Design/Build

Lockie Homes LLC 7-Step Building Process

Building your dream home is an exciting journey, and we’re here to make it seamless and rewarding. At Lockie Homes, we tailor every project to your unique vision, ensuring transparency and partnership throughout the entire process. Your dedicated project manager will guide you with clear updates via in-person meetings, phone calls, email, text, and our user-friendly Online Client Portal, based on your preferred method of communication. We proactively manage risks, such as delays or unexpected costs, with contingencies for challenges like weather or soil issues, ensuring your project stays on track. Timelines vary by project complexity, and your project manager will provide specific estimates throughout.

Step 1: Initial Contact

Kick off your journey with a phone call or email. Within 24 hours, we’ll schedule a no-obligation meeting and send a questionnaire to capture your vision, budget, and goals. This ensures our first discussion is focused and productive.

• Timeline: Once we have your completed questionnaire, it will take 1–2 days to arrange.
• Your Role: Please complete the questionnaire to share your dream home ideas and return it to us via email.

Step 2: Site Meeting

We’ll meet at your property to discuss your project and review your questionnaire. This helps us assess the site, define the scope, and understand your needs. Bring ideas, plans, or site details (e.g., surveys or sketches). If you have concept plans, we’ll review them for permitting needs and move to Step 3 or 4 as appropriate. If not, we’ll recommend an experienced architect we trust.

• Timeline: 1–2 hours for the meeting.
• Your Role: Share ideas, plans, or site details to shape the project.

Step 3: Design and Permitting

We bring your vision to life with detailed plans and permits.

• Architect Collaboration: We work with your chosen architect (or one we recommend) and join the project early on as a consultant to provide constructability cost planning, creating concept plans that align with your vision and budget, ensuring feasibility and compliance.
• Permitting Process: We (or your architect) manage the permitting process, submitting plans to your local building department, and handle follow-ups (4–12 weeks, depending on local regulations).
• Risk Mitigation: Through a Feasibility Construction Agreement, we plan the scope and budget early to avoid design errors or delays. Contingencies cover challenges like weather or soil issues.
• Timeline: 4–12 weeks, based on local regulations and the architect’s timeline.
• Your Role: Review and approve concept plans with the architect. Your project manager will be present to help when requested by either party.

Step 4: Cost Estimation

We ensure your design fits your budget with a detailed cost estimate.

• Process: We develop a preliminary budget and timeline, including materials, labor, and permits, using our transparent Open Book Cost-Plus model (costs plus a clear markup).
• Benefits: This step provides a clear picture of your investment and identifies potential savings early.
• Timeline: 1–2 weeks.
• Your Role: Confirm the preliminary budget and timeline.

Step 5: Pre-Construction Planning

We prepare for construction with detailed planning. This occurs simultaneously with step 4.

• Online Client Portal: Access our portal to review plans, select materials (e.g., fixtures, flooring), track milestones, and provide input. Updates are sent via email or text, according to your preference.
• Specifications: We define Custom Home Specifications (e.g., cabinetry, lighting) paired with construction drawings to create a Line-Item Construction Budget.
• Timeline: 2–4 weeks, depending on project scope.
• Your Role: Select materials and finalize specifications via the portal.

Step 6: Quotation and Approval

We provide a clear, detailed quotation for your approval.

• Quotation Details: Includes itemized costs, our markup, payment schedule (tied to milestones), allowances (e.g., for fixtures), contingencies (e.g., for soil issues), and project timeline. To protect your investment, payments are managed through a Construction Trust Account, ensuring funds are used exclusively for your project with full transparency via regular reports and documented draw requests.
• Review Process: Your project manager guides you through the quotation via phone, in person, or through the portal, answering any questions you may have. If changes arise (e.g., upgrading to hardwood floors), we’ll provide written change orders with cost and schedule impacts.
• Finalization: You approve the quotation, schedule, and construction agreement, which covers responsibilities and warranties.
• Timeline: 1–2 weeks.
• Your Role: Approve the quotation, schedule, and contract.

Step 7: Construction and Handover

We build your dream home and ensure a smooth transition.

• Construction: With the contract signed, we begin construction, with regular inspections to ensure quality. Your project manager provides updates via the portal, email, text, or phone, keeping you informed throughout the project.
• Handover: After thorough cleaning, we conduct a final walkthrough and hand over the keys. The portal provides access to warranties and completion reports.
• Post-Handover Support: Our one-year warranty covers any issues, and we provide guidance on home maintenance while remaining available to answer questions.
• Timeline: 9–18 months, depending on project complexity.
• Your Role: Participate in the final walkthrough and raise any concerns.

Ready to build your dream home? Contact us today at 360-863-1214 or info@lockiehomes.com to start your journey with Lockie Homes. Your dedicated project manager is here to make it happen!