The Building Process
How a custom home project actually runs, from choosing a builder and reading the estimate to the draw schedule and the final walkthrough.
21 posts in Process
Hurricane Season and Your Active Job Site: How a Builder Protects Your Project
Hurricane season runs June through November. If you are building in South Florida, your project will spend part of its life in it.
How to Read a Builder's Estimate: Allowances, Exclusions, and Why Itemized Wins
Two builders quote the same house. One is $400,000 lower. Nine times out of ten, the difference is not price. It is scope.
What Happens in Pre Construction: The Months Before Ground Breaks
By the time a bulldozer shows up, the outcome of your project is largely already decided. This is where it gets decided.
How to Choose a Custom Home Builder in Palm Beach County: 12 Questions That Actually Matter
Most homeowners compare builders on price. Price is the least reliable number in the room. Here is what to ask instead.
How Long Does It Take to Build a Custom Home in Palm Beach County?
A realistic timeline for building a custom home in Palm Beach County, from pre-construction through move-in, with the factors that speed it up or slow it down.
What to Expect in Your First Meeting with a Custom Home Builder
The initial consultation with a custom home builder sets the tone for everything that follows. Here is what should happen and what to bring.
What Is a Construction Draw Schedule and How Does It Work?
Construction financing runs on a draw schedule, not a lump-sum payment. Here is how the milestones actually work.
Why Your Builder Should Be Involved Before You Hire an Architect
The traditional architect-first model creates predictable problems. Here is why bringing a builder in from day one produces better outcomes.
The Complete Guide to Building Permits in Palm Beach County
Every municipality in Palm Beach County has its own permitting process. Here is what to expect across Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Palm Beach, and the coastal towns.
What Happens During a Final Walkthrough and Punch List?
The final walkthrough and punch list are where your home goes from substantially complete to move-in ready. Here is how the process actually works.
How to Plan for Your Family While Building a Custom Home
A 14 to 22 month build overlaps with school years, careers, and family routines. Here is how to plan around it without getting overwhelmed.
The Difference Between a General Contractor and a Construction Manager
The legal and practical difference between a GC and a CM matters more than most clients realize. Here is how the roles actually differ.
The Most Common Mistakes First-Time Custom Home Builders Make
Eight mistakes we see first-time custom home builders make, and how to avoid them. Most are preventable with better sequencing.
What Is Site Due Diligence and Why Should You Never Skip It?
Site due diligence catches expensive problems before you buy. On any custom home project, it is a $2,500 step that saves six-figure mistakes.
What Is a Change Order and How Does It Affect Your Custom Home Budget?
Change orders are normal on custom home projects. How they are handled determines whether they stay small or become a budget problem.
The Preconstruction Phase: What Happens Before a Shovel Hits the Ground
The two to four months before construction starts are where most project success or failure is determined. Here is what happens during preconstruction.
The Design-Build Advantage: One Team From Sketch to Keys
Design-build integrates design and construction under a single contract. Here is why that structure produces better outcomes for custom home clients.
What to Look for When Hiring a General Contractor in Florida
Licensing, insurance, portfolio, and contract structure are the four diligence items most homeowners skip when hiring a Florida general contractor.
How Long Does It Take to Build a Custom Home in South Florida?
A realistic timeline for custom home construction in Delray Beach and the surrounding market, phase by phase.
The Permitting Process in Delray Beach: A Builder's Guide
Delray Beach permitting timelines and inspection cadence are predictable if you understand the process. Here is how it actually works.
What Does "Turnkey" Actually Mean in Custom Home Building?
Turnkey is one of the most misused words in residential construction. Here is what it should mean and what to verify before you sign.
Talk to us about your project
Every build we take on starts with a conversation about the lot, the plans and the budget. Tell us where you are, and Chase will come back within one business day with a straight answer on what is realistic.
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