Our Process

At Yoder Custom Homes, our mission is to guide you through the complex journey of designing and building your custom home with ease and clarity. To achieve this, we break the process down into five key phases. Each phase is designed to provide structure, communication, and transparency throughout your project. This page outlines our process and what you can expect as we work together to bring your vision to life.

1. Initial Meetings

The first step in building your custom home is to find a builder that you feel comfortable with. We consider the initial meeting an essential part of that decision. This is when we get to know each other and discuss your goals for the project.

Site Visit. One of our first meetings will be at the building site. It is important for us to see the land where your home will be built and to get a feel for what you envision. This meeting also gives us insights into any site constraints or complexities that we may be working with.

Follow up Visit.  In this meeting we’ll take the time to better understand your vision, your needs, your budget, and timeline. We will also walk you through our process so that you know what to expect going forward. We will talk about the cost of building, to help you make an informed decision.

Outcome: Being able to make a confident decision about whether to move take the next step.

If we both feel like we’re a good fit for your needs, and you are ready to take the next step, we’ll move forward with the next phase.

2. Concepts

In the Concepts phase, we begin the exciting work of designing your home. This phase typically takes 2-3 months to complete, though the timeline may vary depending on the complexity of your design and any changes made along the way.

What to Expect:

  • Agreement and Design Work: Once you decide to proceed, we’ll enter into an agreement with you and connect you with our preferred draftsman. The design fee for this phase is $2,000, which is due in advance.

  • Advisory Role: During this phase, Yoder Custom Homes takes an advisory role. We will meet with you on-site as needed to help with design decisions, provide cost guidance, and help ensure that the design aligns with your budget.

  • Client Agreement with Draftsman: You will enter into a separate agreement with the draftsman for their services, and you will be responsible for their fees.

 Outcome:

At the end of this phase, you will have a finalized concept design. This includes the floor plan, exterior elevations, and basic interior elements, all of which should reflect your vision and fall within your budget.

Once everyone is satisfied with the concept plan and if all parties agree, we’ll move forward to the next phase.

3. Preconstruction

The Preconstruction phase focuses on the detailed planning and preparation needed to turn your concept into a reality. This phase includes the completion of construction plans and designs, as well as necessary site preparation.

What Happens in This Phase:

  • Plans Development: The draftsman will create full construction plans, including structural design, truss design and review, window and door specifications and review, and construction details for interior and exterior elements.

  • Site Work: This includes tasks like soil science and analysis, well/septic design, permits, and entrance road construction.

  • Well Installation: If needed, we will have the well drilled.

  • Septic System Installation: While excavation equipment is on site, we will go ahead and install the septic system.

  • Electric Service: We will work with AEP to get electrical service brought onto the property and a temporary service installed.

  • Selections: We will work with you to finalize selections for materials and fixtures for both interior and exterior elements.

  • Cost Analysis: A detailed building cost analysis will be completed, allowing us to offer an exact construction cost.

  • Fixed Price Contract: We will develop a fixed-price contract that includes a guaranteed move-in date. We want no surprises! We believe that you should know what your home will cost and how long it will take to build before you sign the contract.

Fee Structure:

The cost for preconstruction services will be determined based on the complexity of the design and the extent of sitework required.

Outcome:

When the preconstruction work is complete, your site will be prepared for construction, and you will receive a fixed price contract proposal with a guaranteed move in date.

 If everyone agrees, we will proceed with the construction phase.

4. Construction

The construction phase is the culmination of all the previous planning and work. Our goal is to take the stress and fear out of building. We will be there every step of the way so you can sit back and enjoy watching your home take shape!

Our Roles:

  • Project Management: Yoder Custom Homes manages every aspect of construction to ensure your home is built with utmost care and that it is ready for handover by the date we have guaranteed.

  • Communication: One of the keys to success is good communication. We utilize CoConstruct as a project management system. You will be given access to a portal through which we will communicate, make selections, sign change orders, and stay abreast of what is happening on the project.

  • Client Involvement: During the construction phase, your involvement in the following ways is important.

    • Prompt payments according to the draw schedule.

    • Scheduled walk-throughs to ensure the home is being built to your satisfaction.

    • Finalizing selections for materials and finishes in a timely manner.

    • Ongoing feedback: Your input is important! We encourage you to stay engaged and let us know if anything looks incorrect or if you have questions or concerns.

Outcome:

Once construction is complete, the county will issue a Certificate of Occupancy, confirming that the home meets all local requirements. We’ll conduct a final walk-through with you, and once final payment is received, we’ll hand over the keys.

“Welcome home!”

5. Warranty

At Yoder Custom Homes, we stand by the quality of our workmanship, and we offer a one-year warranty on materials and workmanship.

Warranty Details:

  • Follow-ups: We follow up with you periodically throughout the first year and address any warranty issues.

  • Continued Support: If any concerns arise during the warranty period, we’ll address them promptly and ensure that your home continues to meet your expectations.

Conclusion

The Yoder Custom Homes process is designed to make the building experience as simple and enjoyable as possible. From the initial meeting to the final walk-through, we are committed to helping our clients navigate the path of building a home.

We look forward to helping your dream become a reality.

If you have any questions or would like to get started with your own custom home, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are excited to help you build a home that will endure for generations to come.