Step-by-Step Custom Homebuilding | Vaughn Custom Homes

Our first meeting (Zoom or live)

This is a no-charge consultation to get to know each other and for us to learn about what you envision your new home to be. We’ll discuss plan size, style, and finishes. It’s OK if you’re not sure exactly what you want at this stage. If you have samples of what you like, that will help us all get on the same page. Do you need an interior designer? Do you like our plans, or do you want a custom plan? Something you found on a plan site or in a book? As a third-generation builder, our experience will help take the stress away from this process.

Construction financing available:
Mike Lindeman at Thrive Mortgage

Financing Your Dream

The lending process is scary for many people. It doesn’t need to be. We partner with lenders who can help you figure out what you want vs. what you can afford… before you decide what to build. A lender is an important part of the custom-home building process regardless of whether you plan to finance your home or pay cash. We will help you get on the right track.

From Dreams to Details: The Construction Contract

Once the loan is in place, your house plans are finalized, and the basic budget is complete, it’s time for the construction contract. The details of costs, timelines, etc., will be written into a formal contract. Some costs will be firm by now; other costs will be variable based on your desire to make upgrades during the build process, as well as site costs that couldn’t be firmly set until work begins. This is a critical agreement that sets expectations for both sides and helps keep the project on track.

Building Lot Walk

We’ll work with you on the placement of the home. Costs can vary greatly based on where a home is located on the lot, so this is an important step. Setbacks, utilities, and foundation height will all have an impact on costs. We will explain the particulars of your build during this walk.

Review of Estimates

After walking the lot, we will be able to assess if any money can be saved—or how much more will be needed—to handle the sitework that is required. We’ll do our best to eliminate any surprises at this stage. This is the final opportunity to make changes before change orders and prepayments will be required for any changes.

Finalizing the Loan and Draw Schedule

Final Construction Contract Signed

Signatures will be digital, whether done in person or online. It’s best to familiarize yourself with construction contracts beforehand. We are not lawyers, but you are welcome to get a sample contract to review with your attorney before signing day.

Dreams Are Starting to Get Real

This is one of the best things about building with us. We handle permits, clearing, sitework… everything. You are not required to get the lot ready for us to build the home. We’ll take care of it.

Inspections and Engineering

Weekly Email Updates

We provide a weekly email that is written on Fridays and delivered to your inbox on Saturday.

Walk-Throughs

Closing Documents Signed

You will arrange the “closing” with the title company. The title company handles paperwork with your lender and files deeds and other documents with the appropriate governmental agencies.

Keys to Your New Home

Keys will be provided to you once the lender has released the funds and the title company ensures that everybody has been paid. Manuals, warranty books, extra keys, etc., will be left inside the home for easy access. The home is now yours… let the fun begin!

Let’s bring your dream home to life—expert guidance, full transparency, and unmatched craftsmanship await.

are you ready? Call us