Building a custom home requires a great deal of planning, preparation and coordination. One of the most important phases of the custom home-building process is the pre-construction phase. During this period, many important decisions must be made, and paperwork must be completed in order to move forward with the construction. 

It is essential that you stay proactive during this period to ensure that everything is ready in time for the actual construction to begin. Here are some tips on how to remain proactive during your custom home’s pre-construction phase so you can have a hassle-free custom home design/build process.

1. Make as many selections as possible

During the pre-construction phase, you will need to make a variety of decisions about the home’s design and features. Your home architect should provide you with a list of materials and design selections they need you to make before breaking ground on your new home construction. If you have the opportunity, make as many selections as possible during this phase to avoid making rushed decisions down the line. 

This list typically includes decisions about flooring, countertops, fixtures, appliances and more. Making these decisions early on can help you ensure that your design is cohesive, and it can also help you stay within your budget, as you will be able to see the cost of each selection before you commit.

 If you’re having trouble making all of the necessary selections, it may be beneficial to work with an interior designer. Your architectural design firm may have some that they recommend and work with regularly, making the process more seamless.

2. Ask for a design/build timeline

One of the most important aspects of staying proactive during the pre-construction phase is understanding the timeline for the entire process. Ask your builder for a design/build timeline that outlines the steps that need to be taken and when they need to be completed. 

This will give you an idea of how long the project will take and when certain decisions need to be made. It will also help keep your home construction companies accountable during the construction process.

Your architectural design firm’s timeline will typically include target deadlines for some of the following:

• Purchase order submissions
• Finalized selections
• Completion of surveys
• Completion of structural engineering
• Building permit submissions
• HOA approval submissions

3. Secure financing early

Another important part of staying proactive during the pre-construction phase is securing financing. Once you have a construction budget from your architectural design firm, you’ll be able to apply for a construction loan if necessary.

Applying for a loan can take some time, so it’s best to do it as early as possible. If you wait until the last minute to secure financing, you may find yourself stuck in a difficult situation where you’re unable to begin the new home construction. By securing financing early, you can ensure that you have the funds in place when you need them.

4. Review a detailed project schedule

Finally, you should review a detailed project schedule with your builder before construction begins. As opposed to the timeline mentioned above, which only gives approximate dates for each project stage’s completion, a detailed project schedule will give you an idea of what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, and what tasks are the builder’s responsibility versus the homeowner’s. Having this information up front will help you stay proactive throughout the construction process and make sure that everything is completed on time.

Following the steps above can help you remain stress-free during the construction process and keep everyone involved accountable. Everyone knows that custom homes and new home construction have a reputation for being arduous processes full of headaches and budget-busting surprises. However, at C&C Partners, we strive to defy this stereotype with our transparent 15-step custom home-building process that makes new construction seamless and headache-free. 

During every stage of the custom home design/build process, your vision and budget are kept at the forefront, exemplifying the client-centric approach that has helped us become one of the premier luxury home builders in Southern California. Our level of personalized service is unmatched and unwavering, and we always strive to provide an exceptional and enjoyable custom home renovation experience from start to finish. If you want to experience the C&C Partners difference for yourself, contact us online or give us a call at 310-322-0803 today.