The home building process begins with the customer and is easy to initiate – simply contact Combs Builders.
No obligation at this point, possibly just a get acquainted conversation or meeting to discuss your new home hopes and dreams. When you feel comfortable enough to proceed, the steps to building your new custom home are typically as follows:
- Decide on the base home plan for you and get initial pricing.
- Secure the building lot if you do not have one.
- Obtain loan commitment from an approved lender.
- Finalize plans with customized changes and possible lot driven adaptations. At this point you are committed only to paying for the plans.
- Review of finalized plans and presentation of final price, building specifications, selections allowance sheet, flooring material schedule, and Agreement To Build. It is at this point that a non-refundable deposit is required (usually 5%) and we initiate the building phase.
- Surveyor provides a site plan showing the house location on the lot and physically stakes the lot. (about 1 week)
- Apply for building permits. (about 1 week)
- Clear the lot (if required) and excavate for foundation. Completion from here takes 4 to 7 months, depending mostly on size and complexity of the home and weather.
- Pour foundation and get electrical grounding inspection.
- Waterproof, install drainage, place gravel inside and outside basement and garage.
- Backfill and pour basement and garage floors.
- Set steel I-beams and posts, rough frame the structure.
- Install roof shingles along with windows and exterior doors.
- Mechanicals get started. HVAC first, then plumbing, followed by electrical rough-in and possibly gas fireplace, sound, central vacuum, and security.
- Exterior installation of utilities including sewer, water, gas, and electric services.
- Brick layer gets started outside as mechanical and framing inspections happen inside.
- Insulation is next, followed by their inspection.
- Drywall subcontractor moves in and “owns” the interior for up to two weeks.
- Brick layer finishes up and we clean up the outside.
- Siding, deck construction, and concrete flatwork can begin outside.
- Painter rolls out interior walls and ceilings before finish materials are installed.
- Hardwood flooring and ceramic tile materials are then installed.
- Trim carpenters install interior doors, trim, mouldings, cabinets, and any built-ins.
- Painters return for doors, trim, mouldings, and wall touch-up.
- Finish materials: tops, mirrors, shelving, shower doors, door hardware and fixtures: faucets, toilets, lights, and appliances.
- Whole house clean-up.
- Exterior final grade and yard contouring.
- Landscaping
- Carpet
- Punch out items and final inspection for certificate of occupancy.
- Final walk through with customer and transfer of keys.