First, I'll need to do some very basic qualifying to make sure that we're on the same page as far as the budget is concerned.  I don't want to waste your time or provide false expectations, and I don't have the time myself to work on a project if the budget will not support the proposed home.  

Once I know that the budget is within a reasonable range for the size and complexity of the proposed house, and the project is within our travel range, I'll provide you with references, literature, and sample documents.   Usually, within a week or so, you'll have a pretty good idea whether or not you'd like to take the next step and start working with me.

At this point, we usually have a meeting to talk about the home, design, construction, the land, schedule, etc... Often this is when we'll meet at the land too.

After the initial meeting, again, we'll both evaluate how things are going to decide if we want to continue the process.  If so, it's at this point that I require some kind of monetary commitment or retainer.  This money is used to cover my time and expenses while I work for you during the pre-contract time period.

The next step is to finalize the design and work towards getting a set of plans.  I may be available to provide design services, either by myself, or by working closely with an outside source.  I can also recommend several architectural firms to provide design services.  I enjoy working closely with architects, and I find they generally become valuable members of our team.  I usually meet with the architect and you together at least once to go over special construction details that may influence the design, or to provide guidance to the architect as to my pricing so that the house that is designed can meet the proposed budget.

During the design process, we'll work on the specifications.  If you have email, it's very easy for us to work back and forth on the specifications until they accurately describe your home and you are satisfied with the document.  The spec sheet is probably the most important document that we will sign, and it is part of our new home construction contract.  I'll start by sending you a sample spec sheet, and from there you'll provide me with notes and ask questions.   I'll respond by making changes to the wording of the spec sheet and answering questions, and it will continue back and forth like that until it's done.

As the plans take shape and all the details get worked out, I'll be able to provide you with more and more accurate pricing.  I would prefer that during the planning and specifying stage, that you periodically ask me for an update on the pricing.  I'll do my best to be as accurate as possible given the current level of information that I have to work with, but the pricing is never completely accurate until the plans and specs are finalized.  At that time I will provide you with a fixed-price for the work to be done.

You'll want to work on the financing of the project as soon as possible.   If you are working with a bank, I take care of any paperwork that they require of me, and I'm available at any time to meet or correspond by phone with your banker and the appraiser if needed.  I will provide a draw schedule outlining how payments will be made for completed work, and during the construction, I'll provide necessary lien waivers.

Summary:
1. Qualifying and travel range
2. Pre-contract retainer
3. Design and plans
4. Specifications
5. Financing and payment arrangements
6. Construction Contract