The decision to build a custom home involves personal, emotional and financial choices. Many of these choices are fun and exciting, yet a few may not be so easy. Click on any of the links on this page, and find out more about materials we use and to assist you in some of those choices that make your home customized to you. Throughout the construction process, from design to move-in, your involvement is essential, anticipated and welcomed. de Szendeffy Homes understands that to make your dream a reality takes a great deal of two-way communication. With that "communication" in mind – we have put together a summary of the "typical" building process...
Home Location and DesignHOME SITE, DESIGN & FINANCIAL
Finding the perfect site for your new home is very important for many reasons. If you are still seeking that perfect location, we strongly suggest some key things to keep in mind while doing so. The lot and its setbacks, often referred to as the "building envelope" can provide a wealth of information as to the kind of home best fitting the property while also dictating budget. For example, foundation requirements for a hillside lot could increase your budget substantially. There can also be many exciting design elements brought to light depending on what uniqueness the land provides. Once you have your site, we will visit your land together, allowing us to visualize the views or exterior highlights you wish to feature from the living areas of your future home. The design process is where you'll materialize that "wish list" of all the things you would like to include. Our goal is to incorporate as much of the list as possible - suggesting the best ways to do so within your budget. Two to three revisions are average before finalizing your floor plan(s) and elevations. We then complete the working drawings and submit to the municipality for permit(s). If you seek a construction loan, and you do not have a lender of choice, we can introduce you to a lender we and our clients have worked well with during construction phases. The only financial information we need to know is the budget you have allowed for your home. Detailed personal financial data is strictly between you and your lender. Our involvement with the lender is in supplying required construction breakdown costs in order to establish a "draw" schedule which will meet the course of construction and not hamper its progress. |
Foundation and FramingSITE PREPARATION AND FOUNDATION
This stage includes site preparation such as choosing the vegetation that must be removed, creating a "building pad" that is environmentally friendly. Your home's foundation begins - setting forms for proper footings, creation of stem walls for backfill and compaction, and any and all masonry and concrete requirements. "Rough-in" for plumbing and electrical takes place and utility services are installed to the home's site. Several building department inspections take place. ROUGH CONSTRUCTION This is the stage which appears to be the most productive. This illusion is because this is the time your home visually takes shape! Using the finest quality materials and workmanship the following takes place: rough framing carpentry and exterior siding; the mechanical systems rough-in (heating and air conditioning, including green energy such as geothermal and solar); rough-in for plumbing, gas, wastewater, electrical, telephone, television and any special wiring requirements; installation of roofing material; and the most valued item in northern Arizona - insulation. We encourage "walk-thrus" with our homeowners and hope to see you often. Several building department code compliance inspections are required at various times throughout performing and completing the above. EXTERIOR FINISH The exterior finish work will include completion of trim and other required carpentry, decking materials and guard rails. Application of cultured stone or stucco treatment. Painting, staining or other detail work bringing your home to the desired look and curb appeal. |
Final Finishes and DetailINTERIOR FINISH
You will love when the interior of your home really starts to take shape. Drywall, wood, or stone treatments are completed, as well as finish carpentry and trim. You can get the sense of your finished fireplace. Painting and/or staining brings the finished product closer to your original vision. Electrical and plumbing fixtures are installed and everything is quality checked along the way. Installation of custom ceramic tile features take place, as well as wood or tile floor installation and carpeting. Final grading and creation of driveway(s) or walkway(s) are given the attention needed to achieve the desired end result, making your home accessible and inviting. Last but not least - prior to final inspection - we clean, clean, clean! FINAL and MOVE-IN It is final inspection time - both from you, our customer, and the governing municipality. Once we receive the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) from the building inspector - our greatest joy is handing over the keys (we have all locks re-keyed upon building completion and only one set exists - the final one given to you). We quite honestly expect a "punch list" of minor things you will discover in the initial weeks of move-in that will require our attention. The moving-in process can cause bumps and scrapes - add these touch-ups to your punch list. An important thing to always remember is that your new home has a two year warranty covering the initial workmanship. This is required of every contractor licensed through the State of Arizona. This is an exciting time - adding your personal touches and taking ownership of a home that began as a dream - we designed together and constructed with utmost pride. |