Dear Anne,
I am getting ready to finish signing a contract to build a new home, but I have no idea what comes next. How am I involved in the process until the construction starts on my new house?
- Excited in Ellicott City

A: Dear Excited,
It is very common to be uncertain about this process, especially for first time home buyers. Pre-Production is the part of the home buying process which takes place in between signing a contract and construction. Essentially, this is when your property is legally prepared to be built on, including everything from obtaining Surveyors/Land Engineers, applying for applicable permits, selecting options for the interior of your house, demolition if necessary, utility disconnections and/or connections and site work. The lengthiest part of this process is waiting for the permits to be approved. Generally all homeowners regardless of their situation will need to apply for Sediment Control, Right of Way and Building Permits. The Building Permit takes about 4-6 weeks after application and once it is received, you are almost finished with Pre-Production. At this time, you will then have a Pre-Construction meeting with your builder and the county, after which your house will be passed to the Production (construction) phase, which is the easiest phase of all. Now all you have to do is watch your house be constructed.
- Anne

To submit a question, email newspost@classicmd.net or visit our Online Assistancepage.

On Thursday, April 22nd, from 7-8:30pm, learn all about building on your lot, including site work, permitting, construction financing, how to save on costs and more at this 90-minute informative seminar. Sales managers will be present as well as finance reps to answer your questions. Refreshments will be served.