The Power of Preparation: How Our Preconstruction Process Sets You Up for Success
In our last blog, Why Selections Can Slow You Down, we explored how delayed selections can impact your timeline and why early planning is essential for a smooth custom home build. Now, we’re taking you inside the Nally Homes Preconstruction process, a client-focused approach that sets us apart in the custom home market. It’s designed to help you make confident decisions, avoid budgetary surprises, and bring your vision to life with clarity.
A Clear Roadmap From the Start
Our pre-construction process is on average 3-months long depending on the scale of your project, and is intentionally structured to provide plenty of opportunities for collaboration. Instead of trying to figure out countless details during construction, you’ll have time and guidance to explore ideas, consider options, and plan every aspect of your project in advance. This approach not only simplifies your experience but also ensures your finished home reflects exactly what you’ve envisioned.
Whether you’re planning a remodel in South Bethany or building a custom home in Rehoboth Beach, our 8-step process helps you prepare, no matter where your home is:
- Conceptual Design
- Feasibility
- Preliminary Budgeting
- Detailed Design
- Scope Development
- Selections of Products & Finishes
- Contract Pricing & Construction Schedule
- Construction Contract
Step 1: Conceptual Design
Do you have plans in hand, or are you already working with an architect? If not, we start with Conceptual Design. We visit your site to measure and document your lot or home’s existing conditions. From there, we create an initial floor plan incorporating your home wishlist. The conceptual design helps bring your ideas into focus and lays the foundation for what’s to come.
Step 2: Feasibility
Once we’ve developed the concept, our team begins researching the feasibility of your project. We look at local zoning regulations, HOA requirements, and permitting considerations to make sure the vision for your home is achievable. We also assess the availability of utilities and identify any fees or limitations that may impact your build. If a property survey is required, we’ll coordinate that on your behalf.
Step 3: Preliminary Budgeting
With a working design and feasibility insights in place, we create a preliminary budget tailored to your desired spend. This transparent budgeting process gives you a clear understanding of your overall investment and helps you make informed decisions with confidence as the project moves forward.
Step 4: Detailed Design
We begin this step by developing a schematic plan that builds on the initial concept and brings more detail to your layout and design. We create a full design package that includes floor plans, site plans, exterior elevations, foundation layouts, and roof plans. Structural drawings are completed with a licensed engineer, along with interior elevations for kitchens, baths, and built-ins, and a ceiling plan showing light fixture placement. These plans give us everything needed to finalize pricing and prepare for construction. Structural plans are prepared in collaboration with our licensed engineer, so every component is thoughtfully designed for quality and longevity.
Step 5: Scope Development
As we develop the design, we also define the scope of work. This includes writing detailed specifications that explain what will be included in your project and how it will be built. The scope document is updated as the design evolves and includes a full list of items that will require your selection. This ensures that everyone involved, from builder to client to interior designer, is working from the same clear plan.
Step 6: Selection of Products and Finishes
With the scope outlined, it’s time to select the materials, finishes, and fixtures that will make your home unique. You’ll work closely with our team through a series of meetings and showroom and design visits to explore your options and make confident decisions. We help ensure each selection aligns with your style and budget.
Step 7: Contract Pricing & Construction Schedule
Once your floor plan, scope of work, and selections are finalized, we prepare detailed pricing for your project. This includes material take-offs, labor quotes, and updated budget documentation. Throughout this process, we provide ongoing transparency so you can make informed decisions and feel confident in your investment. At this time, we also create a custom construction schedule that aligns with your project scope and timeline. This schedule maps out the major phases of construction, so you’ll always know what’s happening next and when to expect key milestones.
Step 8: Construction Contract
The final step in the preconstruction process is the preparation of the construction contract. This contract includes your finalized scope of work, selections, pricing, and construction schedule. Once signed, your project is fully prepared for construction to begin, on time, on budget, and fully aligned with your vision. Now the real fun begins, it’s time to build your dream home!
Ready to Build With Confidence?
At Nally Homes, we believe thoughtful planning is the key to an exceptional home. Making key decisions early, especially when it comes to finishes and materials, gives you greater control over your budget, your timeline, and the final result. When selections are made during preconstruction, the build runs smoothly, and your home becomes a true reflection of your vision.
Whether you’re creating a custom home addition in St. Michaels, completing a coastal remodel in Bethany Beach, or starting fresh with a custom modern beach house design in Lewes, our preconstruction process ensures every detail is considered before construction begins.
Let’s get started and bring your vision to life, the right way, from the very beginning!
