1) Plan selection or creation

You have the opportunity to either select a plan already designed by an architect or we can assist you in designing the plan of your dreams from scratch. Based on your lot size and setbacks, we will optimize your footprint as much as possible, leaving as little or as much open space as you would like. Items to keep in mind when selecting a plan is restrictions on architecture based on the neighborhood, bedrooms and baths needed, additional rooms such as a formal living room or a study, size of the garage, and outdoor living in the form of porches.  

Possible issues at this stage-

Problem:    You can’t find a plan that meets your desires and you don’t want to go through the process of creating one from scratch. Solution: Fortunately RBCK has a large database of plans to choose from in looking for the right fit for your needs. The cost of any particular plan may vary. Even a plan that is close but not exactly what you want can be altered to fit your vision.

2) Bid Process

            Once you have selected a plan that best fits your wants and your lot, RBCK will take the plan to our subcontractors and have the various stages of construction bid out. The goal here is to both optimize the quality of the work as well as the budget you have in mind. This process creates that cornerstone for the rest of the house. Some items such as light fixtures and hardware in the home will be assigned allowances as many people are not ready to select exact fixtures at this time. The goal is to present a cost that will accurately reflect the total cost to construct the home, with no surprises. RBCK also has a designer available to help you with any selections for your home for a small fee if you should so desire.  

Possible issues in this stage-

Problem:    Cost for a particular line item exceeds the budget! Solution: A certain amount of contingency is built in to the budget so that any unanticipated cost should be covered by the existing construction loan

Problem:    You want to upgrade an item, such as cabinetry, after construction begins! Solution: The contingency built in may help offset the increase cost but if it is greater than the contingency amount can cover, we can look at reducing the level of another item to capture some cost savings or additional money could be added to cover the cost. It is always our goal to eliminate out of pocket expenses for the buyer. 

3) Construction Loan, Permitting, Insurance & Warranty

           Once a full set of drawings of your home is ready and the budget has been prepared, it is time to turn a dream into a reality: 

Ø         With the budget in hand, you will contact a lender of your choice and begin the application process for a construction loan. We could recommend certain lender if necessary. Typically lenders will loan 80% of the value of the home on the pre-construction appraisal. We will provide the lender with the plan and specs so that they can get an accurate pre-construction appraisal on the home. This is not the final appraisal! Typically, once a home is complete it will appraise for more than the initial appraisal and you have instant equity in your home! 

Ø         Once the loan is in place, we will begin the permitting process. Each county and municipality is different, but typically a set of plans are submitted for review and within 2-3 weeks a permit is approved and ready to be picked up.  

Ø         We will obtain insurance and a warranty on the home that will protect it during the construction process. RBCK also uses 2-10 Warranty which provides additional coverage opportunities to the homeowner after they take possession of the home. Please visit their site for more details: 2-10 Warranty

4) Construction begins!

There are many phases to the construction process. We will highlight a few that are of particular importance to you, the future homeowner:  

Ø     Foundation- Once the lot is cleared and the footprint of the house is staked out, the foundation for the home begins. There are various types of foundations and each is specific to the lot topography, the desire of the homeowner, and code for the particular area. Typically this is a 2 week process, varying on the type of foundation. 

Ø     Framing- After the foundation is in and has been inspected, the framing of the house begins. This is the stage when the home begins to take shape. The shell of the house will be up and all windows and exterior doors will be set. Once framing is complete, we will conduct a walk-thru with you to inspect the framing. Some changes can be made at this point, such as moving closets and altering rooms to a certain degree. It is at this point that we will also have you select locations for cable, phone, any particular outlets you may want, and any other needs you have prior to the sheetrock going in.  

Ø     Siding and Exterior Trim- When framing is complete, the siding and trim for the exterior is started. There are many choices including Hardi-Plank, vinyl or brick. Cement siding is the siding of choice today because of its ability to withstand elements and resist rotting. Hardi-Plank is a leading brand of cement siding.   

Ø     Sheetrock and Interior Trim- Once siding is complete, sheetrock is hung and the interior trim is applied to the home. The interior trim package will be selected by you. There are a number of different styles of trim available for crown, base molding, casing, etc. Picking out the style that fits you is what is important.  

Ø     Paint & Cabinets- Upon completion of the sheetrock and trim in the home, a first coat of paint is applied. We will walk the home with you before this point to insure that the colors desired for each room is right. Also, all cabinet selections must be made final 4 weeks prior to this point as they have to be built and shipped to the site. Typically the cabinets are selected prior to the start of construction because of the expense they represent in the budget of the home. The kitchen is a mainstay of any home, and we want it to be exactly as you desire.  

Ø     Flooring, fixtures, hardware and landscaping- Once your paint and cabinets are complete your home is entering the final stages of construction.  Next, flooring will go in including hardwoods, tile, and carpet. Then the plumbing and electrical fixtures you have selected will be installed. Hardware will follow to help trim out the home. Finally, landscaping is the last big item to be installed. A landscape budget will have been established during the budget process and we will let you work with our landscapers to achieve the lawn and garden you were hoping for.  

5) Closing and Moving Day arrive!

Once the construction process is complete the home is inspected a final time by the county building inspector for a Certificate of Occupancy, or a CO. At this time you will close out your construction loan and re-finance the loan as a mortgage that best fits your needs as defined by the lending institution of your choice. Load up the moving truck as it is time to move into your custom home!