Our Process.
The RTB Standard is a combination of how we lead clients through the design and selection phases as well as our procedures for building a quality home. Building a custom home can be overwhelming and stressful. Our goal is to simplify and streamline the process to make it as efficient and enjoyable as possible. Because after all, building your dream home should be fun.
Our Building Process: From Preconstruction to Custom Care.
RTB Custom Homes are built to last. Our goal is to constantly and consistently educate ourselves on the best practices for each area of home building and implement those practices, along with any innovations, for a combination of tried and true methods and materials,and with cutting edge technologies.
01.
WATER & AIR MANAGEMENt
RTB Custom Homes believes that the building envelope should be airtight and waterproof. From the details of the crawlspace to the design of the structure, and the type of sheathing to the treatment of exterior penetrations, every part of the project is meticulously scrutinized for optimal efficiency and tightness. RTB’s full team inspects each home at milestones to ensure The RTB Standard is met before proceeding to the next phase of building.
02.
AIR QUALITy
RTB Custom Homes works with each customer to learn the specific needs of those living in the home, from allergies to auto-immune issues. We do not believe in the old adage that houses need to breathe. Instead, we develop a system to ensure clean, filtered air is mechanically brought from the exterior into your home, as needed. Our homes are conditioned from the ground up, literally from the foundation or basement through to the attic, so the same air is prevalent throughout the home.
03.
STRUCTURAL INTEGRIty
At RTB Custom Homes, we prioritize durability by using 2×6 studs for exterior walls. This approach enhances structural integrity and reduces the likelihood of bowing issues. It also allows us to add more insulation within the wall cavities for better energy efficiency. For walls where precision is crucial—such as those supporting cabinets and showers—we use LVL (laminated veneer lumber) studs. This ensures that these walls remain perfectly level and plumb.
01.
The Pre-Construction Process.
RTB believes in a team approach to home design. Putting the team together of the architect, builder and designer (if applicable) from the start ensures a cost efficient and time efficient process. Although RTB does not offer architecture in-house, we can recommend an architect from our preferred list based on the individual needs and wants of the client.
Beginning with the execution of a pre-construction agreement, the Pre-Con phase includes the concept design and design development of the home. Throughout the home design, The RTB Team reviews plans and makes recommendations at each stage based on the client’s design style, the build ability of the plans and the client’s budget. The goal is to enter the estimating phase with a set of plans firm enough to estimate but loose enough to allow for changes should the budget require them.
02.
The Estimating Phase.
The RTB Team spends a substantial amount of time creating a detailed estimate and design documents to use as a roadmap for the project. This phase kicks off with two separate estimating meetings, first focused on the exterior of the home and then on the interior. RTB staff attends a variety of vendor meetings with the client for initial selections on scopes of work whose price can vary widely based on the preferences of the client. These bids, along with subcontractor estimates and numbers developed with our own forces combine to create the final project estimate.
03.
The Custom Home Building Phase.
RTB breaks the home building process into six phases and each phase begins with a kick-off meeting. These meetings serve to mark milestones, ensure full team discussions and site walkthroughs and to make selections best made at the site. Following each meeting, the client is clear on the expectations and schedule for the entirety of the phase
RTB holds a Substantial Completion walkthrough with the client 2 weeks prior to handoff to create a punch list with the client. At the following Final Completion walk-though, RTB Staff trains the client on the functionality of the home (how to use the HVAC and appliances) as well as provide detailed documentation of all selections and details of the home (so you know the name of that paint color in a few years if needed)
04.
The Warranty and Custom Care Phase.
After handoff, RTB checks in at 1 month and 11 months to address any issues that may have arisen prior to the completion of our 1-year warranty period. Homeowners are enrolled in the RTB Custom Care program for free for the first year, with the option to join the program at the close of their warranty phase. Homes in the Custom Care program are maintained by RTB Staff and Subs with the same level of quality and care as the home build. Full home inspections are completed twice per year as well as routine maintenance of systems. Membership in the Custom Care program also allows homeowners to request additional scopes of work for their homes such as design updates, additions and renovations.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Find answers to common questions about our building process.
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Contact Us.
For any inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us.