Building Confidence in the Custom Home Building Process

From when the ideas for a dream home are nothing but magazine clippings to looking after a client’s extended warranty, Maillot Homes is there to answer any and all questions! Here’s just a few frequently asked questions.

What is the first step to building a custom home? 

Start gathering ideas for the type of home you would like to build and where. Browse social media, home magazines, and drive around neighbourhoods in the areas you’d like to live. Once you have a picture in mind of your ideal home, you can start researching home builders and Architectural Designers. 

Some builders have in house Architectural Designers who will work on the exterior look of your home and floor plan. At Maillot Homes we like to get to know our clients and pair them with a third-party Architectural Designer who matches their personality, budget and style. These partnerships result in high quality, astounding work and increase our capacity to start preparatory work to build your home.

To decide on a builder, visit their website, social media and ask for references from past clients and trade partners. Book a few phone calls and meetings! You want someone who has a great reputation when it comes to customer service, financial management, and site safety. On a personal note, you also want a team you’d love to work with closely for the next two years.

How long does it take to build a custom home?

The design process with your Architectural Designer is dependent on how many revisions you ask for, how complex the home you want to build is, and how quickly you make decisions. We estimate 6 – 12 months from when our clients first meet with us until we begin construction on their new home.

The length of construction is dependent on the details and unique features you’ve included in your plans. We estimate it takes 18 months to two years from dig date to possession. At Maillot Homes we collaborate with engineers, trade partners, and inspections, both from governing bodies and our own internal checks. Throughout this process our Interior Design team is consistently meeting with clients to make selections. We do this in stages to avoid decision fatigue and to give lots of creative space.

How do I stay on budget? 

Sometimes you fall in love with a detail that you want to splurge on. That’s when we step in to find something with that same look that falls within your budget or find ways to save on other aspects of your home.

How do I know everything will go together?

That’s when you trust your expert! Whether you’re working with a builder’s interior design team or an external interior designer, they’ll have a vision for the whole project. You’ll get a chance to see renderings, touch flat lays, and visit your site along to the way to help you get a sense for your new build.