Project phases
Homebuilding projects typically occur in five major phases. Understanding how to navigate each one will help you be well-prepared for the next.
Phase 1: Dream
You have the spark to change something, or to build something new. You come into some money, your kids move out, or you’ve finally saved enough to kick off the project you’ve dreamed of for so long. During this phase, you’ll distill your needs into a few key goals, do a bit of research, find an architect, and more. The goal of this phase is to know why you’re building, and the two or three non-negotiable goals you want to achieve.
Phase 2: Design
With a clear vision, your next task is to ground your dream in reality. Give it form by working with an architect who can translate your needs into physical space. During this phase, you’ll explore design concepts, check the scope against your budget, and start finalizing your plan. The goal of this phase is to develop a complete set of design drawings, and get a final proposal from your builder.
Phase 3: Prep
With your team in place, it’s time to set yourself up for success. Finalize your move-out plans, get your finish materials checklist in order, and solidify your process with your homebuilder. After you break ground, you’ll have the final say on most decisions, and your team will expect answers. The goal of this phase is to make sure you’re ready to go, have a solid game plan, and move forward with a clear sense of your role.
Phase 4: Build
When the hammers start swinging, things get real, fast. If you’ve dreamt well, designed well, and prepped well, the build will be all about execution. Step by step, each expert on your team will do their part to bring your vision to life. You’ll be intimately involved, answering countless questions and asking even more. The goal of this phase is to walk through the front door at the end of the process — to arrive where you started, and know the place for the first time.
Phase 5: Live
The last — and most important — stage of any home build is also the most ignored: Moving (back) in. It’s easy to focus on the physical artifact of construction. Of course the house as an object is, physically speaking, the product of construction. But the lived experience of being in a house is what makes it a home. Loving the place you live is the truest measure of whether a home build was successful.