Planning

Initial Consultation

During this complimentary consultation, we listen to your vision and needs while gathering essential information for your new home project to create a personalized Design Services agreement. This agreement outlines our unique process for planning your project with the top three key components of budget, selections, and schedule.

Our Design Services process is a comprehensive, fee-based plan which defines the detailed scope of work required to prepare for construction. It follows a three-phase approach that allows us to manage the components of your plan and free you of the many details required to create, prepare, and price your new home design. With our process, you can focus on the creativity and selections, we will take care of the others.

Phase 1

Design of the building plan including the conceptual architectural floor plan and elevation along with all required site surveying and engineering. We also meet with your local building department to understand the individual ordinances, utility services, and permitting requirements to build your home.

Phase 2

Detail your design with the schematic architectural, interior design plan, and civil site plan. This is where we introduce you to our interior designer, preferred vendors, and trade partners so you can select your finishes and systems that will make your house your home. We then accurately estimate the cost of your new home and begin to define your budget.

Phase 3

Complete the design of your home by organizing final construction documents and prepare your plans ready for permit. Your construction budget is now precise with your custom selections; your plans are perfect; and your home is now ready to build. A construction agreement is prepared and we move forward with a complete package ready to build.

Construction

Sustainable Living

On your behalf, we engage a third-party professional to track your build and confirm that your home is exceeding the standards of Green Building and reaching advance levels of green and sustainable design and construction. We select the green building standard that best meets your home design: Florida Green Building Coalition, U.S. Green Building Council LEED or National Green Building Standard. 

Additionally, every home receives a HERS Index Rating from RESNET and we will seek Energy Star certification. Each organization provides guidance and trackable standards that ensure your home is designed and constructed to far outpace the code minimums for Florida construction. 

Dedicated Project Team

An experienced project coordinator and superintendent are committed to your project. Your project team is responsible for all aspects of the job site, scheduling, purchasing materials, cleanliness, and safety. You will meet with your project team at least monthly, more frequently as we start your project, to keep you wellinformed of the progress.

Stay Connected

Communication is key and we believe in sharing information with you. You have full access to our online file sharing system with personalized log in to your project. You can review your budget, changes, drawings, photos, proposals and invoices any time. It’s your 24-hour, seven days a week access to your new home project.

Budget Tracking

We share with you all costs from your budget line items. You remain in control of your budget each step of the way. For example, should you find that perfect item that is over your budget, you can use funds from another line item. Likewise, if a line item comes in under budget, you can move funds to another line item. Our fee is based on the cost of construction and together, we will confirm each change accordingly.

Extended Walk Through

We invite you to take an extended walk through after you have moved into your new custom home. You have 10 days to live comfortably in your new custom home before compiling a final punch list to identify anything that may need attention. This is in addition to the pre-occupancy punch list prior to moving into your new home. Together, we will set a process and timeline to successfully complete each item.

Happily Ever After

Ongoing Support

When construction ends and you are living in and loving your custom home, client service continues. You’ll receive detailed instructional material about your home systems and warranties. Turning Leaf Custom Homes offers a complete one-year warranty, plus an extended 10-year insured warranty through Professional Warranty Service Corporation. We also provide a Residential Energy Guarantee through Centricity.

Budget Reconciliation

As your new project comes to an end, we reconcile your costs and provide the final amount. During our process, you’ve met with your Project Coordinator to review the monthly budget tracking and schedule. The final cost of your new home has no surprises as you’ve controlled your budget throughout the build. At our budget close out meeting, we review all costs, identify any overages or savings, and present all lien releases from our trade partners and vendors.

Stamp of Approval

With your completed new home, all systems are now operating perfectly, and your home is ready to come to life. Our third-party green rater conducts their final systems testing, confirms that all green and sustainable aspects of your home design are in place, and then provides their approval for your home’s Green Certification. The green certifying organization provides you with the certificate of completion and your home is then registered to showcase its superior sustainable design and performance.

We know that you will be very happy living in your new, healthy and super energy-efficient home. We love to hear from our homeowners about the comfort and savings of their green homes. Your feedback is most welcome for a treasured relationship for years to come.