Building your dream home is an exciting journey that begins long before the first foundation is poured. At Aria Design + Build, we understand that each home is unique, which is why our approach to the early stages of home building is tailored to help you make informed choices and ensure the journey is smooth from start to finish. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the early steps, including budgeting, timelines, team selection, lot evaluation, architectural design, and selections.
1. Establishing a Budget You Can Rely On
At Aria, our commitment to transparency and precision starts with the budget. We provide our clients with a detailed breakdown of over 900 line items, covering every aspect of the build—from foundational work to finishes like lighting and plumbing. This allows clients to see exactly where their investment is going, aligning costs with their priorities.
Tip: Our standard feature schedule helps us understand your top priorities, whether it’s a high-end foundation or premium cabinetry, ensuring your budget reflects what matters most to you.
2. Setting Realistic Timelines and Milestones
Understanding the timeline for your project is key to setting expectations. If you already own a lot and have finalized plans, Aria can often move to breaking ground in as little as two to three months. If you’re starting from scratch, the process may extend up to a year, depending on lot selection, design complexity, and permitting. Aria’s process divides the project into ten stages—from preconstruction to homeowner acceptance—ensuring clarity at every phase.
Tip: Keep in mind that permits alone can take four to eight weeks, depending on city requirements. We stay on top of these details to keep your project on track.
3. Choosing the Right Team
Selecting the right builder and team is essential to a successful build. Aria encourages potential clients to ask builders questions that clarify how budgets are created, how communication will be handled, and which meetings are critical to the process.
With Aria’s open-book policy, clients are always welcome to review records and have peace of mind knowing that transparency is our top priority. Our goal is to deliver not only a world-class home but a seamless experience that clients can trust.
4. Finding the Ideal Lot
If you’re still looking for the right lot, Aria can partner with you and your realtor to identify one that meets your needs. From lot size and drainage to tree location and environmental factors, we consider every detail. We also address potential challenges like easements, setbacks, and overlays, ensuring your lot supports your vision.
Tip: Think about how environmental factors might impact your build. For example, the orientation of your lot can help you take advantage of natural light or passive energy systems.
5. Crafting the Perfect Floorplan with Your Architectural Team
Aria’s commitment to your vision means we work closely with architects and design teams to ensure your floorplan reflects both your style and functional needs. Our network of architects and designers offers a range of design styles, but more importantly, they are chosen for their ability to work well with each client’s personality. Throughout the design process, we track budget alignment, making adjustments when necessary to keep your vision within reach.
Tip: When designing your home, it’s important to ensure a collaborative relationship with the architect so they can fully capture your dream. We’re there to help translate your vision into practical plans that suit your lifestyle and budget.
6. Starting the Selections Process with Ease
Aria provides clients with a comprehensive binder that outlines each stage of the build, including deadlines for color and design selections. Our color selection deadline schedule is based on stages of construction, allowing clients to make decisions progressively. We highly encourage clients to collaborate with a designer for a cohesive, polished look. We also hold eight key design meetings, covering everything from cabinetry and doors to lighting and flooring.
Tip: Early selections help streamline the process, but our carefully scheduled design meetings mean you’ll have plenty of support for each choice, ensuring a home that’s beautifully tailored to you.
Starting a home build may seem daunting, but with Aria’s thorough planning and personalized approach, you can begin the journey with confidence. With every question answered, every step outlined, and every detail aligned to your vision, you’ll see how Aria makes the process of building a new home both accessible and exciting.