PEAK CONSTRUCTION
Building Your Dream Home in Hudson Valley Guide
INTRO
Building a dream home brings many choices and decisions and you can quickly feel overwhelmed Our guide is to help walk you through the steps
You may already have a lot, but if you ' re still shopping around, there are many different things to consider as you view potential lots, including NEIGHBORHOOD
Please be aware that assembling your team is perhaps the most crucial part of building a home
Your architect will be the person who takes your ideas and makes a tangible plan for how they will look in the real world This is a fun process!
This step could also be the “ grown-up ” phase because it involves all the tedious legal and logistical paperwork that needs to happen for construction to start
One of the great parts of living in New York is that new construction homes must come with a statutory builder warranty
At Peak Construction, we love the home building process, which is why we ' ve made it our lives work Our team is dedicated to building quality homes that last for generations to come
Building a home is a significant event in anyone ’ s life. There is a lot to consider regarding location, size, condition, and aesthetic, and almost every home has something that just doesn’t quite fit what you envisioned
When you are building a house, these considerations multiply exponentially Not only do you have to think about where to build your home and what it might look like, but you also have to make choices about tiny details that may have never before crossed your mind
The upside is that you can make every home dream you ’ ve ever had a reality, from your perfect kitchen layout to a spa-level master bathroom.
Everything you ’ ve dreamed about in a home can be created to your specifications. The process can get emotional and occasionally stressful, but ultimately it is one of the most rewarding things you can do for your family As you begin the process of building your dream home, there are lots of things to consider To make things less confusing, we ’ ve created this step-by-step guide to help you move through the construction process in the Hudson Valley Building your dream home can be easier than you imagined with a little planning and understanding of the process
Choosing
a Lot
g y
UR LOT
Cost
Before you start looking around, figure out what your budget will be for your new home Understanding what you can spend will help you decide how much you can spend on the lot itself You don’t want to search for properties, find one you love, and then later realize that it’s out of budget Being realistic about finances saves heartache in the long run.
It’s also best to consider if you had to sacrifice anything, what would you give up during this step? Would you rather have your dream home in a
tackle on your home building journey is choosing the lot that your home will stand on Hudson Valley is full of beautiful areas, but they all meet different needs. It’s essential to make sure your lot gives you what you ’ re wanting Location is likely the first aspect of this process that comes to mind While the location is undoubtedly essential, there is a lot more that goes into choosing a lot to support your home and family lifestyle adequately Here is what you should consider: N O
location outside of what you were expecting? Or would you rather skip a few amenities if it means being in the right area? This won’t necessarily be an issue, but it’s good to establish a contingency plan if needed later
Size
Be specific about how big you want your home to be How many bedrooms do you want? Will there be a garage, and if so, how many stalls do you want? Do you want extra outdoor space for pets and children? All of these factors will narrow down the lots that fit your needs.
UR LOT
Neighborhood Lot Features
Ponder where you would like your family to live If you have children, are there schools or districts that you would like to be in? Would you and your partner like to be close to your places of work, or is a longer commute okay? Do you want to live within an established neighborhood or start fresh a little farther out? Do any of the neighborhoods you like have homeowners’ associations?
You want to make sure that you think seriously about each of these questions. New construction homes are often forever homes for families, so don’t ignore any of your needs or wants on location and think long term
As you narrow your lot search, consider what the lot looks like naturally. Are there lots of steep inclines or drop-offs? Are there large or old trees in the area? All of these factors can affect the price during the construction phase Old trees may need to be removed or could cause damage to your new plumbing Hills can create flooding issues or prevent your construction team from bringing the proper materials to the site
A S S E M B L I N G A T E A M
It is up to you whether to assemble your team before or after looking for a lot. Coming to your team with a few options is a great middle-ground because they may be able to advise you about which lot will best accommodate what you ’ re looking for No matter what you do first, please be aware that assembling your team is perhaps the most crucial part of building a home It would be best if you had trust in your team to bring your vision to life There are two primary jobs on your team that will be paramount to the project’s success. This section will discuss these positions and some things to look for when hiring each one
Team Structure
Artistic Process
E V E R Y G R E A T
D E S I G N B E G I N S
W I T H A N E V E N
B E T T E R S T O R Y .
Current Projects
E V E R Y G R E A T
D E S I G N B E G I N S
W I T H A N E V E N
B E T T E R S T O R Y .
R I G H T F O R Y O U R N E W H O M E A N D Y O U R C U R R E N T L I F E S T Y L E
Hiring an Architect
Your architect will be the person who takes your ideas and makes a tangible plan for how they will look in the real world You need to know and trust your architect’s style and know that they will do the kind of work that’s right for your new home and your current lifestyle. Though every project is different, look for these key traits when hiring an architect
Past Work and Style
You will want to narrow your search for architects by finding one that matches your desired home aesthetic Though many architects have a broad range of styles that they can do, most have a style they love to do or feel they are especially good at creating Ask to see their portfolio, but also ask them which homes have been their favorite to create You want an architect who will be passionate and excited about your project and use their strengths when designing for you This ensures that your project never gets forgotten or left behind on their task lists If they’re excited about it, they’re more likely to stick to a timeline and give you quality work Keep searching until you find one who is eager to design your style of home
Collaboration
Ask potential architects about whether they want you to be active in the process or if they generally have clients step back. There is no right or wrong answer to this question, but it can give you a good indication of whether you may want to keep searching If you ’ re going to be very involved and an architect doesn’t involve clients, you may want to keep looking If you’d prefer to give your designer your ideas and step back, then make sure you find an architect who also works that way
Team Structure
Most architects work as a part of a team or firm When interviewing architects that you’d potentially like to work with, it’s helpful to ask how their team works. At some firms, the entire team will be involved in your project, and you may speak to several people during the process. In others, you will have only one person working with you. Asking about the team structure can give you some good information about how the process might go
Fees and Pricing
Make sure you ask potential architects about their fee structures so you can plan accordingly. For example, some charge flat rates based on design, while others charge per hour No one type of fee is better than another, but it’s essential to communicate about finances before hiring someone Be clear about what your budget is.
Current Projects
Architects sometimes work on more than one project at a time It’s good to know how many buildings they are designing to determine if you will feel like a priority For larger firms or team-oriented projects, this number may be higher. Have a conversation with your architect about their workload and ask what their regular project load is You don’t want to begin the process only to find that you feel as though they are too busy to listen to your needs properly.
Finding an architect sets the tone for your whole project The right person will listen to your needs and create a building that meets all of them. Because this is such a personal project and perhaps your forever home, it’s crucial to make sure that you are getting what you want aesthetically while also creating a home that will be structurally sound for years to come.
Artistic Process
Each architect has their way of working, and some may want you to see the work as it’s being done, while others won’t show you anything until the end and edit from there. If you have a deadline for the project, talk to them about what it is and ask if they are confident that they can finish in time Make sure you understand how and when they will give you updates will they be using 3D modeling or software? Do they draw good oldfashioned blueprints? How much will they get done between check-ins? All of these questions are important to answer
H I R I N G A
B U I L D E R
company itect’s
s o to a ea ty. ot a bu ders are created equal, so it’s essential that you choose your company carefully Ideally, you want an experienced team that does quality work but doesn’t take up your entire budget.
These are some key tips to keep in mind when looking for the right company
The only way to become truly good at building homes is to practice New building companies may have flashy software and top-of-the-line equipment, but you ’ re better off with a team who has experience Many problems can come up during the building process, and experience allows a team to problem solve and move beyond efficiency and confidence This is a significant investment you are making, so you do not want to skimp on quality when it comes to your team
?
We’re going to be honest; many building companies do great work, but their lack of organization puts them at a disadvantage Building homes is an intricate process. There is a lot to keep track of,
When you design your own home, you don’t want it to be cookie cutter If you did, you’d avoid this process altogether and buy a home that’s already built Since you want your unique touch in the home’s design, make sure your builder has the range to do something a little different Ask to see the company ’ s portfolio. Do you see homes of different styles? Are there diverse landscapes, or are they all on the same style lot? I S T H E C O M P A N Y E X P E R I E N C E D ?
including ordering supplies, making schedules, tracking down materials, communicating with other teams on the project, etc If this part isn’t organized, you can easily have the whole group waiting on one material and wasting building time and budget while they sit around. Quality builders will have employees who run the paperwork and clerical side to ensure that things run as efficiently as possible
Can you see the personality of the buyers in the home? Ask them if most of their projects are custom homes or if they work mainly with developers These questions and concerns will give you a good idea of how the builder approaches your home’s design aspect and how well they can execute the design
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Builders use teams of subcontractors to perform specific building tasks It would be best to have an open dialogue with potential builders about who they subcontract on their projects If your builder is well qualified but they don’t have a consistent list of subcontractors, the whole project will likely take longer than it should You want to make sure that every company your builder hires is an established, credible business with a reputation for doing highquality work
P U T I T A L L
T O G E T H E R
P U T I
T A
L L T O G E T H E R
The final piece of the puzzle is making sure that everyone you ’ ve chosen can work well together Even if you ’ ve picked the best builder and best architect in Hudson Valley, it will be challenging to get the job done if no one can work together If you ’ ve asked them a sufficient number of questions about their work, you can probably get a pretty good sense of how well they work with others. However, it never hurts to ask for references
Verifying that a builder or architect has worked well with building projects in the past is a great final step before signing your contracts. Remember that this project is a collaboration, so mutual respect between builder, architect, and buyer is all-important Also, keep in mind that this is a huge purchase, so you are entirely within your rights to be thorough about who you hire The more diligence you give now, the better your home will be
T H E
D E S I G N P H A S E
I S T H E M O S T
E X C I T I N G P A R T
O F T H E P R O C E S S
O F B U I L D I N G
Y O U R O W N H O M E
This is often the most exciting part of the process of building your own home It is here when you begin to see your ideas and dreams take shape, and creativity blossoms in your project. Your architect is usually working hardest during this step Depending on the work you ’ ve chosen, you may meet with them frequently for updates As builders, we at Peak Construction always encourage our clients to bring us to a few design meetings
This ensures we know what to expect and can make suggestions based on our perspective There are parts of building that are not often considered in designs, and it ensures that your plans are doable and reasonable. We’ve found that this enhances the final product and instills a new confidence level in our clients
The design phase has smaller parts to it that are important to understand The excitement surrounding this type of project can be intense, but knowing each step and why it’s important helps you to appreciate the length of time it may take to create your home
PEAK PEAK CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION
C O N S I D E R E A C H A S P E C T O F T H E D E S I G N P H A S E :
PRELIMINARY DESIGN PHASE
This is the first part you’ll go through with your architect and builders The design here will be fairly rudimentary, more like a rough draft than anything else Room sizes, ceiling elevation, and layouts will be included, as well as the basic outline of the home. This step will give you a very general idea of what your home will look like in the end Always voice any concerns with your team but do keep in mind that this is certainly not the finished product
BUDGET CHECK-IN AND ESTIMATE
After a basic design has been made, your builder will calculate what everything would cost with your current plan This includes materials, labor, permits, etc While this is still only an estimate, it will give you a really good idea of where you are with your money. If you are within budget constraints and want to add anything extra, now is the time If you ’ ve come in over budget, your architect can easily take things out Because nothing is finalized yet, it’s best to check in to make sure we ’ re on track rather than run into budget issues once it’s too late Making these kinds of adjustments after the design is finalized can also be expensive and more difficult to run through the proper channels.
FINAL PLANS AND LOGISTICS CHECK-IN
During this phase, your building and architecture teams will come together to ensure the house is ready to create Building teams have priceless insight into how plans will manifest in the actual home and can offer suggestions on ways to ensure that the final product looks how you want it to Some plans are wonderful on paper, but the final product turns out differently Builders will know all about these kinds of things and can help manage the plans to be both exciting and realistic. Many experienced building teams have also encountered endless problems and issues during their career Bringing this experience to the drawing table can help create solutions that were before unconsidered
During this phase, aspects such as airflow and extra sunlight can be maximized or minimized how you see fit. There are parts of being inside the home that don’t necessarily come up in a drawing, but that can be realized during the design phase
SECOND BUDGET DRAFT
After the plans are finalized, your building company can give you a more accurate idea of what things will cost Unless you made major changes, the second budget should be in a similar ballpark to your first During this phase, builders will work with their subcontractors to find a company that will do good work at a reasonable price Some of the budget depends on the materials you pick, but most of the budget goes to the jobs that subcontractors do.
SCHEDULING
Around this same time, your builder can begin to create a schedule for your home’s building process Because they now know what needs to be done, they can plan out when each step will take place and who will work on it Because subcontractors are hired during this time, they know how quickly things can move depending on each company ’ s schedule At Peak Construction, we spend a significant amount of attention on this schedule We understand how nervewracking it can be not knowing when your home will be finished, especially if you are staying with family or renting while you wait We want to reduce your stress as much as possible, so we do everything in our power to be as accurate as we can when we create our timelines
T H E N E X
I N T O A R E A L I T Y . N O T A L L
B U I L D E R S A R E C R E A T E D
E Q U A L , S O I T ’ S E S S E N T I A L
T H A T Y O U C H O O S E Y O U R
C O M P A N Y C A R E F U L L Y . I D E A L L Y , Y O U W A N T A N
E X P E R I E N C E D T E A M T H A T
D O E S Q U A L I T Y W O R K B U T
D O E S N ’ T T A K E U P Y O U R
E N T I R E B U D G E T . T H E S E
A R E S O M E K E Y T I P S T O
K E E P I N M I N D W H E N
L O O K I N G F O R T H E
R I G H T C O M P A N Y .
C O N S I D E R E A C H A S P E C T O F T H E D E S I G N P H A S E :
F I N A N C I N G
Before anything can truly get started, your teams will need documentation of your funding for the project. If you are financing through a bank, the bank will provide you with the appropriate proof of funding. If you have other modes of financing, speak with your builder about how best to arrange things during this step
P E R M I T S P R E C O N S T R U C T I O N P H A S E
F I N A L I Z E
S U B C O N T R A C T O R
C O N T R A C T S
Your builder will begin signing contracts with the approved subcontractors, locking them into the schedule you ’ ve developed Here at Peak Construction, we know our subcontractors well and have worked with them for a long time This step is usually very smooth when you work with us
Every state, city, and town has its own rules about construction. You need some sort of permit from the municipality in almost every place before you can break ground on your project. If you are building somewhere with a neighborhood association or rules, you may need a permit or signed approval from them as well Builders often handle this step but make sure you communicate with them about it to make sure it gets done quickly.
D E V E L O P F I N A L
C O N S T R U C T I O N
S C H E D U L E
Your builder can develop the final schedule after subcontractors are legally bound to the project. This schedule will encompass every foreseen part of the process, meaning that there are still events that could alter the timeline Back-ordered parts or inclement weather sometimes put things on hold for a few days. Generally, builders know that this is a possibility, so they budget extra time for these things Just be aware that builders can only be so accurate when things like nature and shipping are involved
P U T I T A L L T O G E T H E R
For many people, this next step is fun and exciting This is when the indoor design comes together as you pick your flooring, hardware, lighting, tile, and more. A lot of these decisions will impact your daily life, and you will see your choices every day Don’t let this paralyze you Take this phase one decision at a time, and don’t hesitate to ask for help! Your builders have a good eye and may be able to weigh in on quality and price We’ve seen it all and can help you figure out what will give you just what you need
If you ’ re planning to buy new furniture or accessories for your finished home, you will have a good color scheme concept after the interior design phase is complete
I N T E R I O R D E S I G N P H A S E
Finally, after all of the details are finalized, construction can begin on your new home Many people are shocked by how quickly the first part of this process goes by and how much progress you can see after one day of work You'll begin to see your dream take shape in the real world, and for most people, this is an exciting experience At Peak Construction, our team will be working hard to stay on budget, stay on schedule, monitor and direct subcontractors, and create quality work that will serve your family for years You don't have much to do or decide during this time, but we are hard at work during the construction phase
T H I S I S T H E O R D E R Y O U C A N
E X P E C T T H I N G S T O H A P P E N :
S I T E P R E P
Before anything can happen, we will prepare your lot for construction. Any trees will be removed, as necessary, and the ground will be leveled. Even if the lot is relatively flat, we will make sure everything is even, so your house doesn't end up crooked.
F O U N D A T I O N
After the land is prepped, we will lay the foundation of your home If your home has a basement, this foundation will begin below the ground If it doesn't, you'll see it flat on top of your lot
B U I L D I N G T H E B O N E S
After the foundation is set, we'll start building the "bones" of the home, i e , the frame During this phase, you'll begin to see the outline come to life We like to equate this step to the first draft of the architectural design phase a lot of basics will come to life After the outline is made, outside walls, doors, and windows will be installed
U T I L I T Y P H A S E
After the bones are all set, we'll install the sorts of things you would pay utilities for This means your plumbing, electric, and HVAC systems will go in and get up and running Because all of these aspects exist within your walls, we install them before you even see interior walls take shape.
W A L L S
When the utilities are installed, the drywall and insulation can fit over them to close them within the wall
I N T E R I O R
B E A U T I F I C A T I O N
Before this step, your home will not look like much. It's here that all of your personal touches begin to come in, such as paint, fixtures, appliances, etc.
E X T E R I O R B E A U T I F I C A T I O N
Your team will then finish up the outside of the home, installing grass or gardens, laying sidewalks, creating driveways, and more Shutters will go up, and to the outside world, the home will look fairly finished.
U T I L I T Y F I N I S H E S
The electric, plumbing, and HVAC systems have been installed, but things like vents and sockets need to be put in before anyone can use the systems safely
B U I L D I N G T H E B O N E S
After the foundation is set, we'll start building the "bones" of the home, i.e., the frame. During this phase, you'll begin to see the outline come to life. We like to equate this step to the first draft of the architectural design phase a lot of basics will come to life After the outline is made, outside walls, doors, and windows will be installed
U T I L I T Y P H A S E
After the bones are all set, we'll install the sorts of things you would pay utilities for This means your plumbing, electric, and HVAC systems will go in and get up and running. Because all of these aspects exist within your walls, we install them before you even see interior walls take shape.
F L O O R S
It may seem strange, but flooring is one of the last things that will get installed in your new construction. This is to preserve your flooring and prevent it from being damaged by other construction tasks Though it would seem that you should be able to move in immediately after this step, there are a few more tasks that must be completed before you pack your suitcases
F I N I S H I N G T O U C H E S
There are a few finishing tasks that will make your house into your home, and that will allow you to live there legally and safely.
T H I R D - P A R T Y I N S P E C T I O N
After the building portion is complete, a third-party walkthrough ensures that all of the construction was done according to code This keeps terrible builders from creating homes that are not safe for dwellers They will also double-check that the job outlined in the contract is the job that got done Because this person is not affiliated with anyone on the team, you can trust them to be honest and straightforward if anything is wrong.
T H E B I G R E V E A L
Once the home has passed inspection, you will finally walk through your new home with your builders This phase is the most fun, as you finally get to see your vision and (sometimes years of) hard work come to fruition We encourage our clients to savor this step and allow themselves to revel in what they've accomplished
M O V E - I N
After the walk-through, you can finally move in! This is often a big project, but you can rest easy, knowing that after this, you will live in the home you ' ve always dreamed of. You may notice one or two small things that got forgotten during the process as you settle in This is normal, though we try our best to avoid it Let us know right away, and we'll have someone fix it immediately
W A R R A N T Y
One of the great parts of living in New York is that new construction homes must come with a statutory builder warranty. This warranty is itemized, with things like drywall and paint guaranteed for one year Bigger things, like foundations, are under warranty for ten years This allows you to relax in your new home and know that you ' re covered if something breaks
C O N T A C T
P E A K C O N S T R U C T I O N
At Peak Construction, we love the home building process, which is why we ' ve made it our lives work. Our team is dedicated to building quality homes that last for generations to come. We know that the process can seem like a lot, but we want you to know that it's worth it. Living in a home built to your exact specifications is a truly fantastic experience and brings your comfort to a whole new level. We hope that spelling out these steps puts you at ease and inspires you to begin your new construction journey.
It may take a while, but it's a completely doable project if you take it step by step. Also, know that you will have countless professionals to help you every step of the way. We know that it may be your first time designing a home, but it certainly isn't ours. We walk you through each phase with compassion, respect, and patience. We aim to ensure that the process is exciting, rewarding and inspiring for everyone involved. Contact Peak Construction today to get started.
