When you are considering building a new home, you may have a location in mind of where you want to call home, and JTB Homes can help make that a reality! Our sales agents will guide you through the process of finding the perfect community and choosing the right floor plan that fits you now and for years to come.
It is essential to understand the steps involved in building a new home and even more essential to find a builder that works with you every step of the way. At JTB Homes we have over 80 years of combined experience and have identified and improved the building process along the way. Explore each step in the building process and learn why a new personalized JTB Home is the perfect choice for you!
We recommend reviewing our Lifestyle Inventory checklist with your sales agent to help better determine your options.
Tailored To You: Why A Personalized Home from JTB Homes Is The Right Choice
When finding the perfect home, one size does not fit all. Our knowledgeable sales agent will help you find the perfect location to build your new home. With over 35 neighborhoods in West Michigan, you are sure to find a perfect community to call home.
Once you have selected a home site your sales agent will walk you through different floor plan options to determine the best fit for you. Our proven efficient floor plans will help you save time, stress and extra expenses when building a new home. We will help you find the perfect cost-effective floor plan for your budget and personalize it to your lifestyle. When building with JTB Homes, you can create the home of your dreams perfectly suited to your lifestyle and preferences.
One-On-One Architectural Design Meeting
Your floor plan and overall home layout is the most crucial aspect of new home construction. Our architects play an essential role in successfully planning and building your new home. You will meet with our architectural designer to go over your floor plan and discuss any modifications to best match your lifestyle.
Some Examples of Personalization:
- Ceiling Details (i.e. wood beamed ceiling)
- Wall Treatments (i.e. wainscoting or shiplap)
- Sunroom Addition
- Specialty Lighting (i.e. stairway or under-cabinet)
- Increasing pantry size
- Increasing sq. ft. to the living area by bumping out a wall
One-On-One Meetings With Our Interior Designer
When building your new JTB Home, you will have two one-on-one meetings with one of our interior designers to style and personalize your home. This step in the process can take some time (about eight hours altogether) … it is important you do not feel rushed and understand you have time to make decisions.
Yet, to make good use of this time, it’s best to be prepared. Come with some idea of how you’d like to personalize the details of your new home or a color scheme you want to incorporate. We encourage you to create an account on our website and choose “favorites” in our Inspiration Gallery. It may also be helpful to take a Virtual Tour of the Design Studio for a preview of our space. Our design studio showcases a wide range of quality finishes and design elements to bring your vision to life.
During these meetings, we will discuss the overall style and vision for your home to give you the perfect blend of style, comfort, and functionality. Our goal in the interior design meetings is to ensure that the finishes not only meet your aesthetic preferences but also fit within your budget.
Throughout both meetings, the interior designer will provide you with a list of options for each interior finish, such as flooring, lighting, hardware, and more. You can browse and choose which options you prefer with our knowledgeable designers to provide guidance and advice.
Pre-Construction Meeting
Once the design phases are complete and you’ve fully signed off on your house plans, your Pre-Construction Meeting* will be scheduled. At this meeting, you will meet your Superintendent, who is responsible for managing the specific aspects of your home during construction.
Together you will review your finalized floor plans, selections and site plan. Your Superintendent will give you a clear expectation for how the process will flow.
Moving forward into the Building Process, your Superintendent will be your direct contact for all construction related questions. You will receive their contact information at this meeting and are welcome to contact them at any point along the way.
All the major decisions have been made. Now…it’s time to break ground!
Project Timeline: From Start to Finish
On average, it takes nine to eleven months to build a new home. The building process includes 14 phases:
1.Foundation:
The foundation is the first step in the Building Timeline, where we prioritize the structural integrity of your home. We implement exterior and interior stone and tile drainage, full basement peastone, and underground plumbing, ensuring a solid foundation and protection against flooding.
2.Framing:
Energy efficiency is a key consideration during framing. We construct your home with raised energy heel trusses, allowing ample space for insulation in the attic. Our 16″ on-center exterior walls are designed for maximum strength and optimal insulation.
3.Roofing, Windows & Doors:
We prioritize the protection of your home from the elements by using high-quality shingles with a 30-year warranty. Our Energy Star North windows offer excellent energy efficiency throughout your home’s lifespan.
4.Rough-In Mechanicals:
During this stage, your home undergoes a transformation from an empty shell to a functional living space. We conduct a computer analysis to ensure the optimal sizing and efficiency of the plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling systems. Additionally, we carefully run all electrical wiring based on your approved floor plan.
5.Insulation:
To ensure long-term comfort, we take great care in insulating your home. We use caulking and foam sealant for air penetration areas, install R-10 blankets on basement walls, and use R-49 blown-in cellulose for ceilings. R-17 blown-in cellulose insulation is applied to all exterior walls.
6.Drywall:
This phase typically takes up to two weeks, during which we hang the drywall, perform finishing work, and allow sufficient drying time. As the drywall is completed, your home truly takes shape, and although rooms may appear slightly smaller, they will accommodate your furniture perfectly.
7.Interior Trim & Cabinets:
Your personal style comes to life during this stage. Skilled trim carpenters work meticulously to deliver the chosen trim elements that enhance the interior of your home. We also install your selected cabinets, in the kitchen, powder room, laundry room, or master bath.
8.Exterior Trim & Siding:
Now it’s time to showcase your style on the exterior of your home. We trim the front doors and windows with natural materials, while the extensive collection of siding colors and styles you’ve chosen is applied to give your home its unique look. Please note that exterior trim painting may be subject to weather conditions.
9.Paint:
At this stage, we use high-quality paint to infuse your home with colors that reflect your personality. Whether you prefer a single neutral color throughout or vibrant shades in each room, we ensure a professional paint job that covers every inch of your home.
10.Flooring, Counters & Backsplashes:
From the front door to the closets, this step involves the careful installation of hard-surface flooring, countertops, and tilework, including the creation of beautiful backsplashes. Carpet installation will come later in the process.
11.Lighting & Plumbing:
Your chosen lights find their place in your new home during this phase. From pendants to chandeliers, we install all the lighting fixtures you’ve selected. Additionally, plumbing features such as toilets, faucets, and sinks are installed throughout the home.
12.Final Touches:
All the finishing touches are coming together as we install shelving in closets, appliances, mirrors, shower doors, and carpet. The hardware is added, the final front door is installed, and a thorough cleaning ensures your home is pristine.
13.Final Inspection:
Before obtaining a “certificate of occupancy” (CofO), your home undergoes a comprehensive final inspection. Our team carefully examines all aspects of the home to ensure it meets our high standards and complies with regulations. Once approved, we schedule the closing date.
14.Walk-Thru:
Before your home closing, your Superintendent will arrange a walk-thru with you. This valuable time allows you to familiarize yourself with your new home. Together with the Superintendent, you will go through a checklist of items, addressing any questions or concerns you may have. Once you are satisfied with the completion of your home, you will sign off on the walk-thru.
All Homes Come With A Limited New Home Warranty
Since a new home is a long-term investments, all of the new builds come with a limited new home warranty. JTB Homes takes pride in the quality of the homes we build. Your Superintendent and our warranty team will show you the ins and outs of your new home and review your homeowner warranty with you.
The one-year builder warranty guarantees that your homes will be free from defects due to noncompliance with the building standards. You also have a one-year systems warranty and a two-year structural warranty. However, these warranties do not cover household appliances as the manufacturer’s warranty covers them.
You may contact your Warranty Service Manager with any items that may arise after closing.
Partnering With Our Preferred Loan Officers
Building a new home is an investment and can require a large sum of money. At JTB Homes we encourage our homeowners to work with one our established preferred loan officers. Our preferred loan officers can help lower your interest rates, down payment or even closing cost!
**Although not required, we always suggest using one of our Preferred Loan Officers, who are most familiar with our system and the financial aspects of the build process. A smooth financial process can certainly go a long way toward ensuring you move in on time!
