Getting Started: Custom Builds

Building a custom home can be a long and grueling process. To make it easier and less stressful, the staff at JoCo Builders will walk alongside you and your family every step of the way and will communicate with you throughout the entirety of the project. 

So, where do I start?

Below is a description of our pre-construction activities that will help you get from a concept to the construction of a custom build:

1) Building a Conceptual Budget:

To start, you will set up a time to come sit down with our Sales Coordinator. During this initial meeting, we will talk through general specifications and house design with you so we can build a conceptual budget for your project. These specifications include basic information like the size of the house, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, size of garage and porches, etc. Our sales coordinator will talk you through 20+ different specification categories including items like windows, exterior doors, flooring, shower surrounds, light and plumbing fixtures, HVAC equipment, appliance packages, and more.  Many of these items you probably have not considered yet, so this exercise is beneficial to help you understand all the components and the corresponding costs of each.

2) The Design Phase

Once you have settled on a budget number, we will move on to the design phase. The design phase consists of all the activities needed to get permitted and start the construction process.  These items include:

• Construction Drawings—
  Some of our clients come to us with completed plans, however, most do not. Do not let this be a concern; we are happy to help! We will get you on the schedule of a local draftsman we use and then we will have him meet us at the JoCo Office to start getting plans drawn up.

• Geotechnical Soil Analysis—

  Because soil conditions in the Central Texas area can vary significantly, a geotechnical analysis is a critical step for building a home with a solid foundation.  This process consists of two 20’ depth borings at the corners of the home location.  Samples are then taken back to the lab for processing to determine soil types, plasticity, moisture content and Potential Vertical Rise (PVR). The lab will make recommendations for the amount of soil replacement and foundation types.  This report plus finished plans will be sent to a structural engineer for foundation design.

• Engineering—

  The engineer will design a foundation based on the geotechnical report.  One of the key components to foundation design is reducing the PVR of the soil.  The engineer will specify type of foundation as well as soil stabilization methods. These can include a typical rebar foundation, post-tension cables, piers, etc. 

3) Selections

The process of selecting materials will be an ongoing process.  Due to supply chain lead times, it is critical to get this process started with a number of selections so we can start ordering as soon as the project begins.  Our Design and Selections Coordinator will assist you with choosing doors, tile, fixtures, paint colors, etc.  We will help you with designing to your style while also being conscientious about your budget.

While the initial meeting is free of charge, there will be a design retainer fee that will cover the cost of plans, surveys, and engineering services.

Finally, once the project has the proper permits and the financing (if applicable) has been approved, we will move on to the construction phase.