What to Expect

Building a home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never done it before. From choosing a homesite to designing your layout and selecting finishes, there are a lot of decisions along the way. Our role is simply to make the process clear, organized, and manageable, guiding you step by step so nothing feels confusing or rushed. Here’s an overview of what building with Marten Building & Design looks like.

Interview Builders 1-3 weeks

We encourage you to interview more than one builder. Yes, that’s right! It’s important for you to find the right fit, and for us as well! We want to make sure we’re the best match for your needs.

Location 1-3 weeks

The building location should come first. You may already have a building site in mind. We also have several homesites available exclusively to our customers, which are listed on our website.

Budget 1-3 weeks

We don’t want to design something for you that won’t fit within your budget. Using our model homes as comparable, we are able to establish early parameters regarding design and budget. You’ll have a meeting with our estimator to determine the approximate cost of the house you’re considering before we enter a design agreement. Once a clear expectation of budget is established and agreed upon, the design process can begin.

Design 6-12 weeks

As a custom home builder with 3 full time in-house designers, our goal is to design your home for your specific needs. We do have pre-existing plans available, but they are not normally used for reproduction. They can, however, be used as a starting point for your own personal design.

Contract 4-5 weeks

When your home design is complete, your plan will go through a bid process to determine the final cost. We discuss in great detail your desired finishes and ameneities throughout the design process so that the proice you are presented on the contract encompasses the ENTIRE scope of work with accuracy. The contract price you commit to will not change unless YOU change it.

Financing 3-4 weeks

If you are financing a construction loan, we will provide the required plans, costing, and contract documents to your lender for the appraisal process. The appraisal results will determine your loan criteria and closing date. As soon as you are able to close the construction loan, we can begin!

Build 24-32 weeks

We’ve worked to make the build process smooth by incorporating a customized online management system called Builder Trend. You’ll have access tool selections, deadlines, and budget - while remaining connected with the members of your build team. Questions, comments, files, and photos can all be posted and collected throughout the process through your computer or an app on your phone. We will keep expectations clear, and make sure they are all met in the end. We will continue to monitor your home’s performance well beyond your move-in date.