Step 1. Information Gathering
Primary Contact: Bensonwood Design Consultant
Information gathering is how we find out about you and your project and you learn more about us.
What you'll do
- Thoroughly review information on our website.
- Fill out and submit the Build My Home form. This is our cue to contact you to talk about your information
- Schedule a time to visit us.
What we'll do
- Review your initial requirements based on your Build My Home form.
- Talk with you about your project and your expectations.
- Meet with you to show you our facilities and examples of our work.
- Present you with our schematic design contract.
Step 2. Schematic Design/Preliminary Estimate
Primary Contact: Lead Designer, Bensonwood Project Steward.
In this phase, we'll develop a custom plan for your home using our exclusive Open-Built® design system.
What you'll do
- Fill out and mail our project questionnaire, along with any information about the building site.
- Sign and return the architectural schematic design contract with your deposit.
- Give us more site information: i.e. photos, maps, topography.
- Collaborate with us as we review and revise the architecture until your new home meets your goals, needs, aesthetics and budgets.
- Begin search for a general contractor.
What we'll do
- Explore your tastes, needs and goals.
- Provide plans and elevations for review.
- Provide a preliminary area-based cost estimate.
- Organize the scheduling of your house.
- Prepare and submit a shell-package contract to you.
Step 3. Construction Plans/Shell Package
Primary Contact: Lead Designer, Bensonwood Project Steward.
With the architectural design complete, our project steward takes over to guide you through crucial construction budget, millwork and finish decisions. By the time your designer completes the construction documents, you'll know exactly what Bensonwood is providing, what your local general contractor is providing, and when construction begins.
What you'll do
- Return signed Shell Package contract along with the deposit.
- Finalize selection of general contractor.
- Choose the rest of the millwork materials for your house.
What we'll do
- Help you choose your millwork and finish materials.
- Generate construction documents/plans.
- Order frame materials, windows and doors.
- Start building your home's components in our shop.
- Schedule your frame raising.
Step 4. Frame Raising/Shell Installation — This is something you'll want to watch!
Primary Contact: Bensonwood Project Steward, Job Captain.
With the frame crafted, and the site prepared, the Beam Team arrives to raise your frame, install the second-floor system, the panels, the windows and exterior doors. The result is the completed shell package. It's a special time so you'll want to be on site as much as possible!
What you'll do
- Select colors, finishes, fixtures, and appliances.
- Observe the building of your home.
What we'll do
- Raise the frame and second-floor system.
- Enclose the frame.
Step 5. Construction completion — Count on your Bensonwood Project Steward for advice.
Primary Contact: Bensonwood Project Steward, General Contractor.
What you'll do
- Work with your general contractor to finish the house.
- Ask any questions you may have (now or in the future).
- Move in.
- Have party!
What we'll do
- Deliver millwork.
- Confer with your general contractor to make sure the rest of your construction goes smoothly.
- Follow up in twelve months to see if your Bensonwood home meets your expectations (and ours).