The Process of Building Your New Home with Landsted

Building with Landsted represents custom home building in the truest sense of the word. Our staff works side by side with each client to systematically create and appoint their new custom home. You undoubtedly have already given considerable thought to your new home. We encourage you to look through books and magazines to gather floorplan, product and decorating ideas. Our designer will ask you about your ideas and incorporate as many of them as possible into your plans. Our staff will also need information about your homesite, room and room size requirements, home style and approximately home size and price range. We will then follow the process described below to arrive at a plan that works for you.

Step 1. Getting started. Once a site has been chosen, you will meet with our designer for a design interview. At this meeting we will talk about your lifestyle needs, the types of products and features you desire in your new home, and budget. A site visit may also be necessary at this time to select the building location. The designer will then develop a floor plan sketch, drawn to ¼” scale, for review at the next meeting.

Step 2. Floor plan review. At this meeting, the design concept is reviewed. A Landsted representative will quote some price parameters for the home as drawn before additional design work is performed. We need to keep the project within your price range. Sometimes it is appropriate to make significant changes. Other times only minor adjustments need to be made.

Step 3. Exterior review. Once the floor plan is substantially complete, an exterior can be developed. At this stage the exterior is reviewed along with any final changes to the floor plan. Once the above are approved, it is time to move into the specifications phase. A site plan is now prepared, locating the home and driveway on the lot.

• Note: At this point, the plans are still deemed “conceptual”. Minor adjustments due to structural considerations and/or materials used, may be required when developing the construction blueprints.

Step 4. Specifications. Specifications can now be selected. The home is reviewed beginning with the exterior finishes. Then mechanical, electrical and plumbing selections are made. Next, each room of the home is planned. Some products, such as millwork, are specified in the specs. Others, such as floor coverings, cabinetry, appliances, and light fixtures, are put on an allowance and are chosen after the contract is signed. We make every attempt to put allowance amounts in the specs, which are consistent with our understanding of your expectations so you will have enough in each category to get what you want. Finally, the home location is staked on the lot.

Step 5. Pricing and Contract. Now a price can be calculated. It is very common for the price to be higher than desired because the home probably includes the entire “wish list”. At this point, optional items may be discussed. Since the basic structure of the home is already calculated, it is relatively easy to price options. Once the final price is arrived at, the contract documents are assembled, executed, and we move into the construction phase.

Step 6. Interior Design Process. A meeting with an interior designer from House Calls is scheduled to review the specifications and options and begin the selection process for coordinating colors, textures, finishes, hardware, etc. for the exterior and interior of your home. Most products and components of your new home can be selected at House Calls interior design showroom. We stock a wide variety of quality products. This service prevents lots of running around on your part, and greatly simplifies the interior design process. This process must be completed before a preliminary construction schedule can be determined and the framing can begin on your new home.

Step 7. Construction Plan Review. Several items are reviewed during this step:

1. The exterior for materials, details, and window swings

2. The floor plan including ceiling heights, room sizes, soffits, mechanical locations, plumbing fixture locations, and flooring

3. The interior elevations and details for cabinets, fireplaces, millwork profiles, and stair parts

4. The electrical plan

5. The site plan and lot walk

Step 8. Construction and Walk-Throughs. During construction, a number of “walk-throughs” with your job superintendent are scheduled. These are the checkpoints to make sure that expectations are being met. The walk-throughs also allow for a few opportunities to make minor adjustments if necessary.

Step 9. Final Walk-Through and Closing. At the completion of your new home, a Landsted representative will conduct a final walk-through with you to demonstrate the features of your new home. Experts in the areas of mechanical operations, security and audio visual systems, etc. may also conduct demonstrations so that you understand how each of these systems works. In addition, our Warranty Service Company will conduct a walk-through with you prior to closing.

Step 10. Warranty. Your home comes with a Landsted Limited Warranty. At least twice during the first year, you will be contacted by our warranty staff to set up times to visit your home to complete appropriate warranty work and touch-up. Please read your limited warranty for further information about this service.