let's talk about new construction

The Building Process

Nobody understands new construction like Oyler Hines. We not only have a dedicated land sourcing and new construction team, but we have built relationships with the area's top builders and developers.

Below you'll find a detailed breakdown of what it looks like to build your next home. We cover a lot - but if there's anything that you're unclear on, we're just a call away.

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phase one: get prepared

Do Your Research

Make sure you understand the building process, your budget, and your options. All of those hours on Pinterest and home websites will now pay off! When you work with the Oyler Hines Group, we will hold your hand through the new home design process to make sure every wish becomes a reality.

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step 1 Deciding to Build

step 2 Get pre-approved

step 3 Research everything

Deciding to build is not a decision that comes lightly. Typically buyers are considering resale homes and just can’t find what they’re looking for. When deciding to build, it’s important to understand the process and have an advocate on your side – one that understands the complexities of building, which is the exact reason behind Build Cincinnati.

One of the most important steps in this entire process is to understand your budget. Many builders require this prior to meeting so it’s best to knock it out early. We recommend reaching out to a bank or loan officer that deals with new construction on a regular basis to find out your financing options. Not all banks are created equal so feel free to lean on our team for suggestions.

Understanding your building options is key to making an informed decision. With Oyler Hines on your side, you’ll have EVERYTHING at your fingertips: building requirements, lot options, community information, tax info, builder info, design tends, and much more!

phase two: PLAN IT OUT

Select a Builder & Design Your Home

Once you find the lot you want to build on, you can select your builder and start designing your home! Having worked with virtually every builder in Cincinnati and oftentimes, acquiring lots for them, Oyler Hines can provide valuable insight on which builder, floor plan and design trends are best for you.

Meet Our Builder Partners

step 4 Select a lot

step 5 Research and select a builder

step 6 Sign a design agreement and start designing your new home

step 7 Design and pricing

Once you’ve reviewed the options in your desired locations, the next step would be to narrow down your lot options to one or two. This will often answer quite a few questions, including builder options, size of home, floor plan options and price.

This can be different from builder to builder, but they all require a design agreement to start designing your home with an architect. The upfront deposit can range from $5,000 to $10,000, which will be partially nonrefundable due to architect cost. Review each design agreement carefully so that you understand all of the details.

Once you have fine-tuned your preliminary drawings to an acceptable plan, the builder will take the next step of offering a preliminary price. To fully quote a price, construction drawings are typically needed so the builder can obtain bids, but the builder should be able to offer a preliminary price to make sure it’s in your budget. If that is acceptable, you and the builder would give the architect the green lights to finalize the Construction drawings. Quite often, an additional deposit is required at this time.

phase three: construction begins

Watch Your Vision Come to Life

Once the drawings are complete, the plans submitted, and the permits are granted, construction can begin on your home. Depending on the size (and weather), building can take anywhere from 9-15 months. But the wait will be worth it!

step 8 Contract to build home

step 9 Engineering and permitting

step 10 Final walk through and closing

step 11 Start construction

step 12 Closing and moving in

Once the construction drawings are complete, the builder will bid out the plan to contractors and vendors and deliver a final purchase price complete with a full spec sheet. This is where the negotiating starts and you execute a contract with the builder.

Providing a contract has been executed, the final step before construction is submitting the plans and engineering to the county or municipality. Permitting can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks.

Once all the necessary permits are granted, the builder will begin construction as soon as agreed, which is most often immediately. Build time can take anywhere from 9-15 months depending on the weather and size of home.

When the home is completed, the builder and buyer will walk through the home to identify any punch list items. These are dealt with prior to moving in to make sure the home is as intended.

Depending on the type of financing, there will be an end loan closing with the builder, bank and title company or the final draw will be issued. From that point, the builder will have final inspections and deliver the home when the final Certificate of Occupancy is delivered from the municipality.

Not sure which neighborhood is for you?

There are so many unique areas to choose from. Let us help you find the one that matches what you're looking for.

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Ready to build?

If you’re considering building, look no further! We offer our clients access to more new homes and lot opportunities than anyone around.