Our Process

Initial Consultation & Site Evaluation

Every successful custom home begins with understanding the land.

We start by meeting you onsite to walk the property together. This visit allows our team to evaluate the lot’s orientation, topography, access, utilities, setbacks, and other site-specific factors that will influence design, engineering, and construction strategy.

By assessing the property through a builder’s lens from day one, we can proactively identify opportunities, anticipate challenges, and ensure your vision aligns with the realities of the site.

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Project Review & Financial Alignment

Once you’re ready to move forward, we schedule a detailed in-office consultation to align scope, budget, and next steps before design begins.

During this meeting, we review:

• Preliminary budget range and overall investment expectations

• Site and scope variables that influence total project cost

• Timing considerations, including the sale of an existing home

• Financing strategy (cash purchase vs. construction loan)

• Required deposits to initiate design, engineering, and pre-construction planning

This structured review ensures that the client, builder, and design team are fully aligned on expectations, financial framework, and process before entering the design phase — creating clarity, confidence, and momentum from the outset.

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Financing

We partner with trusted local lenders to help you find the financing that best fits your needs. Our lending partners offer competitive rates, attractive incentives, and flexible loan options designed specifically for new home construction.

In addition to traditional construction loans, they provide streamlined financing programs that automatically convert to a standard mortgage upon completion—eliminating the need for multiple closings. Whether you choose a construction loan or a one-time close option with a single settlement, we’ll guide you through the process every step of the way.

• Pre-Build Contract: Engages our design team to create a Concept Plan aligned with your goals, lifestyle, and budget. An initial design deposit is required.

• Land Contract: Secures the property and initiates a 60-day feasibility study.

This phase includes:

• A comprehensive kick-off meeting with our team to review our plans

• Preliminary floor plans and exterior elevations

• Early pricing based on real project data and historical cost benchmarks

We use proven cost-per-square-foot data from previous builds to establish a realistic initial construction budget.

Once the Concept Plan is approved, the final design deposit is required. We’ll then transition into detailed documentation and pricing, during which:

• Architectural plans are finalized into a permit- and construction-ready set

• All revisions are documented through formal change orders

• Subcontractors and vendors provide firm, market-based pricing

This process results in a comprehensive Cost to Build quote that reflects current material and labor conditions.

Design is fully integrated into our build process. Atlantic Homes partners with Frederick-based interior design firm Whitaker Interiors to guide clients through interior design and selections. Clients collaborate closely with the Whitaker Interiors team to make informed, cohesive selections based on their chosen build tier.

Design services may include:

• Defining the overall look and feel of the home

• Guided finish and material selections

• Design presentations and showroom visits

• Clear documentation of all selections for builder coordination

Once your site plan, home plans, and final cost breakdown are reviewed and approved, we’ll finalize your Builder Sales Agreement and collect the initial deposit. From there, AHC New Homes takes the lead on all permitting and approvals, ensuring full compliance with local, county, state, and federal requirements to prepare your project for construction.

You’ll then receive a comprehensive project playbook detailing every step of the process — including milestones, timelines, and key dates — to help you track progress toward your desired move-in date.

Ongoing updates and communication will be managed through our Builder System, providing you with direct access to schedules, progress photos, and project details every step of the way.

Land and House Package Settlement

Upon completion of the land and home package settlement, ownership of the property transfers to you. All parties will then confirm a mutually agreed-upon start date—if not already established—after which construction will begin.

Construction

Planning and organization are at the heart of everything we do. Our top priority is ensuring your new home project runs smoothly from start to finish. We leverage the latest technology to keep you fully informed and to keep our subcontractors on schedule.

Once construction is underway, our team manages the process from start to finish. We remain actively involved on site and with our trade partners to ensure quality, consistency, and schedule adherence. With your Client Portal, you’ll have an easy, transparent way to track progress, communicate with our team, and set clear expectations throughout construction.

Through your client portal, you can:

• Track construction progress in real time

• View schedules and milestone updates

• Communicate directly with our team

At completion, we conduct final inspections and address any remaining touch-ups. During your New Home Orientation, we’ll walk you through the systems, finishes, and features of your home before handing over the keys.

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New Home Orientation

Welcome home! This is when we hand over the keys and officially introduce you to your new home. Our trusted trade partners provide a one-year workmanship and materials warranty, and we go a step further by offering a comprehensive home warranty that covers both workmanship and structural elements—giving you lasting peace of mind.