Have Questions?
How We Do It

Easy. Fun. Fast(er than you think).


If you're reading this, you're already one step closer to living in your dream home! We're a custom builder, and to make the process easy, fun and fast from the start, we've priced our floorplans so that, with your help, we can provide you a fast and efficient price for a custom home. We know the floorplans may not be just right for you; they are meant as inspiration. We will adjust them (in 3D) to make them perfect for your needs or, of course, we can start the design from scratch.

OUR PROVEN PROCESS


Easy

Pick A Plan, Get A Price

We will take you on a tour of our Design Center, talk about the products so you understand what is included in the price of our homes, and pick a plan from our website that is “close enough” to what you want so we can provide you a fast and efficient price for a custom home while considering your site improvement costs and personal choices for your home. Or of course we can build from your plan or custom design a home just for you.

Free Land Evaluation

We will help you envision how your home will sit on the site.

Design Services Agreement

Let’s do this! You have a plan, though it might require some tweaks. You found the perfect piece of land. It is time to enter into our Design Services Agreement. From here, the fun continues as we start the Architectural Design Process.


Fun

Architectural Design (3D)

We love this part! Our approach to architectural design is very interactive for our clients. You sit with us as we modify your home, in 3D. You will see it in real time. If a picture is worth a thousand words, imagine seeing your home in 3D before it is even built.

While in the Architectural Design phase, we dig deeper into the analysis of your site: permitting, utilities, topography and such. Once we are done with the Architectural Design process, we re-price your home to make sure we are on track with your budget.

Selections – Inside and Out

Have no fear, you’re going to love this part. Our Interior Designer is going to guide you through the selections process. She is going to bring out the best in you to ensure that your home reflects you and what you love. Psst…we have a Design Center and On-Line Selections Center to make it even easier (as if that’s possible!).


Fast(er than you think)

Financing

Well, this is not in the Easy section, nor the Fun section, but boy is it important. Your home is part of your financial future. At this point, we sign a Construction Agreement which your lender requires in order to finance your home.

Processing

While your bank is underwriting and processing your loan (appraisal, title work, etc.) we are hard at work. Building a home is 75% planning and 25% construction. We are finalizing your blueprint, turning your selections into purchase orders, and making sure we are ready to build your home right. Oh, we are also getting ready to pull permits once you close on your loan.

Building Starts

Once you close on your loan, we pull all necessary permits and we start lining up our trade partners to get started on your home. Tree folks, surveyors, excavators, and more, oh my!

Time for Move-In

After you move in, you are going to look back at your home and the process and realize just how amazing you are and how fast it went. And we are going to be grateful that you entrusted Heartland Builders as your partner in the process.

So how long does it take to build a home?

Well, it depends on the size of your home, but on average the building process is approximately 10 to 12 months, with the actual construction of your home lasting 6 months. The rest of the time is spent in design, planning and banking. Psst…if you are planning for a finished basement or have a large home, add some time to this.

Watch the video


Land Evaluation


On Your Lot Custom Homebuilder

We are an “on-your-lot” custom builder in West Michigan. Every site we build on is different, and every home we build is unique. So, because of that, we take the time to understand the nuances of each site, including:

  • Topographical analysis
  • Soil conditions
  • Utility costs (water, sewer, gas, electric)
  • Tree clearing
  • Municipality requirement
  • Impact on the environment & neighboring properties

Some of it is out of our hands

There are conditions that are beyond our control, such as the depth of your well and the soil conditions, but we will do our homework to understand what may exist under ground and provide you with allowances that we believe will cover the cost.

Sign up for your free evaluation

Have your land picked out? Get in touch and we’ll come out to take a look!

3D Design


Do you want to see your new home before it’s built?

When looking at blueprints, do you wonder what those lines mean? Wouldn’t it be nice to see what the inside of your home will look like before we build it? How about the outside of your house: the color, or perhaps, how your home will sit on the land?

We can show you, and better yet, we can show you in 3D, before we ever build your new home in West Michigan. Our 3D home design process allows you to experience sight lines, traffic patterns and the natural flow of the design that are difficult to experience in 2D.

Timeless and Evolving Design

Designs will change and evolve in real time during our interactive design session, empowering you to make informed decisions related to design, space, planning, and product selections. When you see your home before you build it you minimize the need for changes during construction (and the costs that come with changes).

Home Design Center


Design tailored to your style.

Our Interior Designer learns your style and preferences and then guides you through the selections process; helping coordinate finishes that fit your taste, style and budget.

We want you to love your new home in West Michigan. We make sure you love getting there too, and we make it easy for you to select finishes in our convenient Design Center.

Our Design Center features a wide variety of interior and exterior features including:

  • Cabinetry
  • Countertops
  • Plumbing fixtures
  • Floor Covering and Tile
  • Hardware for cabinets and doors
  • Siding
  • Brick and Stone