Starting your custom home design process can be intimidating. At Robin Ford Building, we try to make it as easy as possible.
If you seek a custom home builder who demonstrates consistency, transparency, and personal attention, consider Robin Ford Building. Superior craftsmanship, individual attention, and complete personalization are the hallmarks of a Robin Ford home. When you collaborate with us, Robin Ford will visit the job site regularly to ensure our standards are upheld. This article describes the custom home design process with Robin Ford Building.
Questions to Consider Before the First Consultation
- Have you chosen a house plan? Or which sample plan here on our site best meets your living needs? Robin Ford Building can personalize any house plan for you.
- Which home style do you prefer? Ranch, two-story, etc.
- What are your requirements for interior spaces? This includes the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, breakfast area, study/office, formal dining/living…
- Approximate square footage?
- Any must-have interior finishes? Tile, carpet, hardwood, etc.
- Any must-have exterior finishes? Brick, stone, siding, etc.
- What is your budget?
- When would you like to start your project?
Pre-Planning Meeting
- Establish your desires in your new home. In your first meeting, you should review house and floor plans from your wish list to determine what is reasonable for your budget. You should also discuss financing options and typical procedures with your custom home builder. Refer to the questionnaire for more information.
- Discuss building lot options. Robin Ford building can assist you in your search for a lot. If you own your building lot, please make sure to bring your site plan/plot and well and septic information.
- Receive general pre-estimate pricing. As part of our custom home design process, we can provide a pre-estimate price if you have already chosen a house plan.
Construction Financing
With a budget or pre-estimate price, you can contact the lending institutions that Robin Ford Building has worked with and recommend to determine your eligibility for construction financing. We recommend collaborating with GBL Custom Home Plan Design to develop your ideal plan if your chosen house plan requires modification. Robin provides his expertise to guide you through this phase and remain within your budget. GBL takes about two weeks to modify a set of plans. A $2,000 deposit is requested for this service, which we will include in-home pricing if you contract to build your home with Robin Ford Building. However, you always have the option to partner with an architect/designer of your choice – we are happy to work with them.
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- As part of your custom home design process, you will go over with Robin to determine general preferences for the house plan.
- Once you have received, reviewed, and approved your final house plan design, we will send it to our subcontractors for bid on each job phase.
- Robin Ford will proceed with the construction contract and specifications once you review and approve the house pricing.
- Finalize your lender and obtain final approval.
- The selections worksheet and distributors are provided to help you divide the final selection process into 4 manageable parts and proceed on schedule.
- Once the construction contract and specifications are signed and we have bank loan approval, we may submit an application for the building permit (it takes 2-3 weeks to process a permit in Carroll County, MD).
Robin Ford Can Help You to Build the Custom Home of Your Dreams!
With over 30 years of award-winning custom home-building experience, Robin Ford and his team of expert craftsmen have earned a stellar reputation for their commitment to quality. Click here to learn more about our financing options and how we can help you find a home within your budget.
As an Indoor airPLUS Partner, ENERGY STAR® Partner, Certified Green Professional, and Maryland’s only proud member of the exclusive Southern Living Custom Builder Program –Robin Ford Building and Remodeling, Inc. is equipped to build you a home that your children’s children will want to own. Call 410-239-8850 or contact us here to start experiencing The Robin Ford Difference today. You can also connect with us on Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.