Everything you need before we break ground
Walk into the process informed, prepared, and confident.
Thank you for giving us an opportunity to earn your business. We're all about informing you as much as possible about building a custom home — so here's everything to know before we start.
Download our Welcome Packet
A PDF copy of this guide to reference as you prepare to build your custom home.
What is your budget?
Financing with a bank? You'll want to know what you're pre-qualified to borrow before looking at land or plans. Self-financing? You probably have a number in mind already.
These banks have approved us as builders and offer excellent new construction loans.
Want to learn more about financing your custom home build?
Visit Our Financing GuideLorrie Shaw
15 Sammie McGee Blvd.
Jasper, GA 30143
Office: 706-253-9600
Direct: 706-253-9653
Cameron Stevens
300 E Main St
Canton, GA 30114
Office: 770-422-2455
Mobile: 404-966-2135
Finding a lot or piece of land
You'll need land before we can build. We serve Cherokee, Pickens, Gilmer, and the surrounding North Georgia counties. A few things to weigh when evaluating a property:
- Is there a nice location to build a house?
- 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 sewer, or will it be septic?
- If septic, is there a soil test?
Found a lot, or need help finding one?
Explore Land ResourcesGetting a survey
Once you purchase your property, you'll need a survey — and it will need to be recorded. It's an important part of the pre-construction process.
A recorded survey shows recording information in the upper-left corner. If it hasn't been recorded, contact your survey company to submit it electronically to the county.
The survey should include
- Site plan
- Confirmation if the house location is in a flood plain
- Utility information shown on the site plan
- Basement elevation (if applicable)
- Proposed septic location (if applicable)
- Proposed pool location (if applicable)
We recommend these companies for tertiary permits, ESPC plans, and floodplains.
Soil test
If your land requires a septic system, you'll need a soil test. We strongly recommend getting it before you close, to confirm the land will accommodate a conventional septic system.
Well
If your land doesn't have county or city water, you'll need to drill a well. Two companies we've worked with and recommend:
North Georgia Well Drilling
Phone: 706-635-7314
Propane gas companies
Metal accessory buildings
Wanting an outbuilding on the property? We recommend:
Morton Buildings, Inc.
Chad Broka
1516 Kalamazoo Dr. Suites A-1 & A-2
Griffin, GA 30224
Office: 770-785-9975
Cell: 404-276-3569
House plans
Our in-house designers can design a custom house plan in 8–10 weeks. Because we both design and build, the path from first sketch to breaking ground is smoother and quicker.
You'll meet with Dan and the designer at the office to discuss your budget and the options you'd like in the home. Dan prepares a sketch and layout to meet your budget. Designs include elevations, floor plans, roof plans, electrical plans — everything needed to build your home.
We also offer advanced 3D design and rendering plans to help you visualize and customize your home before we break ground.
Already have plans, or a designer working on them? No problem — we're ready to build as soon as your plans are complete.
Ready to build your dream home?
Ask every question you have — we'll give you straight answers.