Our Build Process

 

How do I start building my new home?

What do I need to know about the build process?

 

 

Choosing a Reputable Home Builder

   The first step will be to choose a reputable home builder in the area where you would like your new home. You’ll be working closely with the builder you choose as you make what is most likely the largest purchase of your life; therefore, you want to ensure that you can trust them, enjoy their communication style, and love their building designs. Pick a builder who will do everything they can to make the process as stress-free as possible.

 

Our Streamlined Building Process

   Since builders approach the next steps in many different ways, we’ll tell you about our process.

   We are turn-key builders, which means we’ll walk you through every step from architecture to land acquisition to your completed home; we even have an award-winning interior decorating team should you want to add this to your home package. This streamlined experience brings everything in-house: you don’t need to shop around for an architect to draw the plans, a bank to grant a construction loan, or an interior designer to personalize your home.

 

Step One: Selecting the Perfect Lot  

   You’ve told us on the phone what area you’re interested in, so now you’ll meet us at the lots you want to look at. Usually, these are in a community that we’re developing, but we are happy to look at other lots should you have one in mind. Are you looking for a view of Pikes Peak? A lot with more trees? Nothing beats looking at lots in person while you consider these questions.

   Regardless of the lot, and whether you select us or another builder, engaging with a designer builder when choosing your lot is crucial. This approach can prevent significant issues later… Such as soil conditions that can drastically affect the cost of your home, and the slope of the lot, since that may restrict the type of home you can build. There are many other factors to consider as well, which a seasoned home builder can help you navigate.

 

Step Two: Meeting with Our Structural Designer 

   If you decide to proceed, you’ll meet with Mark, our structural designer and lead contractor. He will go over the specific details of lot qualifications for building, the building process, and address any questions you have. You will spend time at both the lot and our Design Center to get a complete view of your land and building design choices for both the exterior and interior of your new home.

 

Step Three: Beginning Phase 1  

   If you want to press the go button, you’ll sign a contract to begin Phase 1. This phase will last 2-4 months, and the cost will vary depending on your choice of home and the extent of design and engineering work involved. Phase 1 consists of:

Design and Architectural Phase:

   Tell us your dreams! Your home will be your sanctuary, and we want to know what that looks and feels like for you. Do you love entertaining? Work from home? What are your hobbies? Do you prefer open-concept living or more private separations? These questions and many others help us understand you and your desires better. During this conversation, you’ll consider whether a premium home, a semi-custom home, or a fully custom-built home is the right choice for you. If you opt for a custom home, our award-winning designer, Pat, will draw your dream using old-style pencil and graph paper. Then, Richard or Margo will translate your plans into CAD (Computer-Aided Design). If you prefer one of our existing floor plans but want to tweak the design, Pat will work with our CAD team to tailor your semi-custom home.

Testing the Land:  

   What kind of soil does it have—rocky or more expansive? How does water flow through it? Does it have a steep grade? Are there deed or HOA restrictions? We have you covered! Our team answers all these questions to ensure that your home’s foundation, drainage system, and exterior design are exactly what your land requires.

Line Item Budget:  

   Now that you have your personalized house plans and all the necessary information about your lot, our team prepares a detailed line-item budget. This allows you to see the potential cost of your home if all your current selections remain unchanged. Once construction has begun, with our team’s assistance, you can still modify certain choices, such as the kitchen sink. However, please be aware that choosing a sink more expensive than the premium level sink budgeted will result in an additional cost to your final home price.

Funding options:  

   The next question concerns financing. What is your down payment? Are you building with cash, using a construction loan, or both? We work closely with Park State Bank in Woodland Park for all construction loans. You’ll be pleased to know that your pre-qualification meeting at the bank will only take about an hour. After that, we will handle everything else, starting in phase 2 and continuing throughout the rest of the build.

 

Step Four: Starting Phase 2

Let Phase 2 begin! You’ve made it through all the behind-the-scenes work, and now you get to see your house begin to take shape. Phase 2 starts with a new construction contract, obtaining the permit, and the actual construction of your home. A licensed engineer will review the plans for the foundation and structure based on your lot’s soil test results. Next, the house site will be surveyed and excavated, the foundation poured, and the perimeter drains installed. The energy efficiency of your home begins right here in the foundation with specialized insulating concrete forms. During this time, you will start meeting with the interior design team to select the hard surfaces for your home. Phase 2 will take 10-14 months, depending on weather, soil preparation, home size, material availability, and subcontractor schedules. While MBI carefully manages the entire project for quality and schedule, the hands-on work is done partly by us and partly by our team of subcontractors.

 

Step Five: Monitoring Construction Progress  

   You’ll be able to follow each step almost daily through our CO-construct portal. You’re also welcome to visit the job site with one of our team members; just set up an appointment! The parts of the home build often overlap as skilled experts work on their specific tasks, but the basics proceed similarly to this:

1. 1. Excavation and R50 foundation installation
   2. Perimeter drain installation
   3. Utilities
   4. Framing, fireplace installation
   5. Plumbing
   6. Roofing
   7. Heating and cooling systems, ductwork
   8. Electrical, lighting, CAD6 wiring for TV and media systems
   9. Insulation
   10. Drywall
   11. Exterior finishes
   12. Cabinets, trim, tile
   13. Painting/staining, mirrors, doors, window sills, fireplace mantle
   14. Flooring and painting
   15. Bathroom and kitchen fixtures
   16. Driveway pouring, landscaping
   17. Appliance installation
   18. Interior final clean, window screen installation
   19. Certificate of occupancy, punch list, closing

 

Step Six: Final Walk-Through and Celebration  

   Your home is built! It’s time for the final walk-through with us to ensure everything is tip-top before closing. Then, let the celebration begin as you settle into your dream home! If you have chosen our interior design team, they will guide you through the next phase of beautifying your spaces. We will continue to be here for you if you have any questions about your home. Our warranty covers workmanship and construction materials for the first year.

 

Where to go from here:

• • Peruse our photo and virtual tour Galleries.
  • Look through a few of our Floor Plans.
  • Call Jennifer for more information at (719) 339-4583.
  • Schedule a consultation with our builder (719) 627-1924.
  • Ask us another question via our Contact Form.