Step One: Consulate/Interview A Licensed Custom Home Builder- This is the most important part of the process. You will want to select a builder who builds custom homes on a full time basis, one who is licensed, experience and has the capital to back the construction of your home. A good builder, with his team, will take you through the process step by step. We have come across a lot of builders and would be more than happy to recommend some of the best in the area-just ask.

Step Two: Create a Budget with your builder/designer/realtor- Understanding what you can and cannot afford up-front is important. You do not want to go out and purchase a lot for $300,000 and build a $200,000 home on it, you will be missing the balance.

Step Three: Choosing/Finding a Lender to Finance the Construction of your home-the lending industry has changed so much. You will want to choose a lender with experience in this lending-we would be happy to recommend a few.

Step Four: Lot Selection/Purchase-have your builder look at your lot before you purchase it. You will need to understand your true lot cost. Then have us negotiate a price that will fit within your budget.

Step Five: The Conceptional Design - this is where you meet with your architect, builder and designer. Together you will create a design that fits within your budget, on your lot, and functionally makes sense for you.

Step Six: Present Design to City/County-you will need City/County approval on your project. You will also need to obtain the correct permits required to move forward.

Step Seven: The Site Work Begins-Lot Clearing-this is where you see for the first time how your home will sit and the size of your home on your lot.

Step Eight: Foundation-the foundation of the home is the center of your home. This part is one you do not try to save on or cut corners on-give your house a strong foundation!

Step Nine: Framing- This is time when the first on-site changes will probably take place. Room sizes and layouts become much easier to see in 3 dimensions.

Step Ten: Rough-ins/Mechanicals- During this phase things will appear to slow down considerably. Over the next several weeks or months, dozens of people will be installing the inner workings of your house. Plumbing, heating/air-conditioning, lighting, security systems, cable/computer lines, electrical wiring, exhaust fans, phone lines, fireplaces, and scores of back-ups for things yet to be installed.

Step Eleven: Interior Finishes- This is the time to finish the walls, install the doors & trim, hang the cabinets, install flooring, and cover everything that doesn't move with either paper, plastic, or paint.

Step Twelve: Exterior Finishes- The exterior finishes might be any combination of brick, stone, stucco, vinyl, aluminum, concrete, or wood.

Step Thirteen: Landscape-this is where you blend your home with your natural surroundings. Be creative with your landscaping as it adds so much to a home.

Step Fourteen: Completion plus Home Warranty/Customer Care-this is where your builder goes over your warranty and how to care for your new home.