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Process

How We Build Your Buffum Home

For 35+ years, Buffum Homes has refined a build experience that feels personal, predictable, and genuinely fun. We combine a fixed‑price contract, an in‑house Selections Coordinator, and a simple online portal to keep you informed (and excited) from first conversation to move‑in.

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Why Choose Us?

What Makes Building with Buffum Different

  • Fixed-price confidence: Once we finalize plans and specs, your construction contract is fixed so you’re protected from price swings.
  • In‑house guidance: Our Selections Coordinator helps you navigate every choice—style, performance, and budget—without overwhelm.
  • Simple online portal: Track schedules, approvals, change orders, photos, and messages in one place, anytime.
  • Your lot or ours: Pick from our inventory of homesites or have us build on land you already own.
  • Flexible financing: Pay cash, bring a construction loan, or use Buffum Homes financing. We’ll also introduce preferred lenders when you’re ready.
  • Local craftsmanship and award‑winning results: Proudly building in and around Grand Rapids with trusted trade partners.
  • Move‑in peace of mind: A comprehensive one‑year warranty and responsive service team stand behind your home.

Ready to Get Started?

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Our 7-Step Process

01

Meet & Dream

What You’ll Do: Share how you live, what you love, and your target investment.

What We’ll Do: Talk through suitable plans, custom options, site improvements, and a rough budget range. If needed, we’ll start with an Architectural Services Agreement for custom design.

What You Get: Alignment on scope, priorities, timeline, and next steps. 

Two-story gray home with wood beam porch and stone accents

02

Design & Planning

What You’ll Do: Walk lots with us (or introduce your own), review concepts, and give feedback.

What We’ll Do: Develop or tailor floor plans to fit your property and budget. Iterate together through revisions until it’s right.

What You Get: Approved plans and specifications ready for final pricing.

03

Final Pricing & Contracts

What You’ll Do: Review our detailed scope of work and allowances.

What We’ll Do: Lock in a fixed price and target completion date based on your approved plans.

What You Get: A signed construction agreement with clear expectations.

Luxury Home Financing Options

04

Financing

What You’ll Do: Choose your route—cash, construction loan, or Buffum Homes financing. If you’re selling a home, we can help with that too.

What We’ll Do: Coordinate with your lender and keep documents flowing.

What You Get: Funding in place so we can schedule the start of construction.

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05

Pre-Construction

What You’ll Do: Meet your Project Manager and get portal access.

What We’ll Do: Pull permits, notify vendors, order long‑lead items, and lock pricing. We’ll publish your pre‑construction schedule and selection deadlines in the portal.

What You Get: A ready‑to‑go start date with materials and people lined up.

06

Construction & Selections

What You’ll Do: Make your finish selections with our Selections Coordinator and enjoy milestone walk‑throughs.

What We’ll Do: Build your home—footings through final punch—while keeping you updated with photos, messages, and on‑site meetings. Typical build time is 6–8 months from groundbreaking, depending on plan and season.

What You Get: A completed home that matches your plans, budget, and expectations.

  • Footings
  • Poured walls
  • Backfill
  • Framing
  • Roofing
  • Siding
  • HVAC
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical
  • Rough inspections
  • Insulation
  • Drywall
  • Trim + built‑ins
  • Interior paint
  • Countertops
  • Flooring + tile
  • Finish Plumbing
  • Finish Electrical/HVAC
  • Final clean
  • Paint touch‑ups
  • Quality walk‑through
  • Quality punch list

07

Closing, Move-In & Warranty

What You’ll Do: Final walkthrough and receive your certificate of occupancy, closing docs, and keys!

What We’ll Do: Review systems, warranties, and service process. Then we’re here for anything you need throughout your first year.

What You Get: Move-in day! Plus peace of mind backed by our one-year warranty.

Your Dream Home Is Closer Than You Think

Imagine walking through the front door of a home designed just for you. We’ll guide you from the first conversation to the moment you turn the key—every detail handled, every step exciting.

We’re scheduling new builds now. Secure your spot on our calendar and take the first step toward move-in day.

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FAQs

As soon as you’re ready. Design and financing steps can begin right away, and we’ll provide a realistic start date based on permits and materials.

Buffum Homes offers a hassle-free financing option, eliminating the need for dealing with construction loans. The only consideration you need is the mortgage at the conclusion of construction, and we provide recommendations for lenders with highly competitive rates who truly comprehend each individual’s situation.

Certainly! We believe in making your dream home uniquely yours. You have the freedom to customize the design of your home according to your preferences. Our team is dedicated to working closely with you to bring your vision to life, ensuring that your new home reflects your individual style and needs. Let’s create a home that truly feels like yours!

Yes, we offer a comprehensive warranty to ensure the quality and durability of our work.

Our commitment to quality, attention to detail, and personalized service distinguish us. We prioritize communication, transparency, and delivering homes that exceed expectations.

While we consistently maintain a substantial inventory of lots, if you have a particular location in mind but haven’t discovered the ideal lot for your home construction, we can assist you in locating the perfect lot before commencing the building process!

The short answer? Of course! We build on customers’ vacant land all the time.

The duration varies based on the size and complexity of the project. On average, a home project may take 6-8 months from start to finish. To get a more personalized estimate tailored to your project, feel free to connect with our team. We’re here to make your dream home a reality!

Our streamlined system is designed to eliminate stress. Simply follow our guidelines to navigate through the selection process effortlessly. Throughout the entire construction period, our project managers will be by your side, providing assistance and support.

This is a common inquiry, and it’s absolutely fine. We also hold a real estate license and can assist you in selling your home at a discounted rate, allowing you to maximize your earnings from the sale!

You have the freedom to choose your own lender. However, we strongly encourage you to explore the options with our preferred lenders. They have a thorough understanding of the process and offer remarkably competitive rates, ensuring you make the most informed and beneficial choice for your financing needs.

Begin by scheduling a consultation with our team. We’ll discuss your vision, budget, and timelines to create a personalized plan for your dream home.

As soon as you’re ready. Design and financing steps can begin right away, and we’ll provide a realistic start date based on permits and materials.

Not necessarily. We maintain a healthy inventory of homesites and can also help you find the perfect lot—or build on yours.

Absolutely. We can modify any of our plans or design a new one from scratch.

No. You’re free to choose. We’ll also share preferred lenders who understand new‑construction timelines and typically offer competitive rates.

No problem! We hold a real estate license, so we can help you sell your home at a discounted rate. This means you’ll maximize your earnings from the sale!

You’ll have clear deadlines, curated options, and one‑on‑one help from our Selections Coordinator. Everything is tracked in the portal to keep decisions on schedule.

You’ll have a one‑year comprehensive warranty and an easy way to submit service requests. Our team will take great care of you.