Design & Construction Process
Mueller Homes believes that the design and construction process is the important foundation upon which your entire custom home building experience is built. Here are some highlights of our time-tested and proven design and construction processes.
Evaluate your overall budget and financing needs. Be sure to work with a lender that is well-versed and experienced with construction lending.
Evaluate your lot requirements to ensure that the lot is not only buildable, but that the costs of getting the site ready for construction are within your budget. A feasibility study is the best way to ensure that the lot location is well-suited for the type of home you want to build and your budget.
Consider the type of construction, previous builds, quality of work and business processes of the builder you want to work with in the coming months. Utilize our checklists or download the book to ensure you make an informed decision.
Be sure that you have selected an architect and a builder that can collaboratively create plans and a design that meets your goals and your budget.
Our immersive design process can help you visualize every aspect of your home long before construction begins.
Contract either the architect or a builder to complete a detailed set of drawings and specifications to ensure an apples to apples comparison and avoid surprises and confusion.
The saying “It’s Too Good to be True” is worth its weight in gold. If one builder’s price is 5-8% different than another’s – it’s probably too good to be true OR there is something wrong. The reality is that if all things are equal (and often that is a BIG if), each builder’s pricing structure should be relatively close. Detailed specifications can help you avoid a big gap in pricing. Ensure that the designs and budget are aligned, consider value-engineering options to ensure that the finished project will meet your desired goals.
Local and state jurisdictions have different permitting requirements and fees. If you are located on a waterfront lot, it's vital to have a builder that understands these complexities. Be aware that the site requirements and feasibility engineering will impact the length of time required to obtain building permits.
Enter into a formal agreement with your builder of choice. The construction process is outlined further below.