Building Process w/ L&L Custom Builders

1. Relationship Building

Every successful project begins with a strong relationship built on trust, communication, and commitment. Our process starts with an initial meeting at our office, where we introduce you to L&L Custom Builders and explain what sets us apart from other builders. We will walk you through our proven building process and discuss the personalized approach that has helped us successfully serve homeowners for nearly 30 years.

2. Client Referral List

One of the most valuable resources we provide prospective clients is our comprehensive homeowner referral list, which includes every client for whom we have built a home.  We strongly encourage you to contact several of these homeowners to gain firsthand insight into their experience working with L&L Custom Builders and the quality of service we provide throughout the building process.

3. Jobsite Tour

If you are comfortable with what you’ve learned during our initial meeting, the next step is a tour of our active construction sites. This allows you to see firsthand the quality of our craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the cleanliness and organization of our jobsites.

4. Weekly Communication

Consistent communication is one of the hallmarks of our process. Every Friday, you will receive a personal phone call from Eric to discuss the progress made during the week, regardless of what phase your project is in. He will also review upcoming decisions and answer any questions you may have, ensuring you remain informed throughout the entire building process.

5. Home Design

Once you are ready to move forward, we will schedule a design meeting to discuss your vision in detail. During this meeting, we ask a series of questions designed to help us understand your lifestyle, needs, and goals for your future home.

The design process begins with a hand-sketched concept that includes preliminary floor plans and a front elevation. This allows us to confirm that our design direction aligns with your expectations before investing time in detailed CAD drawings.

After the conceptual design is approved, we move into the CAD drafting phase, where your home begins to take shape. Throughout this process, we will meet regularly to review plans, discuss modifications, and answer questions. Depending on the complexity of the project and the number of revisions required, the design process typically takes between two and four months.

6. Bidding Process

Once the plans are finalized, we begin the bidding process. Prior to sending the plans out for pricing, we meet with you to review the finishes and details of your home. This step helps ensure that bids accurately reflect your expectations and minimizes surprises during the selection process.

Our goal is to establish realistic allowances that align with your desired level of finish, reducing the likelihood of budget overruns later in the project. The bidding process typically takes two to three weeks.

7. Bid Presentation, Proposal, and Contract Review

After receiving all bids, we schedule a presentation meeting where we provide a comprehensive project package that includes:

• A detailed cost spreadsheet outlining all construction categories
• Copies of subcontractor bids used in preparing the estimate
• A proposal outlining project scope and specifications
• The construction contract

This transparent approach ensures you fully understand the investment and scope of your project before making a final commitment.

8. Contract Signing

Once you have reviewed the proposal and are ready to proceed, we execute the construction contract and officially begin the building process.

9. Construction Schedule, Selection Schedule, and Vendor Coordination

You will receive:

• A detailed construction schedule
• A selection schedule outlining deadlines for finish selections
• A preferred vendor list with contact information and designated sales representatives

We notify vendors in advance so they are prepared for your appointments and can provide the highest level of service. We understand your time is valuable and strive to make the selection process as efficient as possible.

10. Site Preparation and Foundation

The construction process begins with obtaining the required building permits, which typically takes two to three weeks, depending on the jurisdiction.

While permits are being processed, the home location is staked by our surveyors. Once permits are approved, excavation and foundation work begin, including:

• Excavation and footing installation
• Foundation wall construction
• Waterproofing
• Drain tile installation
• Backfilling

This phase generally takes two to four weeks and prepares the site for framing.

11. Framing

With the foundation complete, construction of the home’s structure begins. Depending on the design, framing starts with either the walkout wall or main floor system, followed by exterior walls, interior walls, and the roof structure.

Framing typically takes eight to twelve weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the home.

12. Exterior Enclosure

As framing nears completion, we install:

• Windows
• Exterior doors
• Roofing shingles
• Fireplaces

This milestone helps secure the structure and protect it from the elements.

13. Rough-Ins

The next phase includes rough-in work for:

• Plumbing
• HVAC
• Electrical

We conduct on-site meetings with each trade contractor to review plans and discuss any modifications you may wish to make. Utility services, including water, sewer, gas, and electrical connections, are also installed during this phase. This process generally takes three to four weeks.

14. Inspections and Insulation

After all rough-in work is completed, required inspections are conducted. Once approved, insulation is installed in the walls, ceilings, and floors. This phase typically requires one to two weeks.

15. Drywall

Drywall installation marks a significant milestone, as room layouts and spaces begin to feel like a home.

After installation, drywall finishing includes taping, mudding, sanding, and priming. This process typically takes four to five weeks.

16. Cabinetry and Interior Trim

As finishes begin to take shape, cabinetry, doors, and interior trim are installed. This is often one of the most exciting phases for homeowners, as many of the personalized selections become visible. This phase generally takes three to four weeks.

17. Painting

Painting is one of the most important finish stages of the project. We place tremendous emphasis on quality and craftsmanship, utilizing premium materials and proven application methods to ensure lasting beauty.

Although this phase may appear slower than others, the additional attention to detail is essential to achieving the level of finish our clients expect.

The initial coat of paint is applied during this stage, with the final coat completed later in the project. This process typically takes five to eight weeks.

18. Tile and Countertops

Selected tile, countertops, and sinks are installed throughout the home. This stage showcases many of the design decisions made earlier in the process and significantly enhances the home’s finished appearance. This phase generally takes four to five weeks.

19. Final Fixtures

The home truly begins to feel complete as the following items are installed:

• Plumbing fixtures
• Lighting fixtures
• Appliances
• Cabinet hardware
• Door hardware
• Bathroom accessories
• Mirrors
• Shower doors

Final drywall touch-ups are also completed, and flooring preparations begin. This phase typically takes approximately two weeks.

20. Carpet and Hardwood Flooring

Carpet and hardwood flooring are installed, marking one of the final major milestones of the project. This phase typically takes one week.

21. Final Painting and Touch-Ups

The final coat of paint is applied, and any remaining touch-ups are completed. Exterior painting is typically performed during this stage once landscaping and grading work are finished.

A comprehensive quality-control walkthrough is conducted, and any remaining items are corrected before moving forward. This process generally takes two to three weeks.

22. Professional Cleaning

Before turnover, the home undergoes a complete professional cleaning, including:

• Duct cleaning
• Interior and exterior window cleaning
• Comprehensive interior cleaning

This process typically takes one week.

23. Final Walkthrough and Closing

A final walkthrough is scheduled a few days before completion. During this meeting, we review the operation and maintenance of all systems and equipment within the home.

Any remaining punch-list items are completed before closing. On closing day, we officially turn over the keys to your new home.

24. One-Year Warranty

Approximately eleven months after completion, we schedule a one-year warranty inspection. During this walkthrough, any warrantable concerns are documented, and appropriate subcontractors are scheduled to address them.

Our goal is to ensure your home continues to perform as expected long after move-in.

25. Lifelong Relationship

Our relationship with our clients extends well beyond construction and warranty service. Over the years, many of our clients have become lifelong friends, and we remain a trusted resource whenever they need assistance, guidance, or future improvements to their home.