THE CUSTOM BUILT HOME

Having a home custom built for you can be a very rewarding experience. Being involved from the start allows you to choose a house plan and modify it to your specific needs. Following is list of the recommended steps to follow if you decide to have a custom home built for you.

1. Arrange your financing: Contact a bank or Mortgage Company to find out the price range of the home you may qualify to buy.

2. Preview a builder and view homes constructed by the builder. These homes should meet your standards for the quality of construction and finish that you would want in a home built for you. If the builder’s product passes this test, contact previous customers of the builder to see if they were satisfied with the home built for them.

3. Arrange to meet the builder: good communication is essential in building custom built homes.

4. Choose a house plan: After selecting a builder to work with you will meet with him or her to select a house plan.

Working with LARSON CUSTOM HOMES, Inc.

If you choose to work with LARSON CUSTOM HOMES, INC., you can expect the following.

1. Initial Meeting: At the first meeting you we will discuss the budget, square footage, house style, types of finishes, and particular house plans you desire . Many time buyers will bring with them a wish list of items they would like in a home. At this time a rough cost estimate of the home can be made. If a house plan is not selected a search through available plans will be made and a second meeting arranged.

2. Firm Price Estimate: After a plan has been selected a firm price can be given for the selected house. The wish list will also be costed out on a per item basis and you may choose to add these items to the cost of the house.

3. Building Contract: When the plan and price have been established a contract or earnest money agreement for purchase of the house will be written and financing arrangements made.

CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

After financing has been arranged house construction will begin.

1. When plans are approved by the City the foundation and underground utilities will be installed, the house will be pre plumbed and heated.

2. Rough framing starts after foundation inspections, it typically takes 2 to 4 weeks to frame a house. This is a good time to select roof color, brick type and exterior house color.

3. Upon completion of framing the house will have rough plumbing, brick veneer, heating, siding and electrical wiring installed. As a buyer you will be consulted as to the location of the electrical switches, plugs, TV and telephone jacks in your house, you may also add plugs, switches or lights to customize the house to your needs.

4. Construction completed to date: Foundation installed, underground utilities installed, house framed, roof, rough plumbing, rough heat, rough electrical installed,telephone and TV prewired, fireplace installed, brick veneer installed, siding installed.

You should be familiar with their house by now, any doubts or questions should be discussed with the builder before proceeding to the final phases of construction.

5. After inspections, insulation will be installed and the sheetrock will be hung and finished.

6. The cabinets and finish woodwork are measured and ordered during sheetrock, buyers have the option of modifying the cabinets (door styles, cutting boards, etc.). Countertop decisions (tile or formica), backsplash style and appliances selection should be finalized at this time. This is also a good time to select floor coverings, countertop finishes and lighting. Also if any of the walls in the house are to be left untextured for wallpaper the contractor should be notified.

7. During sheetrock installation, concrete walks, driveway and patio are installed. When sheetrock is completed the interior is painted, chipboard, cabinets, countertops, interior woodwork, plumbing, electrical and carpet are installed. While this work is commencing buyers are encouraged to inspect the house daily and report any deficiencies or omissions.

8. After the house is carpeted and cleaned you will have the opportunity to meet with your builder and prepare a punch list of any items that may need touch up or repair.

9. During the final phases of completion the Mortgage Company is contacted for a completion inspection, and the Title Company is notified for closing.

After move in some clients may notice blemishes they want repaired or find items that do not work properly. We will make arrangements to complete any items in a timely manner.

During the first year the house will probably have some sheetrock cracks from settling and shrinkage. After you have been in the house a year you may request another punch list for repairs.

At LARSON CUSTOM HOMES, INC. we encourage client participation throughout construction of your home. Over the years our clients have repeatedly spoken of the excitement of having a home built along with the enjoyment and satisfaction of seeing their ideas unfold.

Thank you for taking the time to view our homes, at LARSON CUSTOM HOMES, INC. we are proud of the homes we build and the appreciation expressed by our clients. Our desire is to build quality homes and to have satisfied clients. We strive to make building a home an enjoyable experience for everyone!

Thank You,

The Crew at LARSON CUSTOM HOMES, INC.

P.S. Check out our most recent custom home build, a $1M home and 2500SF shop in Portland's SW Hills.