Building your own custom home is a significant milestone, filled with excitement and important decisions. With over three decades of experience and more than 20,000 homes built, we bring a wealth of knowledge to every project. As a recipient of the National Housing Quality Award, we are committed to delivering quality and excellence.
The process of building a custom home on your lot can vary based on location and inspections. Below, we provide a general overview of what to expect in the journey.
Building a custom home on your lot offers unparalleled personalization, allowing you to design every aspect to suit your needs and preferences. In contrast, buying an existing home is often faster and may come with fewer initial costs. However, a custom home ensures modern construction standards and energy efficiency, potentially saving money on repairs and utilities in the long run.
The decision depends on your timeline, budget, and desire for customization. For a more detailed breakdown, visit our article comparing Building Custom vs Buying Existing Homes!
Before building begins, establish a clear budget and secure financing by exploring your loan options. Determine the overall cost, including land, construction, permits, and unexpected expenses. Consult with lenders about construction loans, which may cover both the land and building costs.
Conduct a feasibility study to evaluate the suitability of your lot for construction. This includes soil testing, zoning laws, and utility access. Understanding these factors early prevents costly surprises and ensures your project is viable.
The cost to build a house if you already own the land will be significantly lower.
Work with an architect or designer to create detailed plans for your home. Consider your lifestyle, family needs, and future growth. Ensure your custom home design complies with local building codes and optimizes energy efficiency.
Hiring an all-in-one custom homebuilder is the first and most important step to bringing your vision to reality. With years of homebuilding experience and established relationships with trade partners, we are able to handle all of the difficult tasks that come with building on a private lot.
Our experienced construction managers have design and construction processes in place that have been tested and refined over the years, giving homeowners peace of mind knowing that everything will be taken care of by highly qualified professionals in the most timely and thorough manner possible.
Once you’ve finalized your house plan, it’s time to sit back and relax while the builders get to work on land excavation and construction. Your construction manager will keep you informed every step of the way, letting you know when each milestone has been met, as well as timeline updates. It’s one of the most exciting phases of the entire process!
After the required permits have been issued, construction can begin. Most building departments require inspections at specific stages of construction. We will contact the appropriate inspector and coordinate with them when the home is ready for inspection.
There are varying degrees of homesite preparation needed depending on your building site. Whether there are trees to be cleared, soil to be brought in or removed, each site has unique characteristics.
The first significant construction activity of your home is the foundation, which provides the structural support for the entire home. During this stage, your Construction Manager will determine the grade to ensure proper drainage around the foundation of the home. Once the foundation is completed and inspected, we will backfill and/or rough grade the area around the foundation.
Framing provides the structure for the interior and exterior walls, floors, ceilings and roof of the home, as well as all windows and doors. This is where your new home starts to take shape and begins to come to life!
All mechanicals, which include plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical, will be roughed in following the completion of the framing stage. “Rough In” consists of supply and drain lines for plumbing, wiring for electrical outlets and switches, and ductwork.
The exterior finish, including siding, soffits, gutters, etc. can be started any time after the framing is complete. To help pull the exterior style of your home together, various sections will be scheduled throughout other stages of construction.
Once all mechanical inspections are completed, we will insulate the exterior walls. Once the insulation is completed and inspected, the drywall will be hung. After the drywall is completed, we schedule the insulation to be blown into the attic.
Now the fun really begins! During this phase, all the choices you made during your Selections Meeting will come to life. We will install your trim and interior doors and we will also complete all other interior woodwork throughout your home, including cabinets, countertops, and vanities. Your walls and trim will be prepped and painted with your selected colors.
Your vision is almost reality-The look and feel of your custom home is nearly complete! After the painting is done, the hard surface flooring and carpet will be installed, in addition to the lighting and plumbing fixtures. After all finishing touches are complete, we will perform a final cleaning of your new home.
Once your home is nearing completion, you will meet with your Construction Manager, who will introduce you to your new home and discuss how to operate and care for many of the components. Because your new home is a source of pride to both you and Schumacher Homes, we want to be certain that your home meets our level of craftsmanship and quality standards. Start packing if you haven’t already—moving day is just around the corner!
How long does it take to build a custom home?
Building a custom home typically takes 7-10 months, depending on the project's complexity and any unforeseen delays such as weather conditions or supply chain issues.
What’s the best size lot for a new custom home build?
The ideal lot size varies, but generally, a quarter-acre to one-acre lot provides ample space for most custom homes and allows for future expansions or outdoor amenities.
Will the builder examine the lot I am considering purchasing and give me his perspective on the cost of building there?
Yes, reputable builders will assess the lot's condition, slope, and access to utilities to provide an accurate estimate of building costs.
What permits and zoning regulations do I need to know when building on my lot?
You will need various permits, including building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. Check local zoning regulations to ensure your project complies with land use, setbacks, and height restrictions.
What are some common challenges or obstacles homeowners face when building a custom home on their lot?
Common challenges include dealing with zoning laws and unexpected soil or environmental issues., and coordinating between contractors and suppliers. Our team of expert builders are here to help you overcome any challenges that may arise and ensure a smooth building process!
Every Schumacher home is backed by a Ten-Year Insured Transferable Structural Warranty. The guidelines to qualify for this warranty are so strict that only 1% of builders nationwide qualify to offer it.
About Schumacher Homes
Schumacher Homes, based in Canton, Ohio, is America’s largest custom homebuilder, with operations in 32 markets in 12 states across the country. The National Housing Quality award winning company has built over 20,000 homes, customized to fit each family’s lifestyle, since its founding by Paul Schumacher in 1992. Schumacher Homes takes each customer’s inspiration and gives it a home. Each Schumacher Homes location includes a one-stop shopping design studio and model homes displaying the latest in architectural and product trends. Stop in today, be inspired and receive your no obligation price quote.
