Our Custom Home Building Process: Turning Your Dream Into Reality

Building a custom home is a big deal—it’s exciting, personal, and yes, it can feel a little overwhelming. At Benchmark Homes, we get it, and we’re here to make the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible. From the moment you start dreaming about your new home to the day we hand you the keys, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Here’s how our process works—and how we help turn your vision into reality.

Where Do I Start?

If you’ve never built a custom home before, figuring out where to start can be confusing. Ask 10 people who’ve done it, and you’ll probably get 10 different answers. But here’s the most important piece of advice we can give you:

Don’t start with an architect.

We know it sounds counterintuitive, but trust us. Jumping straight into designing your dream home can lead to costly mistakes—like a design that’s way over budget or doesn’t work well on your property.

Instead, start with your builder (that’s us!). We’ll help you figure out what’s possible based on your needs, budget, and site conditions. From there, we’ll bring in an architect who can collaborate with you and the builder to create a design that works beautifully—and stays within your budget.

Step 1: Finding the Perfect Spot

The first step in building your dream home is finding the right place to build it.

• If you’re working with us on one of our home sites: Great! We’ve already done the legwork to make sure the site is ready for construction.
• If you’ve already found a site or are in the process of buying one: Let’s talk. The earlier we get involved, the better. We’ll help you figure out if the site is a good fit and identify any hidden costs (like utility hookups or site prep) before you move forward.

We know the St. Louis area like the back of our hand, and we’re happy to help you get to know your potential neighborhood, too.

Step 2: Getting the Site Ready

Once you’ve picked your lot, it’s time to get it ready for construction. This part of the process includes things like:

• Making sure utilities like water, gas, and electricity are available.
• Testing the soil to make sure it can support your home.
• Clearing and grading the site to prepare for the foundation.
• Navigating zoning regulations, setbacks, and any subdivision restrictions.

It might not be the most glamorous part of the process, but it’s essential to make sure your home has a strong, stable foundation.

Step 3: Designing a Home That Fits Your Budget

Here’s where the fun really starts. During the design phase, we’ll work closely with you to create a home that checks all your boxes—without blowing your budget.

Here’s how we do it:

1. We start with a conversation. What’s your vision for the home? How big do you want it to be? What’s your style? What finishes are you dreaming about?
2. We create a preliminary design and rough budget estimate. This gives you a clear idea of what’s possible before we bring in an architect.
3. Once you’re comfortable with the plan, we introduce you to one of our trusted architects (or we can work with your own, if you prefer).

Throughout this phase, we keep a close eye on costs. If something pushes the budget too far, we’ll work with you and the architect to make adjustments before moving forward.

Step 4: The Contract & Financing

When your plans are finalized, we’ll present you with a firm price for the build. If everything looks good, you’ll sign a contract and make an initial deposit (usually 10% of the project cost).

If you need help with construction financing, we can connect you with lenders who specialize in custom homes. And don’t worry—your money is protected. We use a disbursing company to handle payments, ensuring everything is properly documented and lien-free.

Step 5: Choosing Your Finishes

Now comes one of the most exciting parts: making your house your home. During the finish selection process, you’ll get to pick out all the details that make your home unique.

What’s included?

• Flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and paint colors.
• Roofing materials, siding, and masonry.
• Light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, and appliances.
• Trim details like crown molding, doors, and hardware.

We’ll give you a list of trusted vendors to work with and be there to offer advice along the way. If you’d like extra help, we can also recommend an interior designer who fits your style and budget.

Step 6: Building Your Dream Home

With all the decisions made, it’s time to break ground!

Here’s what you can expect during construction:

• We’ll apply for the necessary permits (this can take a few weeks, depending on your location).
• Once the foundation is poured, construction typically takes 5 to 12 months, depending on the size and complexity of your home.
• Our team will be on-site daily to keep things running smoothly and ensure quality control.
• We’ll schedule regular check-ins with you to review progress and answer questions.

We’re with you every step of the way, so there are no surprises—just steady progress toward your dream home.

Step 7: Closing & Moving In

Before closing, we’ll do a final walkthrough with you to inspect the home and document any last-minute touch-ups or fixes. We’ll work hard to address these items before closing, but if anything remains outstanding, we’ll provide a clear plan for getting it done.

At closing, you’ll make the final payment, sign off on the paperwork, and officially take ownership of your new custom home. Then, it’s time to move in and enjoy the space you’ve worked so hard to create!

Why Choose Benchmark Homes?

Building a custom home is a big investment—not just financially, but emotionally, too. At Benchmark Homes, we take that responsibility seriously. Our goal is to make the process as seamless and stress-free as possible, with clear communication, expert guidance, and a focus on quality every step of the way.

If you’re ready to start the journey to your dream home, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today, and let’s get started!