Stage 1: Preconstruction

The preconstruction phase is all about preparation and planning, where much of the behind-the-scenes work happens. This includes developing architectural and plot plans, setting budgets, making design selections, finalizing contracts, conducting team meetings, and obtaining permits. Although it might seem like not much is happening, this phase lays the groundwork for your new home.

Stage 2: Foundation

Your home’s foundation is crucial to its structural integrity. This phase, which can take between 4 and 8 weeks, involves grading the lot, setting forms, laying plumbing grounds, and pouring the concrete. We work with geotechnical and structural engineers to customize each foundation. This includes options like slab-on-grade, post-tension slabs, pier-and-beam foundations, and even suspended slabs on void boxes for added durability.

Stage 3: Frame

With the foundation complete, we start the framing process, where the walls, roof, and essential structural components are put into place. This phase is thrilling for homeowners because it’s when your home’s layout truly starts to take shape. The framing process gives your home its skeleton, providing a clearer sense of space and structure.

Stage 4: Mechanicals

This phase includes installing the systems that keep your home running: HVAC, electrical, plumbing, low-voltage wiring, and even audio-video setups. Aria also incorporates central vacuum systems and insulation during this phase. Adhering to strict quality and safety standards, we ensure that each system works seamlessly to create a comfortable and functional home.

Stage 5: Sheetrock and Exterior Finishes

Once the mechanicals are in place, we move to the insulation and sheetrock phase. Here, we focus on creating a well-sealed home to minimize energy loss. Working with energy raters, we make sure that insulation, HVAC systems, fresh air exchangers, and other elements are designed to function efficiently together. This is also when exterior finishes like siding and trim begin, solidifying the look of your home’s facade.

Stage 6: Trim, Doors, and Cabinets

Now we add the finishing touches to your home’s interior structure, installing trim, interior doors, and cabinetry. This phase brings out the style and details that make your home uniquely yours, from custom cabinetry to tailored trim styles that add personality and elegance to each room.

Stage 7: Paint and Countertops

The color and surface selections you made earlier come to life during this stage. Our team coordinates with painters to deliver any specialized finishes you may have requested, giving you creative flexibility. Countertops, chosen earlier in the process, are also installed to ensure a seamless finish that meets your design vision.

Stage 8: Fixtures and Flooring

In this phase, we install all fixtures, including lighting, plumbing hardware, and flooring. This is where your home’s style truly shines, with every detail from flooring materials to light fixtures adding to the final look.

Stage 9: Builder Acceptance

Builder Acceptance is a milestone phase that follows rigorous quality checks. Before we invite you for the homeowner walkthrough, our team completes an internal punch list and inspections by third-party inspectors, engineers, and city officials. This ensures that every aspect of the home is in top condition.

Stage 10: Homeowner Introduction

The final stage includes a comprehensive homeowner walkthrough and orientation. We’ll introduce you to every part of your home, explain maintenance requirements, and review warranty information. This orientation typically takes 4 to 8 hours, depending on your home’s size and complexity, ensuring that you feel comfortable and confident in your new space.

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.