Before a single shovel hits the ground, your custom home journey with Severyn Development begins with one of the most important steps in the entire process: the pre-construction meeting. This meeting ensures that every detail is clearly outlined, questions are answered, and your vision is fully aligned with the build team before construction begins.
Whether you’re building a custom home in Birch Creek Run, Sawyer’s Landing, or on your own lot, this foundational meeting sets the tone for a smooth and efficient project.
Here’s what you can expect.
The Purpose of the Pre-Construction Meeting
The goal of the pre-construction meeting is simple: align the builder, the client, and any design professionals on every major aspect of the build. By the end of the meeting, all parties should understand:
- What is being built (the design and specifications)
- When each phase is expected to happen
- How communication will be handled
- What your responsibilities are as the client
This meeting is the final checkpoint before permitting, scheduling, and physical work begins on-site.
1. Reviewing Plans and Selections
The meeting begins with a thorough review of your final construction drawings. This includes:
- Elevations and floor plans
- Structural details
- Site plan and orientation on the lot
Your Severyn team will walk you through the blueprints to confirm that everything is as expected—from room dimensions to window placements and rooflines. This is also where we double-check the custom selections you’ve made for things like cabinetry, flooring, lighting, and hardware.
This is your opportunity to ask questions or request final clarifications before build orders are placed.
2. Permits and Site Preparation Timeline
Once plans are finalized, we review the timeline for permitting and site work. Permitting varies depending on location and municipality, so we’ll explain:
- Which permits are required
- Expected review times
- When site work (grading, utility connections, excavation) will begin
Because Severyn has decades of experience in Western New York, we’re well-versed in the local processes and work to keep your project moving efficiently through the permitting stage.
3. Communication Expectations
You’ll meet or reconnect with your main point of contact—often your project manager—who will be with you throughout the entire build. We’ll walk through how we handle:
- Weekly or bi-weekly updates
- Site visit scheduling
- Change orders (and how they affect budget/timeline)
- Approval processes for future selections
At Severyn, we believe in transparent, proactive communication. You’ll never feel left in the dark, and you’ll always know who to call.
4. Final Budget and Allowance Confirmation
We’ll also take a moment to review the contract budget, including:
- Final base cost of construction
- Allowances for finishes (tile, flooring, lighting, etc.)
- Any upgrades or add-ons discussed during the design phase
If you’re on a fixed-price contract, we’ll confirm that everything included in your scope of work is accounted for. For cost-plus contracts, we’ll review how overages and savings are managed.
This step ensures you’re financially comfortable and fully informed before construction starts.
5. Site-Specific Considerations
Every property is different. If you’re building on your own lot or one of Severyn’s development lots, we’ll walk through:
- Site access
- Setbacks, easements, and orientation
- Grading or drainage plans
- Tree clearing or utility connections
These details help avoid surprises down the road and ensure the home is situated exactly as planned.
6. Scheduling and Milestone Planning
Next, you’ll receive an overview of the construction timeline:
- Expected start date
- Key milestones (foundation, framing, rough-ins, drywall, etc.)
- Target completion date
While weather and inspections can affect timing, Severyn’s experience allows us to build efficiently with as few delays as possible. We’ll explain how we manage the schedule, communicate changes, and keep things on track.
7. Site Access and Safety Protocols
During the build, we want clients to stay connected—but also safe. We’ll cover:
- When and how you can visit the site
- Safety rules while on-site
- When to schedule walkthroughs with our team
Severyn is committed to a safe and professional job site environment for both clients and crews.
8. Documentation and Sign-Off
At the end of the meeting, you’ll receive a package or digital folder that includes:
- Final construction drawings
- Selections and allowance details
- Site plan and grading documents
- Contract and payment schedule
- Communication protocols
We’ll walk you through everything and ask for a final sign-off to authorize construction to begin.
Why This Meeting Matters
The pre-construction meeting isn’t just a formality—it’s a vital step in ensuring that your home is built exactly the way you envisioned. It protects you, clarifies responsibilities, and creates a collaborative foundation for the months ahead.
At Severyn, we treat every home as a partnership. By aligning early, we reduce surprises, eliminate miscommunication, and ensure your project moves forward with clarity and confidence.
Ready to Build? Let’s Talk.
If you’re preparing to build your custom home in Western New York, reach out to Severyn Development. Whether you’re building in Birch Creek Run, Sawyer’s Landing, or on your own lot, we’ll walk you through every step—from the first plan to your pre-construction meeting to move-in day.
Contact Us to learn more or schedule your consultation.
