Architectural Design
Architectural Design at David & Goliath Builders
You have been dreaming about the perfect house. At David & Goliath Builders, our professional architectural design and building team makes the home design and building process clear, collaborative, and exciting. We believe every homeowner deserves a design that reflects their lifestyle. Because your home is one of the largest investments you will make, we set expectations up front and guide you step by step.
On this page: our unique Home Designing and Building Process from first meeting through move-in.
Step 1: Design and Budget
Your first meeting includes an in-depth discussion of architectural goals, budget, and standard material specifications such as windows, siding, and shingles.
Bring if available:
Lot information and any subdivision deed restrictions
A survey or subdivision plat
Budget range and desired start timeline
Design ideas or inspiration images
We often review floor plans we have already designed to help you focus on needs and priorities. The goal is to gather enough information to sketch a rough plan so our architectural team can begin drawing.
Step 2: Execute a Design Agreement
By the second meeting we present proposed floor plans based on Step 1. We provide a written Design Agreement that outlines your goals and budget. After signing, we proceed with more detailed drawings using our state-of-the-art 3D CAD system.
Step 3: Review and Refine Detailed Drawings
As your home develops, we may hold several working sessions to refine plans.
We address: exterior elevations, room relationships, window placement, cabinet layouts, flooring, material selections, and plumbing fixture locations. We review drawings for budget alignment and function.
Step 4: Working Drawings and Specification Review
At this milestone the house plans are finalized. We also complete a detailed Specifications document that sets the price of the home and lists exactly what is included, down to model numbers for plumbing fixtures, cabinet types, furnace type, and more. This prepares us to draft the Building Construction Contract.
Alternate Path: Choose a Model or Bring Your Own Plans
If you select a model we have already designed, or bring your own custom plans, some steps can be shorter. Clients still often make minor changes to personalize the floor plan.
Step 5: Execute the Building Construction Contract
We review the final plans and specifications in detail and obtain signatures on all required documents. Final working drawings are complete. These documents are used to start the construction loan process and are often submitted to the subdivision developer and, when required, to the municipality for approval.
Step 6: Customer Selection Sheets
At contract execution you receive our New Home Construction & Maintenance Guide. This guide organizes every decision and timeline. You will make selections for exterior colors and materials, countertops, flooring, tile, cabinetry, and more. Our award-winning interior designers assist you in our private selection center.
Step 7: Construction Loan Process
Most clients begin with a pre-approval. Your lender will need the blueprints, construction contract, and specifications. The lender orders an appraisal and processes the application which typically includes a title commitment, builders risk insurance, and credit checks for both customer and builder.
Step 8: Building Permit Application and Pre-Construction Tasks
Once the construction loan closes, we proceed with:
Survey: House location and driveway marked on the lot for your review.
Developer Approval: When required, surveys and plans are stamped by the subdivision developer.
Septic Permit: If applicable for homes not on city sewer.
Heat Calculations: Furnace manufacturer calculations for Uniform Dwelling Code compliance.
Permit Application: When all items are complete we file for the building permit. Permits typically require 2 to 3 weeks. During this time we schedule the excavation.
Utility Applications: With our assistance you apply for electric and gas installation.
Step 9: Customer Material and Color Selections
As excavation is scheduled, you will complete material and color selections in a series of focused meetings at our selection center. These meetings are organized and enjoyable.
Step 10: Basic Order of Construction
Field conditions and weather can vary, but the typical sequence is:
Customer Material and Color Selection Sheets 1–8 submitted
Hole dug
Footings poured
Basement constructed
Steel beams set in basement
Waterproofing on exterior foundation
Backfill foundation
Rough carpentry of home
Customer Material and Color Selection Sheets 9–17 submitted
Utilities installed: gas, electric, water or sewer laterals, septic or well
Roofing and shingles installed
Mechanical rough-ins complete: heating, plumbing, electrical
Basement and garage slabs poured
Siding installed
Insulation installed
Drywall installed
Millwork delivered, painting and staining begin
Finish carpentry installs wood flooring, cabinets, and finish trim
Underlayment installed at vinyl and ceramic tile areas
Countertops installed
Vinyl and ceramic tile installed
Built-in appliances delivered and installed
Light fixtures delivered and installed
Mechanicals completed
Wood flooring finished
Carpeting installed
Non built-in appliances delivered and installed
Finishing touches completed
Occupancy scheduled
At final occupancy we conduct a thorough walk-through inspection to ensure expectations were met and to answer all questions about your new home.
Ready to Start?
Schedule your design consultation or request a plan review. We will confirm next steps, timelines, and selections so you can enjoy a smooth, confidence-building process from first sketch to final key handoff.