Getting Started On Your Custom Home Project

Building your Dream Home takes planning and preparation.

Finding a builder to work with you on the largest purchase of your life is not a task to be taken lightly. You should select a builder who specializes in building custom homes - that is, homes that are one-of-a-kind, built to the exact specifications of the client. Don't be shy about asking for references of recent clients and calling each for feedback. The builder you select should have these qualities:

• A solid grasp on design process and attention to detail
• A commitment to good business practices
• The ability to communicate effectively
• Accessibility of builder, office staff and field personnel
• Ability to produce accurate, reliable and detailed cost estimates
• A reputation for quality and value in all workmanship and materials
• An interest in developing client relationships built on trust, integrity and fairness

O'Connell Signature Homes prides itself in meeting all of these requirements. Many of our clients ask us "How do I achieve my dream home? Where do I start?" We advise them to:

SELECT LAND

• Find the neighborhood, lot or acreage on which to build.
• As your builder, we will walk the parcel with you and advise you on the suitability of the site for the type of home you desire.
• Ask the developer or seller for a plat and restrictive covenants, look for any recorded easements or rights-of-way, ask about required setbacks and utilities.

• We can recommend local lenders with excellent terms for custom home clients.
• Lenders will pre-qualify you as a buyer so that you know how much equity you have, the maximum amount you can borrow, and the maximum house payment you will be comfortable making when the home is complete.
• Subtracting the cost of the lot, you will then know the maximum you will be able to spend to have the home constructed. Then proceed with confidence and a budget in mind.

FIND BLUEPRINTS

• We have plan books and can recommend web sites to help you find a floor plan and size that most approximates the style of home for your lifestyle and budget.
• We also have many plans in our portfolio - one of them may be right for you.
• Look carefully at room sizes. Measure the sizes of rooms you have now - are some too small? Too large? Just right?
• Think about your family's lifestyle when studying the layout and flow of the rooms. How many bedrooms? First floor master? Is home office space needed? Media room for the kids? Other recreational or hobby spaces? Do you want a formal living room? Great room? Dining room? Eat-in kitchen? Garage?
• If your lot has a view you'd like to capture, look for a plan oriented with windows to capture this view from the most lived-in rooms.

CUSTOMIZE

• Once you have found a home plan, we will help you make modifications to customize it to your exact needs and desires.
• If you don't find a suitable published plan, it may be necessary to design one from scratch. This will be more expensive than modifying a stock plan, but will ensure that the result will be everything you've dreamed of.
• We will recommend a designer specializing in residential design.

DECIDE ON SPECIFICATION DETAILS

• Think about the exterior of the home - should it be all brick? Stucco? Stone? Siding? A combination? Most homebuyers today select exterior finishes with low-maintenance in mind.
• Think about how you want the interior of the home to look - ceiling heights, floor coverings, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, moldings. We will ask about your preferences and help you zero in on the materials that will achieve the look you want within your budget.
• What special features are important to you? Vaulted or tray ceilings? Built-ins? Arches, wainscoting or beamed ceilings? Whirlpool, steam shower, bidet, sauna, exercise areas? Structured wiring, computer networking, surround sound, media room?

BECOME COMFORTABLE WITH THE PROCESS

• We encourage our clients to visit the project often, get to know the workers, ask questions, and be as involved in the process as they desire.
• Walk-throughs are conducted with the client at various stages.
• An ASID interior designer is available to advise our clients at no charge.
• Customer service staff assists with selections of finish details
• Construction-related questions or concerns are addresses promptly and courteously.