01
Start with the property
A builder-led site review should examine access, setbacks, topography, drainage, utilities, easements, tree cover, and likely site-work costs before design advances.
02
Design as one process
Architecture, interiors, lighting, networking, shades, audio, and security work best when planned together. Early coordination prevents visible compromises and expensive rework.
03
Peters Custom Homes
Peters Custom Homes brings a tailored, detail-driven approach to custom building and substantial renovation across the Charlotte region. The team can help evaluate a property, align the design team, and carry the work from early feasibility through completion.
04
The custom home sequence
A disciplined custom project moves through site evaluation, programming (what the house must do), design, pricing, permitting, construction, and closeout. Skipping the early steps is the most common source of budget surprises later.
- Site evaluation
- Program and budget
- Design and engineering
- Pricing and contract
- Permits
- Construction and closeout
05
Choosing a builder
Ask for completed-home references, a sample contract, how allowances and change orders are handled, the warranty, and who will supervise your site day to day. Visit a project under construction, not just a finished model.
06
Design decisions that matter most
Orientation, ceiling heights, window placement, storage, and mechanical planning are expensive to change later. Finishes can be upgraded over time; the structure and layout rarely can.
07
What a custom home process looks like
A custom home typically moves through five phases: finding and evaluating a lot, designing the plan, pricing and specifying finishes, permitting, and construction. Each phase has decisions that affect cost and schedule later, so the best results come from involving the builder early rather than after plans are finished.
Peters Custom Homes works with owners through each phase, including site review, design coordination with Emerald & Oak Design and technology planning with Peters Audio Video.
- Lot: soils, slope, utilities, setbacks, covenants
- Design: floor plan, elevations, structural plan
- Specification: finishes, systems, allowances
- Permitting: county and any HOA architectural review
- Construction: framing through final inspection and walkthrough
08
Decisions worth making early
Several choices are expensive to change once framing begins: ceiling heights, window sizes and placement, stair location, garage orientation, primary-suite location and the path of HVAC and plumbing. Settling these during design protects both budget and schedule.
Low-voltage wiring, shading, speaker locations and network equipment are equally important. Planning them before insulation and drywall is far simpler than retrofitting.