving forward towards a complete home plan set. With the plans complete, you can begin the second part of the design phase and make selections for the home’s finishes. Builders typically have a list of vendors they will recommendfor your home selections. It is important to know that these vendorsare usually the best resource as they have an established relationship with your builder and should be able to accommodate your budget. If you have an option to work with an interior designer during this phase, Photo provided by Full Circle Construction their services will be invaluable as they help to manage the overall color palette and materials while keeping your budget in mind. Depending upon the builder’s process, all finishes may not need to be selected during this phase, however, understand which ones do and be certain to complete these. For those future selections, know the deadline to complete each one and schedule these into your calendar so you are not rushed to make a choice or delay construction – costing time and money.

The pre-construction phase includes the home’s permitting, lot preparations, and in most communities an Architectural Review Board. While the home builder will take the lead on most of these tasks, the homeowner will have two main responsibilities. The first is to finalize and secure any financing for the build such as closing on a construction loan or the mobilization of cash to an escrow account – or both. Expect to work with your builder, bank, and an attorney to prepare these funds. The second homeowner task is to be available for a pre-construction meeting. This conference is to coordinate with the builder on the home plans, selections, and any of your special needs that may or may not be on the superintendent’s paperwork. This is the most important builder meeting you will have, so be certain to have this time set aside.

With construction underway, your responsibilities as homeowner become more consultative. The builder has his plans, specifications, and special requests in hand and will be able to navigate the day-to-day construction of the home. While the easiest physical phase for the homeowner, it is often the most stressful as the home comes to fruition. Be certain that you and your build team have a comfortable communication plan and that any on-site progress walks are scheduled so that homeowners, builders, and appropriate trades / vendors can attend and maximize productivity.

By selecting a compatible home builder, understanding their build process, and partnering to complete the build phases in a timely manner, your custom home build experience can be a success with the greatest reward…a new home.

BY MATTHEW BADER, FULL CIRCLE DEVELOPMENT