BUILDING PROCESS

Initial Meeting

Discuss floorplans, lot options, price range & answer any questions.

This first meeting is all about getting to know what you’re looking for in a home. Justin will talk through your must-haves, your budget comfort zone, your lot, and any ideas you’ve already fallen in love with. It’s a relaxed conversation meant to make sure we’re the right fit and to help you feel confident moving forward.

Selections Meeting

Pick out all finishes for your home to finalize pricing.

This is where the fun begins. You’ll meet with our designer, Allie, to choose the finishes, selections, and details that reflect your style — flooring, cabinets, countertops, exterior decisions, mechanical choices, and more. By the end of this meeting, we’ll have everything we need to finalize your home’s pricing based on the level of finishes and design direction you choose.

Contract Signing

Once signed, we begin permits, utilities, and lot prep.

With your selections made and pricing finalized, we’ll walk through the contract together, answer any final questions, and make everything official. After signing, we take care of all the behind-the-scenes work: submitting permits, coordinating utilities, and preparing your lot so construction can begin.

Pre-Construction Meeting

Finalize details prior to framing.

Before we break ground, we’ll meet to review every detail of your home one more time — floorplan confirmations, selections, layout tweaks, and any special requests. This ensures we’re all aligned and ready to start building with confidence and clarity.

Begin Building Your New Home

Framing starts & your home takes shape.

This is the exciting part — we break ground, walls go up, rooms appear, and your home finally starts to take shape. Throughout the build, we keep you updated and on track so you always know what stage we’re in and what’s coming next.

Onsite Mechanical Walk-Through

Electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and exterior details.

Once framing is complete, we’ll meet onsite to walk through the mechanicals — mainly electrical. Aaron, Allie, and our electrician will be there with you to confirm outlet and switch locations, talk through lighting types and placements, and review HVAC and plumbing layouts. It’s the perfect chance to make sure everything behind the walls is exactly where you want it before insulation and drywall.

Onsite Trim Walk-Through

Review built-ins, shelves, cabinetry details, and interior finishes.

Once drywall is complete, we will meet with you onsite to go over all your trim details with our carpenters — built-ins, shelving, custom trim work, locker layouts, fireplace design, and more. This ensures the finishing touches feel intentional, functional, and tailored to your lifestyle.

Final Walk-Through

Blue tape, final review, mechanicals, and warranty packet.

Before closing, we walk the home together to look over every detail. We’ll mark any touch-ups, explain how the mechanical systems work, answer questions, and review your warranty information. This step ensures your home is ready for move-in and you feel confident taking the keys.

FAQ

Where do I start when it comes to building a new home – do I need a plan first, or a lot?

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You can set up a meeting with us at any stage! You don’t need to have a floor plan or a lot picked out yet. Justin will take the time to learn what matters most to you — whether it’s the location, school district, lot size, or the layout of your home. From there, we can help you figure out which lots work with your preferred plan, or which plans fit your chosen lot. Don’t be afraid to start — we’ll guide you through every step of the process!

How long does it take to build a custom home?

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The timeline depends on the size, location, and specifics of your home, but most builds take an average of 6–12 months. Factors like whether your lot is in town or on an acreage, the square footage, and even the season can all affect the timeline. We manage the schedule throughout the build and update you every Friday with the week’s progress and what’s coming next. You’ll always be in the know on progress, updates, pricing, and scheduling, so there are no surprises along the way.

Do you have a 1 year home warranty?

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Yes! Every Frampton Homes build comes with a 1-year home warranty. We review all warranty information with you during your final walkthrough, which takes place about a week before closing. This gives you a clear understanding of what’s covered and how to make requests. You’ll also receive direct contact information for our main trade partners — electricians, plumbers, HVAC specialists, and more — so if any issues arise within your first year, you can reach out directly. Our goal is to make sure you feel supported and confident in your new home long after you move in.

What types of homes do you build? Do you only do custom builds?

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We build a wide variety of homes! From custom builds tailored to your exact vision, to model homes that are ready for sale, and even remodels to refresh existing spaces. We love exploring different styles—from modern to traditional and everything in between—and seeing how each homeowner’s unique style comes to life. Every project is an opportunity to create something special that fits the way you live.

What locations do you build in?

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We build in a wide range of communities across the Des Moines metro, including West Des Moines, Grimes, Waukee, Clive, Johnston, Polk City, Granger, Dallas Center, Urbandale, Pleasant Hill, Panora, Van Meter, and more. These are just some of the areas we serve — if you’re interested in a location not listed here, just ask! We’re happy to explore options outside of these communities to help you find the perfect spot for your new home.

How does your pricing work or what’s your price range?

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We start by providing an estimate before our selection meeting, so you have a general idea of your investment. During the selections meeting, we get a clear sense of your desired finishes, style, and details. From there, we bid your project and deliver pricing, giving you a clear picture of what your new home will cost. If you make any changes along the way, we update pricing immediately and get your approval before moving forward. We keep you informed every step of the way so there are no surprises — your budget is always transparent.