Dive into our design philosophy and go behind the scenes of what goes into building an Ashton Woods home to learn why people who love design love our homes.
01
START WITH RESEARCH
The first step in building a custom home is learning what options are available. Begin by
reviewing different floor plans, styles, and layouts to see what fits your lifestyle. Look at photos,
tour model homes, and compare design features so you have a clear idea of what you like
before moving forward.
02
CREATE A DESIGN PLAN
At Smithsonian Homes, we encourage you to start by working with an architect to choose a floor
plan that fits your lifestyle and priorities. Think about what spaces are most important—such as
the number of bedrooms, storage needs, office space, or open living areas—and make sure the plan reflects those essentials. From there, the design can be tailored with adjustments like
moving walls, adding square footage, or refining layouts. Once the foundation of the plan is set, you’ll also have the opportunity to select finishes such as flooring, cabinets, countertops, paint,
and more to complete the look and feel of your new home.
03
ESTABLISH YOUR BUDGET
After you’ve identified what you want in your property, the next step is building a budget. Our
team will guide you through the financial side of homebuilding to help align your design goals
with your budget. We provide clear, upfront pricing so you know what to expect from the start.
Key cost factors to consider include:
● Land – the cost of purchasing your lot.
● Home – the cost of construction based on your chosen plan and finishes.
● Site Work – expenses for lot preparation, such as clearing, grading, utilities, or
driveways.
04
CONTRACT & PLANNING
Once your design and pricing are finalized, we’ll move into the contract stage. This step is about
making sure you feel confident moving forward. We’ll review the drawings together, confirm the
details, and outline a realistic timeline for construction. We’ll also guide you through permits and
site preparation so nothing feels overwhelming. We understand how important your budget is,
so if there’s ever a chance of costs going above what’s planned, we’ll let you know right away
before any work begins. Sometimes adjustments, like change orders due to material shortages,
may be necessary—but our goal is always to keep the process simple, transparent, and
stress-free.
05
SITE PREPARATION
Before we break ground, your land may need some preparation. This can include clearing,
grading, soil testing, surveys, or other site work. We’ll guide you through what’s required so
you’ll know exactly what steps are necessary before construction begins.
06
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Now the exciting part begins—construction of your new Smithsonian Home. Throughout the process, you’ll receive consistent updates and have access to our team for questions.
Typical stages of the build include:
● Foundation
● Framing
● Mechanical Systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC)
● Insulation & Drywall
● Interior Finishes (carpentry, paint, trim)
● Flooring & Fixtures
● Final Inspections
07
WALK-THROUGH & MOVE-IN
Once your home is complete, we’ll walk you through it to review details, demonstrate systems,
and create a punch list of any final adjustments. After that, it’s time to move into your new home.
08
WARRANTY & SUPPORT
Our responsibility doesn’t end at closing. Smithsonian Homes provides a tiered warranty program for peace of mind:
● 1 Year – workmanship & materials
● 2 Years – plumbing, electrical, and HVAC delivery systems
● 6 Years or 10 Years – major structural components
We stand behind the quality of our work so you can feel confident long after move-in day.
