Our Custom Build Process

Question: Can you provide a summary of the basic steps in building a new home so that we can better understand the process?

Phil's Answer: At Goodwin Classic Homes, our commitment is to make your construction project a very rewarding and enjoyable experience.  We will be there for your every step of the way, utilizing a very well-planned and organized construction process. Whether a new home, an addition, or a remodeling project, we will ensure that the project is designed and built to reflect your unique needs and wishes while carefully monitoring all construction costs to stay within your budget.

 Step 1.  Acquire and Plan Your Home Site 

• If you do not already own a home site that you plan to build upon, we will be happy to assist you in finding an ideal site based on your needs and preferences.

• In selecting and planning your lot, we will consider natural factors such as topography of the land, existing trees, the path of the sun, and other factors. We will also investigate neighborhood covenants and restrictions to identify such parameters as setbacks, home size and style restrictions, and other architectural controls. We will also investigate the current zoning and, if available, the long range plan of the properties surrounding the neighborhood.

The design of your home will be significantly influenced by the property upon which it resides. Factors such at the topography, existing trees, the path of the sun, covenants and restrictions are just some of the factors impacting the overall design.

Step 2. Design Your Home 

• Once the home site has been chosen, the design of your dream home begins. We work with the finest architects and designers. These professionals are very experienced in designing homes to meet the unique needs and wishes of the client and are very knowledgeable of the latest innovations in home design and construction. We will gladly work with you and the designer during the design phase to develop conceptual plans followed by detailed construction drawings and specifications. We highly recommend the involvement of the builder during this process since builder input often impacts the plans and specifications, especially with remodeling projects.

• If you already have a set of plans that you would like to use, we will work with you to revise the plans if necessary to ensure conformity with the natural features of the building site and the architectural controls of the neighborhood.

The conceptual plan for this French chateauesque  home is specifically tailored for the property upon which it resides.

Step 3. Prepare a Construction Agreement

• At Goodwin Classic homes, our goal is to develop a long-term relationship with each and every client built on mutual trust and outstanding customer service. We promote an open-book, cost-plus pricing process to facilitate that goal. There are numerous advantages to this process. With the assistance of the designer and builder, you are in direct control of the budget through your design selections. As an open-book process, you will have access to all cost records on your project, including bids and bills paid. This cost-plus process eliminates the padding inherent in fixed-cost contracts and removes the financial mystery of building a custom home. You will know exactly where every dollar is spent.

• Once the plans and specifications are completed, we will prepare a detailed cost estimate and construction Agreement for the project. If applicable, all of these documents will be submitted to the lender for an appraisal and loan approval. Once all approvals are obtained, we can begin construction of your custom project.

Step 4. Commence Construction

• At Goodwin Classic Homes, you will find all of the processes involved in the construction of your project well-organized thoroughly documented. This includes scheduling, selections, job cost records, and change orders.

• A thorough construction schedule will be developed that optimizes the coordination of work for the trade contractors and suppliers. Frequent status updates of the project will be provided.

• The selection process is carefully detailed and documented. This process is implemented in phases as the project progresses. If you do not already have an interior designer, we will be happy to recommend one to assist with the numerous choices involved in this process.

• We will carefully monitor and document all construction costs throughout the process to ensure that we remain within your budgetary goals. Using our Quickbooks accounting software, we will periodically generate reports comparing estimated to actual costs.

• During the course of construction, it is likely that you will want to make changes along the way. Change orders can increase or decrease the overall budget. To ensure excellent communication and understanding with respect to such changes, our change order process is thoroughly documented. The cost of such changes and impact on the overall budget are presented and approved prior to the change orders being implemented.

• Because of the small number of projects we engage in at a time, Phil Goodwin will be intimately involved with all aspects of the construction of your project. He as well as the assigned project manager will be routinely available at the site to answer any questions you have.

Whether in the office or in the field, the emphasis on process controls are paramount to ensure that the work is done right the first time. 

  
Step 5.  Completion and Final Inspection

• Once the project is completed and a Certificate of Occupancy (if applicable) is obtained, we will schedule a final walk-through. A detailed inspection will be performed, and the operation of all mechanical, electrical, plumbing and building systems will be reviewed.

You can expect excellent customer service before, during, and after the construction of your project with Goodwin Classic Homes. Our goal is to establish a long-lasting relationship of service, trust, and friendship with our clients.