Building Process

Step 1 - Initial Consultation

The Initial Consultation is our chance to get to know each other, and the things you are looking for in your builder and your home. During the consultation we fill out our Lifestyle Survey, which facilitates discussion on a range of topics, such as the size and type of home you want, the location you prefer, the amenities you would like, budget parameters, design ideas, and more. We will also discuss the steps associated with building a custom home.

Step 2 - Obtain Financing Pre-Qualification

Unless you are using your own money to purchase the lot and build your new home, you will need to obtain an interim construction loan from a lender. We have relationships with several lenders who can help you obtain the loan that is best for you. After you have identified the lender that is best for you, he or she will gather some information from you in order to provide you with a pre-qualification letter that states the terms of the loan they can provide you. Once you have received a pre-qualification letter from your lender, you will know exactly how much money you have for your home, and we can set your budget for the lot and construction accordingly.

Step 3 - Interview Architects

We suggest meeting with several architects in order to find the architect that is best for you. Each architect has a different design style and a different personality, and this will be reflected throughout the architectural phase and in the home they design for you. Take your time to find the right architect. It’s one of the most critical components of building a home. Gossett Jones Homes has strong relationships with some of the area’s top architects, and we are happy to recommend several that may be good fits for you.

Step 4 - Find and Secure Your Lot

If you do not already own a lot on which you would like to build, now is the time in the process to begin looking for one. If you have a Realtor, he or she can help in this phase. If not, Gossett Jones Homes has a team of Realtors as well as our own internal team that has expert knowledge of all the neighborhoods and communities in the area. Once we find the right lot, we (or your Realtor) will help you secure it with a purchase agreement. The purchase agreement will typically allow for 45 to 60 prior to closing, in order to provide the architect enough time to develop plans for the construction lender’s appraisal. The purchase agreement should also provide you with a seven to ten day “Option Period”, during which we will perform Steps 5 and 6 below.

Step 5 - Engage Architect

As soon as you have identified your lot, it is time to engage the architect you selected from Step 3. During this initial meeting we will present the architect with the Lifestyle Survey from the Initial Consultation in order to facilitate discussion. Additionally, it is helpful for you to bring to the meeting any pictures from magazines or websites such as www.houzz.com that will help the architect gain an understanding of your design preferences. Architects will require a retainer payment to begin work on the design. The amount of the retainer payment and the fee schedule will vary depending on the architect you choose.

Step 6 - Perform Due Diligence

Concurrently with Step 5 we will sign our Professional Services Agreement, which will allow us to begin due diligence on the property, assessing in detail whether it will work for your intended purposes. There are many factors that come into play, such as the presence of trees, an existing structure, grading, utilities, easements, and more. Gossett Jones Homes has a structured due diligence process that helps us investigate these issues and provide you with our informed professional opinion regarding the suitability of the property.

Step 7 - Schematic Designs & Geotechnical Testing

The architect will prepare the schematic drawings for your review. These are broad, conceptual drawings that show a basic floor plan and elevation. You will have the opportunity to review and modify the schematic designs with the architect, ensuring your home is ideally designed to your needs. During this step we will also engage the geotechnical engineer for a soil report, which will help the structural engineer design the optimal foundation system. This report typically takes several weeks, and starting the report at this stage helps prevent delays.

Step 8 - Plans & Specifications Review Meeting

We schedule a meeting with our clients to review the schematic designs and develop the specifications that should go into the home. During this meeting we will fill out our proprietary Construction Specifications document, which provides in-depth detail regarding the systems in your home. This document will be used to facilitate smoother design and construction phases.

Step 9 - Design-Development Drawings

After you approve the schematic design, the architect will begin the design-development drawings, which include more details of the home. You will also have the opportunity to review and modify the plans at this stage. Upon review and completion of the design-development drawings, we often submit them to the lender for the appraisal. This ensures that the lender completes their underwriting in the timeliest manner.

Step 10 - Construction Drawings

This is the final architectural phase, when the architect prepares the final plans, complete with his stamp. Our team and trade partners will use these construction drawings to build your home.

Step 11 - Structural Drawings

Upon completion of the construction drawings, we submit them to our structural engineer to design the foundation and framing plans.

Step 12 - Apply for Permits

Concurrently with Step 11, we will prepare the permit application, and submit the construction drawings and application to the building department to obtain necessary permits.

Step 13 - Requests for Proposals

Concurrently with Steps 11 and 12, we submit the construction drawings and construction specifications to our trade partners for a competitive bidding process. Our trade partners are required to submit their best price for the required work, and we will award the contract to the bidder with the most favorable proposal.

Step 14 - Finalize Budget & Sign Construction Agreement

Upon completion of Step 13, we can finalize the budget and sign the construction agreement. You should submit the signed construction agreement to your construction lender, as this is often the last piece they need prior to closing the loan.

Step 15 - Construction Loan Closing

Usually within a week or two after the signing of the construction agreement, the bank will be ready to close the construction loan. Once the loan has been closed and the permits have been received, construction can begin.

Step 16 - Kickoff Meeting & Gold Book Presentation

In your Kickoff Meeting we will formally introduce you to your dedicated project team. While everybody within Gossett Jones Homes will have some role in building your home, your two main points of contact will be your Project Manager and Selections Manager. Your Project Manager will oversee construction, ensuring quality control and plan execution. He will also be your primary contact, and will conduct your regularly scheduled meetings. Your Selections Manager will assist you with your “homework assignments” during the course of building, which primarily include meeting with our vendors to select your interior finishes. She will guide you through this process, making it as streamlined and simplistic as possible. During this meeting we will also present you with your Gold Book, our proprietary homeowner manual that covers each step of the home building process, your responsibilities, home maintenance tips, and a plethora of other resources.

Step 17 - Lot Clearing & Site Preparation

Step 18 - Foundation

During this stage we will create the foundation for the home based upon the structural engineer’s design. Typically the foundation will be a concrete slab, or some combination of a slab and pier design. Multiple sub-steps occur during this phase, including surveys to ensure proper foundation height and placement, plumbing rough-in, and engineer inspections. The building department also performs a round of inspections at this stage.

Step 19 - Framing

Framing the home consists of installing all walls, floors, and roof decking. It also includes installing the windows, exterior doors, and exterior siding.

Step 20 - System Rough-Ins

Upon completion of framing, our electrician, audio/video specialist, and HVAC contractor install the rough-in for their systems. The plumber installs the plumbing top-out, as the plumbing rough-in already occurred at the foundation stage. Following the rough-ins, we schedule our engineer inspections. The building department also performs a round of inspections at the stage.

Step 21 - Exterior Finishes

During this stage the exterior is painted, the roof is installed, and any masonry or stucco is completed.

Step 22 - Insulation & Drywall

After passing the framing and rough-in inspections, we begin insulating the home. Upon passing the building department’s insulation inspection, we begin the drywall, also known as sheetrock. Drywall is installed, taped, floated, sanded, and finally textured.

Step 23 - Interior Finishes

This stage includes interior painting, and installation of all fixtures, hardware, flooring, and cabinetry.

Step 24 - Final Walkthrough

Just prior to turning over the keys, we schedule our Final Walk-Through with you. This meeting serves two purposes. First, your Project Manager will introduce you to all the systems in your home, review warranty procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Secondly, we perform our Punch List during this meeting, in which we will identify any minor repairs or touch-ups needed to get your home in prime condition.

Step 25 - Completion

Before your home is completed, we must first obtain the Certificate of Occupancy from the building department. This is awarded upon the passing of all final inspections. Upon receipt of the Certificate of Occupancy, we will provide you with the keys and you can begin enjoying your brand new home!

Step 26 - Warranty

After you begin living in your home, if you notice something isn’t working properly, you can follow our warranty procedure, and we will come inspect the issue. Additionally, we provide an 11-month follow-up, during which we will inspect your home and make any minor cosmetic repairs under the warranty at that time.