building process
Building a home can be overwhelming. Even just the idea is daunting to many. At Ground Breaker Homes, we offer an easy-to-follow, eight-step plan to building a home. We are a small enough builder that you will receive personal one-on-one attention, yet we build enough homes to demand competitive pricing from our loyal and hardworking subcontractors. When you choose GBH as your builder, we will build a long-term relationship with you as one of our valued homeowners!
The process includes pulling building permits, finalizing construction drawings, budgets, site plans, etc. Once construction starts, most of our house plans take 150-180 days to construct without any significant weather delays.
The Ground Breaker
difference
CONSULTATION
You are invited to meet with a Ground Breaker Homes team member to talk in-depth about what you need from a home, what you want from a home, and what GBH has to offer. You will be given an opportunity to ask all your questions about the process. We want to get to know you and we want you to get to know us!
FINANCING
At GBH, we understand what a large financial commitment building a home can be. Following the consultation, you will be invited to meet with a preferred lender if you so choose. We want you to feel comfortable with the dollar and cents side of building. We will be there with you through the preapproval process and have expert guidance for financing and lending options.
PICK A LOT
Location, location, location! Not only can we help you find the neighborhood that fits you best, we will help in finding the perfect lot for your new home. We will match the lot to the style of home you want to build. Desires like walkout basement, cul-de-sac, abundance of daylight or shade trees, and more can all be taken into account. GBH also has access to housing developments (lots) that other builders may not.
PICK A PLAN
This step may be the most fun! Here your ideas and desires start to take form. Choose from one of our many predesigned floor plans or work with one of our designers to customize and bring to life your dream home
SELECTION & PROCESS
During the selection stage, you will select colors and styles for the exterior and interior of your home. We have a checklist/road map to help you through these selections and also, an in-house designer who will guide you through the process. There will be documents and numerous communications that will prepare you for the construction of your home.
CONSTRUCTION
Let the ground breaking begin! This is what Ground Breaker Homes is all about. The most exciting step for our clients; we are ready to dig and build. While working with contractors and subcontractors, we will communicate with you as needed throughout the build. Clients will be given opportunities to visit the construction site and take walk-throughs once it is safe to do so. Electrical walkthroughs, trim walkthroughs, etc. will be directed.
CLOSING
Another tedious but necessary step for homeowners. GBH will be with you for your closing and will have already worked closely with your lender to ensure a smooth and stress-free transition of ownership. At the end of this step, your home is officially yours and you are able to move in!
WARRANTY
Ground Breaker Homes offers a One Year Builder Warranty on all our homes built. Prior to closing, a home orientation and punch list walkthrough will be performed. Details for all warranties will be provided before the closing.
At Ground Breaker Homes, we are with you every step of the way.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will carry the construction loan and own the lot?
This will be negotiated between Ground Breaker Homes and the buyer. When the future homeowner owns the lot, they will often carry the construction loan and be responsible for the costs involved. When the prospective homeowner does not own the lot, Ground Breaker Homes will often purchase the lot and carry the construction loan and wrap expenses involved in the final purchase price.
What is the required deposit to start construction?
Traditional down payments range from 5 to 10%; however, this will be negotiated based on the level of customization and location of the project.
Who will ensure the home during construction?
Ground Breaker Homes has a master insurance policy through our insurance provider. Traditionally Ground Breaker Homes will carry insurance from start to finish of the home, including builders risk insurance.
Who will pay for utilities during construction?
Ground Breaker Homes will pay for utilities during construction. Upon completion of home, utilities will be transferred to the buyer.
How long does it take to build a home?
It may take several weeks or months before construction can start. The process includes pulling building permits, finalizing construction drawings, budgets, site plans, etc. Once construction starts, most of our house plans take 150-180 days to construct without any significant weather delays.
Who pays for architectural plans?
Using a Ground Breaker Homes limits architectural fees and can streamline your home building process. If we are developing a custom plan, it will be the homeowner's responsibility to pay for the plan. This cost can be rolled into the price of the home once the custom home contract is signed.
What to expect with soil conditions and testing?
Expansive soils and shale are common in Central Iowa. We recommend talking about a budget for any needed soil remediation upfront. Also, a homeowner may have a soil test be conducted before entering into a custom home agreement, so any soil conditions can be determined upfront and built into the cost of the home.