THE LINDAL PROCESS
The design and build of a custom dream home can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime. However, the custom home design and build process can be challenging and time-consuming. That’s why Bear Creek Cedar Homes and our network of independent regional representatives are here to guide you through each stage of the experience. Explore below for insight into the planning, designing, financing, and building of your custom home with Lindal. When you’re ready to start planning your dream home, connect with a Bear Creek representative in your area to get started.
Step 1
PLANNING
Often when developing a budget, researching the cost associated with developing the land does not get the attention it deserves. Plan ahead and speak with city officials about building permits and the cost to obtain them. Under most circumstances, your contractor can assist in obtaining permits and will provide you with most of the cost, but we recommend performing your own research ahead of time to avoid any unexpected expenses or delays in construction.
When selecting your property, research whether water, power, and electric are already on the lot. It can cost thousands of dollars to hook into utilities. It is considerably less expensive hooking up to utilities already stubbed into the site, rather than having to go into the street to make a connection. This involves the cost of digging up to and into the street as well as repairing it. A site with lots of trees means at least some tree removal, which can be expensive and therefore should be factored into the budget from the outset.
Always have soil tests done on the part of the site where you plan to build before you commit to the location and begin building. Finding out during construction that the area you plan to build on is bedrock or has underground water will throw you off budget, especially if you need to pick a new location.
Step 2
DESIGN
Your new home is a statement of your lifestyle. Express your personal tastes through architectural style, home design and floor plan selection. Then choose from an array of quality building materials and either our post and beam or Lindal log building systems to add your signature to your new home.
Select from our extensive menu of home design choices to create a custom house plan to fit you and your family perfectly. You will work with your Bear Creek representative to match your needs to one of the hundreds of unique Lindal plans in our house plans library. Then Bear Creek will assist you in further personalizing that house plan into your custom home design by selecting a level of customization at an affordable price. Knowledgeable Lindal designers produce new home plans that incorporate those design choices for your approval. We have three Design Program Options to choose from to customize and existing design or create a completely new one.
Step 3
PERMITS & FINANCING
Your final construction drawings will help you receive accurate contractor bids, obtain building permits and prepare your foundation. Bear Creek can provide construction estimates, recommend builders, guide the project through required permits – and even serve as a liaison between buyer and builder throughout the construction process.
Always have soil tests done on the part of the site where you plan to build before you commit to the location and begin building. Finding out during construction that the area you plan to build on is bedrock or has underground water will throw you off budget, especially if you need to pick a new location.
Step 4
DELIVERY & CONSTRUCTION
You’ve made it through the first steps of the new home building process—planning, design and production. You have transformed your ideas into a floor plan that meets your needs, selected a reliable home builder, have financing ready and all your building permits are in hand. You are now ready to learn about the final stage: Delivery & Construction.
When you are completely satisfied with your chosen home design, you will sign off on your final set of plans and authorize the shipment of your building materials kit (known as an ATS – Authorization To Ship). Then you will work with Bear Creek to set a date for your building materials package delivery.