When building a custom home, before any dirt is turned, there will be some level of approval required from some governing entity. From the simplicity of a rural setting where only a septic permit may be required to the complexities of a planned development where approval may be required from a community Architectural Control Board as well as a City Planning and Development Department.

It’s important to employ a Builder and Architect who understand the intricacies of the design requirements and design the home to those specific guidelines. This will set you up for success when going through the approval process through an ACB and/or City governing entity. Some things that may be required are:

• Fully engineered plans
• Official survey – stamped by a licensed surveyor
• Color Board – indicating exterior materials and colors
• Builder Specifications – detailing the products and finishes specified
• Site Plan – showing hardscape finishes, construction entry, protective fencing, etc.
• Tree Protection – a plan specifying how the trees will be protected during construction
• Manual J – calculation to determine the heating and cooling loads of a home 
• ResCheck – energy code compliance calculations

Planning for all these requirements up front will save you time and money, not to mention the headache of revising your plans after the fact to comply with regulations you never knew existed! This is another reason why we recommend that you secure the services of an experienced, knowledgeable Builder to guide you through the process from the very start.

To learn more about the approval process for your community and to take advantage of our vast experience working with all local governing authorities, please call Gary Grambley at 512-743-7247 or email gary@laurelhavenhomes.com .