Custom Home Building Process

What can we do for you?

01. Pre-Design

We start by listening to how you live and what you envision. Together we review your goals, your site, and your budget, and we guide you through the local permitting steps that apply to your home.

02. Design

Here your ideas meet our design work. We develop several design options with floor plans and 3D renderings, so you can compare them and see your future home before it is built.

03. Permits

Once the design is finalized, we prepare the permit documentation and typically handle the building permit submittal for you. We coordinate with the permitting office, and we can lead the process or support you.

04. Construction

We deliver construction drawings detailed enough for a general contractor to begin building. We can help you vet builders, coordinate between consultants, and stay involved while the home goes up.

Don't just take our word for it.

Here's what our clients have to say.

"RD's team provided us with a very special creative process designing our home...If you are seriously looking to elevate your next project, work with Refine Design!"

Shy F.

Mountain Lodge

"Stone and Julia were very professional and extremely helpful in designing our project. Their patience and attention to detail were integral in configuring a change of use building."

Dustin D.

Ballard DADU

"They not only helped bring our vision to life, but offered a point of view we had not thought of. I highly recommend this duo - they are incredibly easy to work with."

Kendall F.

Gig Harbor Remodel

"No words can describe how exceptional Julia and Stone are at their work...Not only did they research extensively into the building codes but they poured so much thought into the design."

Yu Chi S.

Seattle Bathroom Remodel

"It was great working with Refine Design Architecture for our cabin expansion. They listened to our requirements, offered feedback and produced designs that fulfilled our vision"

Antonio G.

Leavenworth Cabin Addition

"Their work was on schedule, on budget, and their ideas were very helpful. If you're searching for an architectural team that can fit the bill, look no further."

James M.

Accessibility Retrofit

Have questions?
We have answers.

Every custom home is different, so the path to building one varies too. Here are straightforward answers to the questions homeowners ask us most about the process, the timing, and the cost.

What are the steps in the custom home building process?

We follow five industry-standard phases: Pre-design, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, and Construction Administration. In pre-design we learn about your vision and review the site and local requirements. In schematic design we show you multiple options with floor plans and 3D renderings. A structural engineer joins during Design Development. By the end of Construction Documents you have an approved building permit, a complete set of construction drawings, and a finalized specification package. Construction administration follows, sometimes on an as-needed, on-call basis.

Do I need an architect to build a custom home?

For custom homes in our area, an architect is not legally required unless the project includes four or more units. Many homeowners still choose one, because a custom home has to work with the site, the zoning, and the building code at once. Our architects are licensed Washington State architects who know local zoning codes, building regulations, and permit requirements. Our details are intended to produce homes that are structurally sound and compliant with local codes. Not sure whether you need one? Our free consultation covers your vision, your site, your budget, and what is possible.

What does construction cost for a custom home?

We can't give you a construction number without knowing your project. Cost depends on the size and complexity of the home, the site, and the materials you choose. We weigh cost, fire resilience, sustainability, and design against each other, and we compare materials side by side in a matrix. Our schematic design drawings are prepared at a level where a builder can give a preliminary rough-order-of-magnitude estimate. We recommend working with a general contractor for cost estimating. To talk through your budget, get in touch for a free consultation.

How long does the design and permitting take?

For clients who come with a clear vision and a defined program, design and permitting typically takes 4–6 months, depending on the jurisdiction. If you are still deciding what you want, we produce multiple floor plan and 3D options, which can shape the schedule. We prepare construction documents while the local jurisdiction reviews your permit application. We can't quote a construction duration without knowing your home, so ask us about your specific project.

How much does an architect charge?

Our fees typically range between 5% and 15% of total construction cost. Where your project falls depends on the home's complexity, the site conditions, and the level of service you need. We tailor pricing to the project's size, complexity, and site conditions, and our services are shaped project by project to fit your goals. Some clients want us through construction, while others need drawings and permitting only. The free consultation is a good place to talk through which services fit and what they would cost.

Why hire an architect for your custom home?

A custom home involves many decisions, and early guidance saves trouble later. We help you weigh financial and regulatory factors early in the design process. We handle the permit paperwork to reduce the risk of application rejections. We provide detailed documentation that helps you meet construction loan requirements. Our lighting and electrical plans are meant to reduce surprises for your builder and electrician. We don't use templates. Each design is built around how you live and what your site allows.