The Process

If you have already purchased property, this step is not necessary. However, Zac Murtha Homes LLC is available for land consultation should you need it. There are three options available for purchasing land:

• (1) lots available for sale by the developer
• (2) resale lots available by current land owners
• (3) current inventory lots owned by ZMH

There are several options when it comes to choosing house plans. We will build any plan, whether it is one you have already selected, or one we help you find or design.

• Stock plans. The simplest and, in many cases, most cost effective option is choosing a stock plan. There are various resources available for choosing existing plans. You can search for plans by using:
  • plan websites that are readily available on the web
  • home plan magazines that are available at your local bookstore or home improvement store
  • our plans link to view plans that have been recently drawn by our co-op home designer
  The purchase price for stock plans can vary somewhat but in most cases will cost you less than drawing plans from scratch. If necessary, minor changes can be made to these plans to tailor them more to your liking at no additional charge. (Engineered Foundation Plans and Soils testing are not part of house plans, but are required before construction begins)


• Local Architect / Draftsman. Should you require the services of an architect, we suggested that you walk through the process with a homebuilder to ensure the design options stay within your personal budget. We have a working relationship with several local architects and designers, and we would be more than happy to schedule for you a time to meet. There are two options when working with an architect or designer
  • The least expensive option when working with a local architect or designer is to select from a catalog of previously designed plans. These plans cost around fifty cents per covered square foot. If you desire to modify one of these plans, changes can be made for a nominal fee.
  • The second option is complete home design service. This option starts from scratch and allows you to design your home from the ground up. Pricing for this option generally runs from $1.00 to $1.50 per square foot depending on the designer you choose.

Once the plan has been selected, we will meet and discuss any specific needs and requirements you have for your new home. We will then submit a formal proposal of the cost to build your home. The proposal will include a set of allowances that are used to keep you within the budget requirements you establish. Allowances are established for masonry, flooring, countertops, lighting and plumbing fixtures, master tub, front entry door, house hardware, flatwork (driveways and sidewalks), and any other items you wish to include as part of your home loan (i.e. swimming pool, sprinkler system, landscaping). We encourage you to do as much research as is possible to ensure the proposed allowances are adequate for your needs. A formal contract is drawn up after the proposal is accepted and all parties are satisfied.

With plans and contract in hand, you are now ready for the construction loan process. You may use the mortgage company or bank of your choosing, but feel free to ask us for a list of banks and brokers we use on a regular basis..

After financing has been established, we set up the construction schedule for your home. Our typical build time is approximately 6 months from the time the foundation is poured. The time of construction may vary a bit depending on the size design of the home. Weather conditions and homeowner selections have the greatest impact on the overall construction schedule.

We provide complimentary design services with our on staff designer. You may select products from vendors or suppliers of your choosing. However, we have established working relationships with several vendors and suppliers to simplify the process as much as possible. You will be provided with a detailed list of selections that need to be made in order to complete your home. There will be several scheduled meetings between you and our designer throughout the building process. These meetings are scheduled with your convenience in mind. Our goal is to stay several weeks ahead of the construction schedule in order to avoid unnecessary delays. Meetings will typically take place at our office or at one of our local supply houses. We will regularly meet on the job site to discuss any issues or ideas you may have, and we are always a phone call away should you need assistance.

Once all the necessary selections have been made, it is time for you to relax. We do the rest.