Step 1: Plan a Budget

Establish a general budget for your new home to determine what you are comfortable spending to build your dream home.

Step 2: Location, Location, Location

Where do you want to build your home? BTL Homes can build on your lot or help you find a site on which to build your new home. We can provide you with sites to visit and will carefully explain what size home will complement a particular site. Many clients fall in love with a particular house style that may not fit on every site. Don’t get discouraged if you can’t find the perfect site immediately. We will work with you to find it. The right property is out there, and together we’ll make it happen!

Step 3: Initial Planning

Once you find a site or decide to build on your own lot, the plan/build process begins.

Maybe you have an idea about what type of home you want to build or you may decide to select from one of our available floor plans. (Note, if you decide to use a floor plan, BTL Homes can alter any of our plans to fit your lot or your needs at no additional architectural cost.) During this stage of the process, we will ask what options and materials you want to use in your home and provide you with a detailed specification sheet that will be part of the contract between us. Once the specification sheet has been finalized and we know what you want to build, we will enter into an agreement. This initial investment will allow us to work with you through the planning process, before we actually enter into construction.

Step 4: Engineering and Financing

Initially, you will need an engineer to do specific measurements on your site as it relates to your home. This will provide us with a “building envelope” for your home. If this Feasibility Study has not already been done, we can help you see that it gets completed.

At this point in the process, you will also need to secure financing. If you wish, we can arrange to establish a relationship with a lender who will assist you with your financing needs. We are approved with every bank that does construction loans in the Northern Virginia area, providing you with many options.

Step 5: Architectural/Grading Plans

Once the engineering and financing stage is complete, you will begin working with BTL Homes to develop the perfect plan for your home. Discussions will be held regarding your family’s specific needs (i.e. handicap accessibility, number of baths, the size of the family room, the need to accommodate large areas for entertaining, etc.). We will assist you in working through this part of the planning as we learn about your needs and the features that you would like included in your new home. Once the plans are finalized to your specifications, BTL Homes will submit all required paperwork for a building permit in the corresponding county/city/town.

Step 6: Making Your Selections

After the plans have been submitted to the corresponding jurisdiction, you will meet with BTL Homes to start selecting materials, colors and details for your home. Most of these items have been selected during the Plan/ Build Process but there are always some things that haven’t (ex: color of carpet, hardwood, etc.). All selections will be made prior to starting work on your home. This will enable us to have everything organized and let our construction team work as efficiently as possible once the building permits are approved.

Step 7: Construction Begins

After the paperwork is complete, the fun begins. The construction phase will kick-off with a “Pre-Start Meeting” between you and your BTL Homes construction team. You will get important contact information and have an opportunity to ask any questions before we begin construction. The actual construction of your home should average approximately six months. We will do another formal meeting with you immediately before the drywall goes up in the home, and then a third at the end of construction for the final walk-through. All other meetings are by appointment; we will be glad to meet or speak to you as much as you like to make sure you are comfortable and understand the progress being made on your home.

Please know and believe that we will be with you each step of the way. We will answer all of your questions and your phone calls. That’s the right way to do business to ensure the end result meets your vision.

Step 8: Enjoy Your New Home

Sit back and enjoy your beautiful new home, built “Beyond Your Expectations” by our team of expert builders.