1) INTRODUCTION
How long does it take to build a custom home? What are the steps from start to finish? How can I ensure that I stay on time and on budget? While every home is a unique project, and each situation is a bit different, we’ve provided basic key points of what to expect during the construction process of your custom home with Turnberry Construction Group.

Size and features are two of the biggest factors that influence the timeline in completing your home. Building a 2,500 sq. ft. home will likely have a less extensive timeline than a 5,000 sq. ft. home with an outdoor kitchen, pool and spa, and extensive landscaping, which are various features to take into consideration.

To obtain a rough estimate of the timeframe, homeowners should discuss the specifics of their project with a contactor and/or design professional. At Turnberry, we have a design professional on staff, easing the communication process between the designer and builder.

The homeowner also has a significant impact on the length of the process. How much time can you dedicate to your project, specifically in making various selections for your home? When building a custom home, chances are you want your new home to fit your specific lifestyle, and it often takes time to identify what your current and future wants and needs are. Do you know the floor plan and features you want, or do you need additional time at the outset of the project to explore various design ideas? All of the above will accelerate or decelerate the overall building time of your home.

2) EVALUATE YOUR LOT
Need help finding the perfect lot to build your dream home? Turnberry Construction Group can help! We have access to various lots in and around Berks County and work closely with local realtors to find the right lot for your new home. Please call our office (610) 775-7575 for assistance in finding your lot.

Most of our clients purchase lots first and then contact us to design and build their custom home. Even if you already have your lot, we will assess your lot with you and help you obtain necessary lot information for engineering and permits.

ASSESS YOUR LOT
At Turnberry Construction Group, President Kevin Kozo will visit your lot with you to assess the lot, starting with locating all property corners and the subdivision plan.

In addition, we will discuss the following:
     • Setback information
     • Location of septic/well or public water sewer
     • Erosion and sediment control plans
     • Storm water management
     • Your desired floor plan and home set

OBTAIN LOT INFORMATION
We will obtain the following:
     • Electric service provider (apply for service)
     • Public water and service providers, if septic
     • Phone and cable service providers
     • Consideration of heat source (oil, propane, natural gas, geo-thermal)
     • Call township for “Building Permit Pack” (this will include all required permits)

3) DESIGN
It may come as a surprise that designing your home could take 2-6 months, especially if this is your first time building a custom home.

Here’s what our basic design process includes:
     • Gather information
     • Draw/revise the floorplan and exterior elevation
     • Draw/revise interior elevations, including architectural details & cabinetry
     • Prepare site plan including well & septic
     • Final review & approve construction drawings

After each stage of the design process, homeowners review the construction drawings. President Kevin Kozo of Turnberry Construction Group will also review each set of drawings and address any concerns he may have with the plans.

The design phase is a critical time to ask us questions and make changes to your home’s design if there is something you are unsure about or unsatisfied with. The timeline during the planning of your home’s design will largely depend on the amount of changes you make to your plans and the amount of time you need to assess the drawings.

IMPORTANT: Do not rush through the design portion of your home. If there’s something you aren’t sure about, ASK! A quality contractor will review each set of drawings with you and explain anything that may initially appear confusing.

4) ENGINEERING, SPECS, & PERMITS
ENGINEERING
The engineering of your home includes a structural foundation plan and a structural framing plan, which will be completed by the professionals at Turnberry Construction Group.

SELECTIONS AND/OR ALLOWANCES
If you have not decided on selections during the design stage, you will need to finalize these before the final contract with Turnberry Construction Group. At this time, you will need to have made all of your selections or allotted allowances for the items used to build your house.

Selections include items such as: flooring, appliances, plumbing/lighting fixtures, roofing, cabinets, countertops, etc. Any selections you have not made will be assigned an allowance based on the overall budget you provide us with.

Turnberry President Kevin Kozo will make sure you are aware of these price changes when/if you decide to change a selection, which could increase or decrease the overall price of building your home.

SPECS
Specifications describe in detail what’s included in the contract price. While specifications can be lengthy, the information is very important.

All parties should understand the specifications before signing the construction contract. If you have any questions regarding your specifications, ask your builder to explain confusing areas before signing the final contact.

PERMITS/APPROVALS
Before groundbreaking, your home will need permits and/or HOA approvals, depending on the municipality you will be building in.