Building a new home can be a very exciting and enjoyable experience. It is one of the few times in your life that you will get to watch something that you buy being created. Throughout the process, communication is key. The builder’s success in personalizing your home depends on effective and open communication. Because of the time required for construction, you will have many opportunities to view your home as it is being built. Please ask questions and discuss details with your Tilson Home builder.

Preparing Your Property

The information below applies primarily to acreage property rather than urban lots. This will introduce you to some things to consider as you prepare your property for the construction of your new home.

• Electrical Power - One of the first steps required is to have electrical service provided to the property. Usually, a power company representative will meet with you at your property and will provide you with a detailed outline of costs, time frames and installation options. It is recommended that you apply for electrical service six weeks before construction begins to ensure that power is available before the framing of your home begins.
• Address - The process for acquiring an address for your new home varies. In some areas the power company assigns new addresses. Sometimes a city does so. If neither can assign an address in your area, contact the postal service. You will most likely need to install a roadside mailbox. Leave a note inside the box requesting an address and raise the flag to alert the Postal Carrier.
• Access to Site - Construction equipment requires good access to your property. Culverts may be needed to provide ingress/egress over drainage ditches. An all-weather drive is also needed that will support equipment weighing up to 70,000 pounds.
• Site Preparation - It is usually best to wait until you meet with your builder to plan your site preparation. Well-intentioned changes to your property may cause a lot of headaches and lead to additional expense. Prior to the start of construction, the immediate area should be free of high grass, trees, stumps and debris.

Plans and Specifications

In constructing your new home, your Tilson Home builder is taking your ideas and turning them into a reality. Your ideas are communicated to the builder, suppliers and trade contractors through plans and specifications. Review these documents carefully with your builder prior to the start of construction. This is the best time for questions and changes. Please be aware that if something is not noted on your plans and specifications, it will not be built into your home. It is recommended that all changes to your plans and specifications are made in writing, on a "Change Order" form, to properly document your desires.

View over 100 Floor Plans to help you in your planning process.

"Nothing is Happening"

In order to keep your stress to a minimum, expect several days during the construction of your home when it appears that nothing is happening. This can occur for several reasons. Each trade (i.e. cabinet installation, electrical, plumbing) is scheduled days or weeks in advance of the actual work. Occasionally, one trade completes its work a bit ahead of schedule. Sometimes their job takes longer than anticipated. When either occurs, schedules have to be adjusted. Progress also pauses while the home awaits various inspections. This is part of the normal sequence and may occur at several points in every home. Finally, keep in mind that a quality builder would rather wait a few days for the best craftsman or product than hurry the process.

Communication

A good builder will respect and appreciate your interest and attachment to your new home. Your input should always be welcome. It is your new home, and you are the customer. Accordingly, there are no dumb questions. Contact us if you have any questions at all!