S8, E7 | Plans, Permits & Prep: Final Step to Construction
It's almost go time! Here's what to check off your construction prep checklist before you break ground...
Every dream home starts with a plan but it becomes real when the planning ends and the building begins. In this episode of The Art of Custom, Kim and Melody bring together everything you’ve learned this season to walk through the final stage of the pre-construction process when vision turns into action and contracts turn into construction.
You’ll learn what happens after budgeting and design are complete, what documents and approvals are needed before breaking ground, and how your builder prepares your site and team for success.
From understanding change orders and construction contracts to celebrating that first shovel in the ground, this episode helps you feel confident and prepared as you move from plans to progress.
Whether you’re building in St. Louis, Park City, or anywhere in between, this final chapter will help you step into construction with clarity, excitement, and peace of mind.
Subscribe and follow along this season as we guide you through every step of the pre-construction process!
SEASON EIGHT, EPISODE SEVEN | TRANSCRIPT
We’ve always said choosing a builder is a lot like a marriage. Everything we’ve talked about this season is a bit like planning a wedding. You’ve chosen the venue, aligned on the details, and committed to a vision that’s uniquely yours. Now, with the contract signed, the preparations begin in earnest. It is time to make your custom home building project official.
Bringing It All Together
After exploring each phase of pre-construction this season, from early planning and site selection to design collaboration and budgeting, and now we're ready to fit all of the pieces together.
- Why strong planning and vision lead to smoother builds
- The importance of assembling your full team early—architect, builder, and designer
- How land selection impacts both design and budget
- And how value engineering keeps your home’s design aligned with your financial goals
The more planned you are upfront, the easier and more successful the project will be.
Finalizing the Design & Budget
Before construction begins, every detail of your design and budget must be finalized.
- The Hibbs team explains:
Your builder should price the project using final construction documents, not preliminary plans. - Accurate budgeting takes about four weeks as trades bid materials and labor.
- Once you approve the budget, your lender needs another 30–45 days to finalize the loan.
That means from final design to excavation, you should expect about 60–75 days before breaking ground.
“Make sure your builder has the final set of construction documents before budgeting, otherwise you’re setting yourself up for change orders down the road.”
Signing the Construction Contract
The construction contract marks the official start of the partnership between homeowner and builder. Hibbs Luxury Homes shares their approach:
- Contracts are shared early so clients can review them with their attorney.
- The goal is fairness—both sides working together toward the same outcome.
- Each project includes key documents:
- The signed construction contract
- Full construction drawings and site plan
- Structural engineering documents (as required by municipality)
- The final budget and specifications
Once signed, contracts are submitted to the lender to finalize financing and prepare for the start of construction.
Change Orders & Transparency
Not every builder handles change orders the same way. Hibbs explains how they protect clients:
- Every change order functions as a mini-contract—approved by both the homeowner and the trade partner.
- Their contracts clearly outline how change orders are priced and approved, without hidden fees.
- Transparency and documentation are key: “Ask your builder how they handle change orders and talk to their past clients about their experience.”
The Countdown to Construction
With contracts signed and financing underway, the builder begins preparing the site.
- In some markets, this includes demolition and grading.
- Others require permits, inspections, and fencing before work can start.
- Once the lender gives a “clear to close,” construction begins—usually within a week of loan approval.
Clients experience a mix of emotions at this stage—excitement, anticipation, and a little nervousness. The Hibbs team reminds listeners that this is normal and part of the adventure.
“Once that first excavator starts digging, it’s time to celebrate. Pop the champagne because you’ve officially moved from planning to building!”
Pro Tips for a Smooth Start
- Make selections early to keep your build on schedule.
- Keep a contingency in your budget for surprises during excavation.
- Trust your builder and team—true custom homes have never been built before, and there will be a few unexpected challenges.
- Visit your site often and enjoy the process—after all, this is the moment your dream home begins to take shape.
Looking Ahead to Season 9
Just like a well-planned wedding, the pre-construction work sets the tone for everything that follows. With permits underway and the land prepared, the stage is set for Season 9, when we will guide listeners through the construction milestones - from excavation to electrical walk-throughs, finishes, and final touches.
“Each episode builds on the last, just like the homebuilding process itself. Join us next season as we move from plans to progress and explore what happens once the shovels hit the ground.”
For more information visit www.artofcustompodcast.com or find us on Facebook and LinkedIn as The Art of Custom. Be sure to subscribe to get the latest episodes and please rate and review. The Art of Custom is produced by HugMonster sound with original music by Adam Frick-Verdeen. Thanks for listening.
