After her morning coffee, Jessica jotted down the first lines of her dream kitchen, oversized windows, a walk-in pantry, and a breakfast nook overlooking the backyard. It wasn’t a blueprint, but it was a start. A week later, she walked into her first custom home consultation, excited, nervous, and unsure of what to expect.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The initial consultation is where questions are answered, trust is built, and the foundation is set for both the home and the journey ahead.
What Happens During a Custom Home Consultation?
Think of your initial consultation as a relaxed but focused conversation. No pressure, no sales pitch, just a chance to talk about your vision and how we can bring it to life. Here’s what we typically cover:
Your Vision
What does home mean to you? Whether it’s a Pinterest board full of dream kitchens or a list of “non-negotiables,” we’ll talk through the look, feel, and function of your ideal home.
Your Land (or the Search for It)
Already have a homesite? Great, we’ll review the location, topography, and any relevant documents. Still looking? We’ll walk you through what to keep in mind when choosing the right property.
Budget Comfort Zones
Budget can feel like a tricky topic, but it’s key to a successful design. We’ll help you understand the typical costs of building and where you may want to invest more or scale back.
Timeline Expectations
We’ll map out the general process from design to move-in, so you have a clear picture of what to expect.
Decision-Making Style
Some clients love choosing every finish. Others prefer a more curated experience. We’ll tailor the process to match your style and comfort level.
What to Bring
You don’t need a binder of blueprints to have a productive first meeting. A few simple items can help us start strong. Bring along any inspiration you have—photos, magazine clippings, or Pinterest boards. Even if it’s a mix of styles, it helps us understand your aesthetic.
A rough wish list is also helpful. Think about your must-haves, like a home office or mudroom, versus your nice-to-haves, like a wine fridge or bonus room. Jot down any questions or concerns—no question is too small. And finally, come with a general idea of your budget. It doesn’t need to be exact, but a ballpark figure helps guide the conversation.
A Few Things to Remember
You don’t need to have it all figured out before you walk in. That’s why we’re here to help guide you through the hundreds of decisions ahead and make sure the process feels manageable and exciting. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Building a custom home is a big step, and your dream deserves the right kind of attention and care.
Most importantly, remember that this is just the beginning. The consultation sets the stage for everything that follows. From this initial conversation, your ideas will begin to take shape, and your dream home will start to feel like a real possibility.
Start Your Custom Home Journey Today
Whether you’re dreaming on paper napkins or collecting inspiration on Instagram, the first consultation is where the magic begins. At LaFollette Custom Homes, we help you move from ideas to blueprints, from vision to reality—with clarity, creativity, and a whole lot of heart. Contact us today to take the first step towards your forever home.