An Ideal Home for Life: 6 Tips for the Process of Building a Home in Charlotte NC

Building a home in Charlotte, NC is an exciting process. From arranging your initial architectural meetings to seeing your vision finally come to life, being a homeowner with a home you helped create from scratch is a dream come true for many.

Building a home in a place like Charlotte can be exciting, but homeowners often feel that the process could have been smoother.

So, how can you keep your home building dream from turning sour?

Our team is here to help you make the most of your custom home. We have expert insights on the building process and 6 tips to reduce stress from start to finish.

Tip 1: Be Realistic about the Process

Building a home is a big milestone in anyone’s life, but it’s no walk in the park. When constructing a new building, it's important to remember that the floor plan and design features are the pleasing aspects of your ideal home project.

The bigger picture of building a home in Charlotte, NC can be a lot more complicated.

That said, with the right architecture firm, there’ll always be dedicated support to guide you through the process. All we ask is that you maintain a realistic mindset about the challenges we might need to tackle together.

To make the building process smoother for you (and your architect!), consider the following:

• Set realistic expectations: As a homeowner in North Carolina, it’s easy to get carried away and influenced by what others are building. But, all that really matters is that your new home is the right one for you. It’s important to set realistic expectations for your property based on your personal needs, budget, and timeline.
  
  
• Budget wisely: Your cost to build shouldn’t put your entire financial future at risk. This is why it’s vital to craft a budget that not only covers the cost of your architect and project materials, it also accommodates unexpected expenses.
  
  
• Timeline awareness: When you’re building a home with multiple contractors on board, every step takes time. This is why, as a homeowner, you need to familiarize yourself with each stage of your build and be realistic about your timeline. 
  
  
• Regular check-ins: Building a home is a collaborative effort, and regular check-ins with your architect and team will ensure everyone stays on the same page. Helping to avoid misunderstandings and make every step smoother, the more transparency you have between teams — the better!

Tip 2: Understand the Role of Your Architect

Architects aren’t just designers; they’re problem solvers. From determining the slope of your roof to giving you that high-end finish you’ve always wanted, a professional architect can be at the center of your project from start to finish.

But what specific areas of your build will your architect be responsible for?

• Design concept: Architects are responsible for developing the overall design concept of your home, incorporating your preferences and lifestyle needs.
  
  
• Aesthetic details: Beyond structural concerns, architects also focus on aesthetic details like windows and exterior details, ensuring the final product aligns with your vision.
  
  
• Structural integrity: With the help of a team, they ensure that the structural elements of your home, including load-bearing walls and foundations, meet safety and code requirements.
  
  
• Construction Drawings: Often referred to as “permit drawings”.  This set of drawings assembles all of the technical information needed to have the project approved, but equally important, it guides the builder on what to build and how to build it.
  
  
• Project oversight: Even with a dedicated project manager on board, many professional architects will choose to oversee certain aspects of the construction phase themselves, ensuring the design is executed as planned.

Note: While architects will have responsibility over certain aesthetic aspects of your new home, unless they offer interior design services—elements like wallpaper, flooring, and furniture won’t be included. Most architects offer interior architecture services like lighting design or integrated fixture design, but this is something you should clarify with your architect before project kick-off.

Tip 3: Get to Know the Building Process 

Even with expert guidance, building a home in Charlotte, NC is still a process that demands careful consideration and patience. Through a series of crucial steps, you and your architect will collaborate to ensure your dream home is brought to life with precision. 

Knowing what these steps should be will help you be more confident during the process.

Here’s a breakdown of the 10 key phases the Houghland Architecture team will follow:

Phase 1: Getting Started

• Meeting 1: During an initial no-fee meeting, our team will find out if we’re the right fit for your project, discussing everything from the home building process to what team members your project might require.
  
  
• Meeting 2: Once you’re happy to move forward, at our second meeting (with an hourly fee) we’ll discuss your wish list, budget targets, team members, and a detailed exploration of the homebuilding process. Essentially, this stage lays the foundation for the specifics of your project.
  
  
• Architectural contract signed: With a clear understanding of your project, it’ll be time to sign your architectural contract. This comprehensive document outlines the scope of the project, responsibilities for both the client and architect, and transparently lays out all associated fees.

Phase 2: Deciding What to Build

• Site analysis: This phase involves a meticulous examination of your property, including zoning code analysis, lot coverage considerations, and an analysis of the built-upon area. This step ensures that the proposed design aligns seamlessly with the unique characteristics of your land.

• Room list and blockout plans: To visualize the spatial distribution of your home, we prepare a detailed list of rooms and outdoor spaces. This will give you an advanced overview of the relationships between spaces, without overcomplicating things at this stage.

Phase 3: Builder Selection/Budget

• Meeting with builder(s): Engaging in discussions with potential builders is crucial for understanding possible costs and establishing an initial budget. This collaborative approach ensures that the construction phase aligns with your financial expectations.
  
  
• Builder selection: Following the meetings, it’s up to you (with the support of your architect!) to select a home builder to join the team. 

Phase 4: Refining the Plans

• Detailed floor plans: With the basic structure in place, it’s time to proceed with the development of more detailed floor plans and areas, incorporating your preferences and addressing any spatial requirements you may have.
  
  
• Client revisions: During this phase, you and your architect can make revisions and additions to the plans as needed, ensuring that the final design perfectly aligns with your vision.

Phase 5: Developing the Home Exterior

• Elevations and 3D views: Transitioning from the internal structure to the external aesthetics, your architect will work to define the look and feel of your home through elevations and 3D views. This step helps you both visualize the exterior of your dream home and allows you to make suggestions for enhancement. 

Phase 6: Budget Check

• Rough cost estimates: Collaborating with your builder and other relevant contractors, our team will ensure you receive a rough cost estimate of the concept plans. This step confirms that the initial design matches your budget without compromising essential features.

Phase 7: Preparing Construction Drawings

• Permit drawings: Moving towards the construction phase, your architect can start to prepare your permit drawings. This phase can also include fine-tuning design aspects like structural engineering, lighting design, and product selection.
  
  
• Construction contract: Before breaking ground, you’ll be asked to sign a construction contract with your chosen builder. This solidifies your partnership, as well as the intention to bring your design to life.

Phase 8: Agency Review

• Building permit submission: Your builder will take charge of submitting permit drawings to the relevant agencies. This ensures compliance with local regulations and sets the stage for the upcoming construction.

Phase 9: Construction Begins

• Construction observation (optional): For those who opt for it, your architect can provide construction observation. This additional layer of involvement ensures that the construction continuously satisfies your agreed-upon brief.

Phase 10: Construction Complete

• Project sign-off: With a reputable design and construction team on site, your build should reach completion and hopefully, exceed your expectations. At this stage, it might also be time to collaborate with other contractors—like decorators—to turn your house into a home.

Tip 4: Ensure You Have a Home Builder on Board During the Design Process

As mentioned, while architects handle the design aspects of your project, having a builder on board as early as possible can make a big difference to the outcome of your project. 

Builders play a crucial role in the construction process. They ensure that the architect's design is within budget and manage the practical aspects of construction. Their early involvement increases efficiency and enhances the overall quality of the build.

Wondering how? Here are some key considerations:

• Feasibility check: Builders bring practical insights to each project they work on, assessing the complexity of design concepts from a construction perspective. With early collaboration and potential risks addressed from the outset, an executable final design can be achieved sooner.
  
  
• Cost-efficient design: Early engagement allows builders to provide valuable input on the purchase of cost-effective design alternatives. This not only aligns the project with your budget, it also ensures that your custom home is budget-friendly without compromising on quality.
  
  
• Construction planning: Experienced builders can be invaluable when it comes to strategic construction planning. Their involvement from the blueprint stage to actual construction can minimize delays, optimize timelines, and ensure project goals remain realistic.
  
  
• Material and resource insight: A reputable team of builders can advise on suitable materials and resources during the design phase. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the design incorporates materials that are readily available and within budget, avoiding last-minute changes.
  
  
• Energy Efficiency and Systems Selection: Builders can guide the team on energy efficiency targets and the associated costs. Hand in hand with energy efficiency is the determination of the heating and cooling systems and the electrical demands and equipment. There is an ever-increasing number of choices in this area, including energy recovery systems, whole house surge protection, humidifiers, leak detection, and smart controls. 

Tip: If you’re building a home with the intention of selling it later, having a builder involved in the design process can also help you optimize the final sale price of your home. From a modest residential property to a multi-million dollar home in a gated community, the top-selling homes are the ones that prioritize both aesthetic appeal and functional design on behalf of the resident.

Tip 5: Be Aware of Key Deadlines and Required Documentation 

The red tape associated with building a home in Charlotte, NC can be enough to give any homeowner a headache. But, with the right level of support from your architect, the process can be made easier.

As the project owner though, it’s important to be aware of your own responsibilities. 

As the project owner, you'll still need to handle certain aspects of your project, even if your team of contractors can take care of many tasks.

• Research documentation: As the owner of the property you’re building, it’s your responsibility to understand the permits and documentation needed for your build. In North Carolina, the ultimate responsibility for permitting ultimately is your contractor, but it’s good to know what is going on with your project.
  
  
• Be aware of project deadlines: With such a large investment of both time and money at stake, it’s vital to know the timelines for approvals, submissions, and phase completion. Owners play a critical role and have many decisions to make. Timely decisions will help prevent the team from missing deadlines that can cause unnecessary delays. You may even lose reliable contractors due to timeline overlaps.
  
  
• Ask for advice sooner rather than later: Especially as a first-timer, you’re not expected to be an expert. But, you are expected to seek support as you need it. Be sure to engage professionals who can guide you through the documentation and bureaucratic aspects of your project if necessary.
  
  
• Have a contingency plan in place: With home builds, it’s safe to assume that not all plans will run smoothly. This is why you should always prepare for unforeseen delays by including a contingency plan and additional time in your schedule.
  
  

Tip: While it’s important to understand what documentation your project needs, it’s also important to ask "how much does it cost?" Be sure to seek clarity from your builder on the anticipated expenses for permits, paperwork, and other administration fees, so you can budget effectively for your home construction project.

Tip 6: Know What You Want, but Be Open to Guidance

Building your ideal custom home in North Carolina is something you’ve probably thought about for years. But, professionals exist for a reason, and what you initially want from your build might not align with what’s possible.

Luckily, once you have a clear vision and can communicate this to your construction team, you’ll be able to work together to achieve a design you can all be proud of.

To find the right balance between sticking with what you want, and what your team knows is best:

• Practice effective communication: Your architect is your creative partner. It’s important to communicate transparently from the start and be sure to discuss your vision, lifestyle needs, and any concerns you have openly and honestly.
  
  
• Prioritize must-haves vs. nice-to-haves: Clearly distinguish between your non-negotiables and preferences. This clarity will help your team understand what’s most important to your vision and keep things within the scope of the project.
  
  
• Request regular updates: As mentioned, open communication with your architect is essential for keeping your project on track. By arranging regular check-ins, you can discuss any emerging concerns and gain a deeper insight into the expertise of your team, without overloading them with phone calls or emails! 
  
  
• Be open to design evolution: Sometimes, adjustments are necessary for the greater good of your project. This is why, as part of the creative journey, it’s vital to be flexible and embrace change when needed.
  
  
• Balance feedback: Your input is vital, especially when it comes to guiding your architect on what designs will work for you. As a homeowner, we suggest finding the right balance between providing feedback at every stage and displaying trust and confidence in the architect you’ve chosen to deliver your final design.

Confidence to Start Building Your Custom Home in Charlotte, NC 

The journey of building a home in Charlotte, NC, is a huge undertaking. We hope this article has given you some tips to make you more comfortable and confident during this process.

Still feeling too overwhelmed to start? At Houghland Architecture, we're here to turn the overwhelming into the achievable. 

With over 25 years' experience in residential design, we’ve successfully designed hundreds of homes for clients in the Charlotte area. 

Is your project next? Contact us for a FREE consultation, and let’s bring your vision to life.