Pioneer West Homes

The Design Build Process

Southern Colorado’s Premier Custom Home Builder

As Southern Colorado’s premier custom home builder, our homes come in all sizes, all styles, and all locations across Southern Colorado and New Mexico. And while the styles vary from home to home, the attention to detail and energy efficiency are always consistent regardless of price, size, and location of each project. Read below to learn more about our Design Build Process.

Information Meeting

The initial meeting is between the Customer and the Builder. The purpose is to discuss the Customer’s goals for their home and the Pioneer West Homes planning and building process. Ideas are discussed and the direction of the project is established. Project timelines and home price goals are discussed. The design fee is discussed. The design fee will depend on the complexity of the project.

Design Down Payment

A down payment is required but specifics will be discussed in person at the informational meeting. The cost will depend on the services provided (soils testing, location of job site and expenses, 2D or 3D deign, size of home, etc.). A design contract will be signed at this time.

Initial Finance Meeting

Customer meets with bank contacts to discuss the project and pre-approval.

Conceptual Design Draft

The Customer and the Builder meet to review a draft of the conceptual design. This step may occur a number of times until the Customer is satisfied with the conceptual design.

Conceptual Design Final

The Customer and the Builder meet to review the conceptual design final. Any changes or comments are noted on the design to be incorporated in the detailed design.

Deliverable: front elevation, floor plan and specifications

Initial Budget Review

The Customer and the Builder meet to review the initial budget. Changes to the budget or conceptual design are discussed and a path forward is established.

Deliverable: initial project budget

Note: Steps 4 through 6 may be repeated as necessary

Design Progress Payment

A progress payment toward the design fee is collected. The amount of this progress payment is based on the design contract.

Soils Test

Order soils test to determine foundation design.

Detailed Design Draft

The Customer and the Builder meet to review a draft of the detailed design. Any changes or comments are noted for incorporated in the final detailed design.

Detailed Design Final

The Customer and the Builder meet to review the Detailed Design Final.

Deliverable: architectural plans, structural plans, electrical plans, HVAC design, site plan, foundation plan, final specifications

Final Budget Review

The Customer and the Builder meet to review the final budget. Changes to the budget or detailed design are discussed and a path forward is established. The contract to build is discussed.

Deliverable: final budget

Design Progress Payment

A progress payment toward the design fee is collected. The amount of this progress payment is based on the design contract.

Contract to Build

The Customer and Builder meet to review any budget or detailed design changes. The contract is signed to submit for construction loan.

Construction Loan

The plans, specifications, budget and contract are submitted to the bank.
The bank orders the appraisal. Construction loan is closed.

Permit

The plans are submitted to the Building Department for review and approval. Permit is issued.

Construction begins