The Hendel Approach:

Our Step-by-Step Guide to Building an Architectural Custom Home or Renovation

We believe that designing and building a custom home should be an enjoyable and straightforward process, with an easy-to-understand roadmap of the entire project and frequent updates along the way.

At any given moment, homeowners should know what work was recently completed, what’s scheduled next, whether there are any budget or schedule changes, and how the builder is solving challenges that arise.

We created The Hendel Approach to illustrate and simplify the construction process as we guide clients through the entire pre-construction and construction process and help them make the best decisions along the way.

CHOOSE THE TEAM

DESIGN

PRE-CONSTRUCTION

SELECTIONS

CONSTRUCTION

COMPLETION

MOVE-IN

SERVICE/WARRANTY

It’s important to choose a builder who will educate, support, and prepare you for the journey ahead. There are countless decisions to make during a complex, detail-driven construction project, so it’s essential to rely on the knowledge, experience, and guidance of a trusted team.

Here is a step-by-step guide to building a custom home with The Hendel Approach, our proven process that ensures everything is done right—every time. It’s that simple.

CHOOSE THE TEAM

When selecting a builder, consider their style, personality, and experience. Choose a team that takes the time to truly understand your lifestyle, desired features, and functional needs, along with the home’s location, size, and even the details you’re still unsure about.

Your builder will serve as the chief collaborator and coordinator for the entire project team — including the architects, interior design firms, landscapers, and other professionals and specialty tradesmen — so choose one who has a clear process and a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and deliver projects on time.

Speak with their previous clients, as well as the architects and designers they’ve collaborated with. Ask what, if anything, they would do differently and what insights they wish they had known from the start.

As you select your team, your builder should collaborate with you to discuss the initial budget and timeline for your custom home or renovation, ensuring clarity and alignment from the start.

DESIGN

In the design phase, you will work with your architect, interior designer, and builder on initial ideas, the scope of your project, lifestyle needs, your personal style preferences, materials you prefer, and functional features. Those discussions will help the team create a schematic design and make iterations as you refine your ideas and finalize your selections.

Structural and engineering work will also commence, along with permitting, homeowner association or architectural review committee approvals, and other essential steps in the pre-construction process.

PRE-CONSTRUCTION

Our team works diligently to prepare for the construction of your custom home by establishing selection allowances and estimating the total project cost. We carefully plan each phase of the build, creating a baseline schedule and critical path to ensure everything stays on time.

During this stage, we obtain permits, install temporary utilities, complete soil and survey work, conduct necessary engineering assessments, and prepare the lot for construction. Hendel Homes will also organize many pre-construction meetings with trade partners, architects, and designers ensuring scope is completely understood. Additionally, we’ll notify your neighbors with a letter introducing the project and providing contact information for the project manager, should they have any questions or concerns.

The pre-construction phase concludes with a Golden Shovel Ceremony—a meaningful moment where you and your family are invited to dig the first shovel of dirt, marking the official start of your home’s construction.

SELECTIONS

The selections phase is where your house truly becomes your home. During this stage, you’ll choose the details and finishes that reflect your style and make the space uniquely yours. From paint colors and wood stains to architectural trim, cabinetry, lighting, appliances, hardware, and decorative elements—every decision brings your vision to life.

While these selections are being finalized, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems will be installed, along with the audio/visual system. We’ll also work with you to review and select exterior finishes such as stone or brick and roofing, and finalize interior elements like lighting, tile, and hardware. This is the ideal time to make any adjustments, ensuring we stay on schedule.

At this point, exterior details are also addressed, including landscaping, driveway, patios, pools and outdoor lighting to create cohesive and inviting exterior elements.

With these selections finalized, your home is coming to life.

CONSTRUCTION

The construction phase kicks off with detailed planning and preparation. Our team will create a schedule of values to provide complete transparency throughout the project. To ensure competitive and accurate pricing, we reach out to our trusted trade partners and obtain multiple estimates for each trade. This process allows us to vet every bid carefully, ensuring fair and reliable costs for your project.

We’ll coordinate with vendors, place material orders, complete site preparation, pour the foundation, and frame the structure as your home begins to take shape. The house will be “dried in” once the roof, house wrap, and windows are installed, allowing interior work to move forward. At every milestone, Hendel Homes conducts thorough quality control checks to ensure all work meets our exacting standards.

Throughout construction, we provide proactive updates, including photos, daily logs, and weekly summaries of completed tasks and upcoming work. We’ll also keep you informed with regular schedule and budget updates.

With our Buildertrend software, you’ll have full access to your project’s progress in real-time. You can track construction milestones, review financials, view selections, monitor the schedule, and stay informed about any changes you’ve made along the way—all in one convenient platform.

COMPLETION

With construction complete, we’ll collaborate with our trusted vendors and designers to add the final touches—integrating audio/visual systems, window treatments, furnishings, art, and curated accessories that bring your home to life with timeless elegance.

Our team will perform meticulous energy testing, comprehensive quality control checks, and final inspections, followed by multiple deep cleanings to ensure every surface is flawless and your home is truly move-in ready. We’ll guide you through the operation of all major systems—from shut-off valves to HVAC controls—so you feel confident in managing the inner workings of your residence.

Lastly, we’ll walk through the home together to ensure all punch list items are completed before move-in. Upon completion, we’ll close out the budget and proudly present you with a home that reflects the highest standards of craftsmanship and design.

MOVE-IN

Your home is complete and ready for your family to enjoy! A welcome home gift basket, fresh florals, and our team on call make the move seamless.

Hendel Homes will hand over the keys along with a comprehensive maintenance guide and manuals for all appliances and systems.

Our team will provide support throughout the move-in process to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience, and we’ll continue to offer personalized, white-glove service should any issues arise after the build.

SERVICE/WARRANTY

Hendel Homes is committed to supporting our clients long after move-in.

A few weeks after you’ve settled in, we’ll check in to ensure everything is performing as expected. After one year, we’ll conduct a thorough walk-through to address any warranty or service items that may arise.

We also provide a 10-year structural warranty and offer tailored Service & Maintenance plans to keep your home in peak condition for years to come.

To learn more about The Hendel Approach and our proven process for building exceptional homes, contact Hendel Homes at 952-404-7204 or info@hendelhomes.com.

Alpine Hardwoods

Producer: Backroads-Media