Ready to take the first step in the building process for your new custom home? Here is a summary of steps to get started, and be sure to look at our full guide under the “Building Process” tab in our website menu.
First of all, thank you for giving us this opportunity! We think it’s important for you, our customer, to stay informed throughout the process and have as much information as possible. Here is a brief overview of the first step in the home building process: getting started. For a full guide with every step along the way, please be sure to check out our Building Process guides for Getting Started, Design Summary, Building Summary, and Eco-Friendly building.
Set your Budget
If you plan on financing your new home with a bank, you’ll need to get pre-qualified. We have a couple recommendations for banks that we’ve worked with before here. If you plan on financing the project yourself, have a budget in mind.
Find a Lot
Of course, you’ll need a lot or piece of land to build your custom home. Here are things to consider when you’re searching for a place:
- Is there a nice location to build a house? Our main service areas include Cherokee, Bartow, Pickens, Gilmer, Gordon, and Dawson counties.
- Is there a reasonable entrance location?
- Do you like the surrounding properties?
- Do you know if there are covenants or restrictions?
- Are there utilities near the property?
- Has the property been surveyed? Can you get a copy?
- Is the lot on a sewer system or will it be a septic system?
- If it will be on a septic system, is there a soil test?
Once you’ve identified a lot that you think you’d like to build on, we’re happy to take a look at it and let you know what the building process might look like! We recommend working with a specialized real estate agent, and we recommend Vickie Davidson, a buyer specialist with Path & Post Real Estate.
Get a Survey
Once you purchase the piece of land you’d like to build on, you’ll need to make sure you have a survey. If the property does not yet have a survey recorded, but one was already done, then the survey company will need to submit the survey electronically. If there has never been a survey or it needs to be redone, we have several companies we recommend using. A survey should include:
- Site Plan
- Building Setbacks
- Topo
- Grading Plan
- Driveway Location
- Proposed Retaining Walls
- Proposed House Location
- Confirmation if house location is in a flood plain
- Utility information shown on site plan
- Main Floor Elevation
- Basement Elevation (if applicable)
- Proposed Septic Location (if applicable)
- Proposed Pool Location (if applicable)
Check on Utilities
There are several important utilities that you’ll want to make sure are available and ready to go once you’ve picked out your land. Make sure you have a 911 address in the correct county, so emergency services can respond to your home. You’ll also need to take care of utilities including natural gas, water (you can use city or county water services if available, or have a well drilled), and sewage services. If your property requires a septic tank, you’ll also need to get a soil test done. On our website, we list several recommendations and tips for making sure you have the utilities you need.
Clearing Services
Once you’ve purchased your land, you can get a head start on clearing out trees and underbrush, start prepping for a driveway, or take care of small demolition work. We have a couple recommendations for companies that can help you with this on our Building Process page.
House Plans
One of the most exciting and most important steps to getting started with building your new custom home, is to get your house plans! Here are some different options you can choose from to get a house plan:
If you choose to design and build with Precision Custom Home Builders, we can design a custom home exactly how you want in about 4 to 6 weeks. Dan will meet with you to discuss your budget and what you want in your home, and will prepare a sketch and layout custom for you! Our custom home designs include elevations, floor plans, roof plan, and electrical plans. Once you have your house plans completed, Precision Homes will take care of the rest!
Additional Items
If you plan to have an out building on your property, or if you need fences installed, we list several recommendations on our Building Process guide for Getting Started. We look forward to working with you!
