Your home should be as unique as you are, tailored to your lifestyle and personal tastes. The ability to create a custom home exactly to your family's wish list is the most significant advantage of designing and building a new home.

We take pride in being there for our clients throughout the entire process, from the initial discussion to the design presentation meetings and construction, with the goal of creating affordable luxury homes that truly represent the people who live in them. So, what exactly is a custom design and build? Continue reading to learn more.

What is a custom design and build?

When you build a custom home with Location Homes, all architectural drawings and construction services are managed under one roof. All you need is a budget, a site, and a list of 'must haves', and we'll work with you to make your dream home a reality. 

Our design and build process ensures that everything goes smoothly from design and pricing right through to the construction. Essentially, we will take your ideas and design the best solution for your wants, needs and location. Our architects, estimators, builders, and interior designers will then work together to create the best possible solution. It's just a matter of getting started!

The design and build process

Can't seem to find the right design? Or perhaps you already have a plan in mind? We can help you design and build your dream home no matter what stage of the design process you're in. However, first and foremost, the following steps outlined below must be followed.

Step 1: Identify your budget

It is critical to understand your budget before you start your new home journey. It is nearly impossible to decide how large of a home you can build or what design features can be included, unless you know how much money you have to work with. Confirming your budget with your lending provider before you start the design and build process will also help you to save time going back and forward. It is also important to include things like landscaping into this cost. Driveways, fencing, decking and plants can add up so being aware of these costs right from the start can be crucial towards the end of the build. 

Step 2: What is your timeframe?

All good things take time, and building a new home is no exception. Everyone wants their house to be completed as soon as possible, and in most cases you most likely have a general deadline for when you want to be in your new home. To help establish your timeframe, is there anything specific you should consider when determining when you need to start and finish? For example, there may be a baby on the way, or your rental lease could be up for renewal.

If you’re looking to build your home within the next 12-18 months, then now is a good time to start thinking about contacting us to discuss your project.

Step 3: Find your land

Where you build is almost as important as how you build. And the location of your home will influence what you can do with it, both structurally and aesthetically. When looking at sites, it is important to consider the following:

  • The size of the property.
  • Does the land slope or is it flat.
  • What direction is the section facing - how can you maximise the sun. 
  • Natural environment - how close it is to the ocean, protected trees, forest or neighbours.
  • Access to resources - including water, power, phone connections.
  • Having a view versus privacy.

Don’t have any land? Not to worry, you can talk directly to us about your requirements, we have a number of development projects that we are working on at any one time and can help you find the perfect land for your home.

Step 4: Establish your must-haves

From the number of bedrooms you require, whether or not an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe is a need or a must, to a separate living area for the kids. We believe that every home we design and build should look and feel like luxury, this is why one of the first questions we ask is what are your top 3 luxury requirements. From there we work within your budget to achieve them. We also recommend that you start by categorising your needs, wants, dreams, and don't wants. This gives us a clear understanding of what you are looking for in your home, and our designers can get to work.

Step 5: Design your home

Now you should know your budget, timeline, site and your luxury requirements, so you can move onto the last step of the process, designing your home. And this is where the fun really begins. Our design team will bring your ideas to life by creating a floor plan and exterior render. Once the design has been signed off. We will then provide you with a Master Build fixed price contract.

Design and build New Plymouth

What makes Location Homes different from other building companies?

We can help you protect your budget by recommending cost-saving options while maintaining the design's integrity at the same time keeping it completely in-house. Another benefit of working with Location Homes, is that the design team is on-hand to ensure that every detail is carried out according to your specifications. The partnership between construction and design is the most valuable aspect of the design and build process because well-crafted plans are completely ineffective if they do not translate into excellent craftsmanship.

At Location Homes, our reputation is built on consistently delivering premium custom homes to clients with high expectations. If you are thinking about building your next home, start by downloading our latest style guide that features a variety of homes that we have built over the years. Inspirational and sure to get you excited.

Download the Style Guide