How Zen Dev Home Builders Builds a Home

No mystery.

No industry jargon.

No surprises.

The Eight Stages to Your Perfect Home

Here’s every step, in order, with typical durations.

Stage 1 — Consultation

(about 30 minutes)

A conversation with Bernard or Chris. We listen; you ask anything. By the end, you’ll know whether we’re the right builder for you, what a project like yours typically costs, and what the next step looks like. If we’re not a fit, we’ll tell you who is.

Stage 2 — Feasibility

(1–2 weeks)

If we’re moving forward, we do a feasibility pass on your lot (for custom) or reserve a homesite (for community). We look at site conditions, setbacks, utilities, HOA and jurisdictional requirements, and a rough budget range. You pay a small feasibility fee—credited toward design if you proceed.

Stage 3 — Design & Pricing in Parallel

(6–12 weeks)

This is where we do things differently. Chris drafts; Bernard prices. Every week, you see the drawings move and the number move. When they both stop moving in directions you like, we’re done with design. No “wait until it’s finished to see the number.”

Stage 4 — Contract & Pre‑construction

(2–4 weeks)

Detailed fixed‑price or cost‑plus‑GMP contract. Final selections. Permits pulled. Subcontractor scopes locked. You get the full schedule, week by week, before we break ground.

Stage 5 — Build

(6–10 months, typical)

Weekly owner updates with photos. Open job site by appointment. One point of contact (your project manager). Change orders—if any—are priced transparently and approved in writing before any work changes.

Stage 6 — Verification

(about 1 week)

Before we hand you the keys, we run the tests: blower door, duct leakage, HVAC commissioning, water quality. You get the reports, signed and documented.

Stage 7 — Handover

Key walk, owner’s manual, orientation for solar, battery, HVAC, and water systems. You move into a home that works.

Stage 8 — Year‑One Warranty & Beyond

30‑day, 6‑month, and 11‑month warranty walks. One‑year workmanship warranty. Two‑year systems. Ten‑year structural. Optional enrollment in our Home Care Club for lifetime maintenance and a transferable digital home record.