Our Process
Every Stone Harbor home follows the same clear path. Nothing skipped, nothing sprung on you. Here's what building with us looks like, step by step.
The journey
Building a custom home is a big decision. We've refined our process to make it feel less like a leap and more like a series of thoughtful, well-supported choices. You'll know where you stand at every stage, and you'll always know who to call.
If you already own land, we can meet to assess its ideal location and orientation for your desired house plans. We'll evaluate factors like sun exposure, views, and accessibility to maximize your property's potential and enhance your living experience.
If you're considering multiple properties to purchase, our team can help you identify the one that best fits your vision. We'll discuss your specific needs, such as proximity to amenities and desired features, guiding you in making an informed choice.
Additionally, feel free to inquire about our available land inventory. We may have properties that perfectly align with your dream home, whether you seek a tranquil rural setting or a vibrant community.
We use traditional communication as well as a construction project management app that enhances our collaboration with you. This tool enables us to monitor the budget, track progress, manage design changes, and identify potential challenges effectively.
Additionally, it streamlines our workflow and ensures clear communication, allowing us to discuss specific features of your home seamlessly.
Creating a budget can be challenging, but starting with fundamental home characteristics makes it simpler. By identifying key elements like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, desired square footage, and any unique features you envision, we develop a budget tailored to your needs.
This approach lets us assess costs for materials and labor while considering your financial goals, such as staying within a set price range or prioritizing energy efficiency. By aligning the budget with your vision, we create a comprehensive financial plan that ensures a successful build while respecting your aspirations.
You can bring us your preferred house plans, or we can suggest one from our extensive collection. If you're looking for inspiration, our in-house home designer will help you integrate your ideas into the functionality and style of your new home.
Whether you envision spaces for entertaining, outdoor living, or any specific functional needs, we can accommodate your wishes in any style you desire.
Our building contract is the foundation of a successful build. It establishes the responsibilities of both the builder and the customer, serving as a clear framework for the entire project.
This legally binding agreement outlines the scope of work, payment terms, warranties, and other critical expectations. By clearly defining these elements upfront, the contract prevents misunderstandings and ensures that both parties are aligned in goals and responsibilities from day one.
The final step before physical construction begins involves conducting thorough land surveys and securing the necessary permits. This phase sets the stage for the entire project.
We mark the footprint of your house to ensure precise placement, remove any trees that may obstruct construction, and grade the land to create a stable foundation. This preparation accommodates the layout of your home, driveway, and any additional structures you want to include, creating an optimal environment for a smooth, successful build.
Your home moves through several essential phases before it's ready for you to move in:
We provide an express limited warranty that comprehensively outlines our commitments to the quality of our work and the ongoing expectations you can have as a homeowner. This warranty is designed to give you confidence in the durability and reliability of your new home.
Several key areas are specifically addressed: workmanship, mechanical systems, and structural integrity. We take pride in our craftsmanship, and our warranty covers the essential mechanical systems that keep your home running smoothly - plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.
Our goal is simple: peace of mind, knowing that we stand by our work long after move-in day.
