Learn what goes into building your dream home.

Construction begins with an idea, your idea. Big modern farmhouse with a pool and a bit of urban flair? Classic craftsman bungalow with a breezeway and ADU for the in-laws? Ultra modern enclave nestled in the pines? We’ll make it happen.

With over 50 years of experience when you work with Gerard Laiben, know you’re in good hands.

Explore the information below to learn more about how the process works and what to expect.

THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

There’s a lot to it, but we handle it all.

Design & Requirements

    • Meeting with Architects & Designers with several phases of design process, going from rough concept to final floor plan

    • Design of elevations & details related to the exterior look & feel

    • Meeting with us to discuss the best placement of your home on your property

    • Output of a final construction ready blueprint

    • Creation of a building site plan based on the topography of the land the home will be built on

Planning & Permitting

    • We will gather estimates and bids from relevant subcontractors who will manage specialized aspects of the home build, and include those in a construction cost estimate

    • Submission of blueprints, site plan, and relevant forms & applications to planning and zoning for approval

    • Revisions to plans as needed or required by committees or based on changes in project goals

    • Staking out the boundaries of your home on your land

Foundation, Framing & Flatwork

    • Excavation to make room for your home's foundation

    • Earthwork & rough grading to create access to the building site

    • Digging & pouring of the concrete foundation footer, which the foundation will rest on

    • Forming up & pouring the concrete foundation

    • Installation of drain tile & waterproofing on foundation

    • Hauling & grading of gravel backfill for garage & basement floors

    • Pouring of the concrete garage & basement floors

    • Backfilling of soil around the foundation

    • Framing of the subfloor, walls, roof trusses & all sheathing

    • Shingling of the roof

    • Installation of all exterior doors & windows

    • Installation of soffit, fascia, siding & exterior cladding

Mechanical, Engineering & Plumbing

    • Running exterior plumbing & electrical service installation for connection to your home

    • Rough wiring run throughout the homes framed walls

    • Rough plumbing run throughout the homes framed walls

    • HVAC run throughout the homes framed walls

    • Fire-prevention measures (fire caulk, foam, etc)

Insulation, Drywall & Painting

    • Heat insulation and air sealing of rough framed walls

    • Hanging of sheetrock or other wall covering materials

    • Drywall mudding, taping, and other wall finishing to prepare for painting

    • Priming and painting of finished wall surface

    • Priming and painting of interior and exterior trim work and millwork

Flooring, Finishes & Cabinetry

    • Installation of chosen flooring materials including hardwood, laminate, carpet, tile, etc.

    • Custom tilework, backsplashes, or other specialty wall coverings

    • Hanging of interior doors

    • Millwork including baseboard, window sills, and casing

    • Any custom millwork including built in shelving, seating, or other

    • Hanging and setting of cabinetry in kitchen, bathrooms, and elsewhere

    • Setting of kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities

    • Hanging of blinds, curtains or other window coverings

    • Installation of door and cabinet hardware

    • Final cleaning to make move-in ready

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We have answers.

  • We serve the majority of the St Louis region and build in a roughly 40 mile radius of Festus, Missouri. From Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Barnhart to Farmington, we've got you covered.

  • As you can see from the process, there's a lot involved. The timeline very much depends on the size, complexity, and 'custom-ness' of your design and selections. Other factors such as weather delays and waiting on special order materials can add to the timeline. It would be safe to assume anywhere from 6 months, to 1 year, considering the above.

  • Much like the timeline question above, there are innumerable factors that can affect the price we come back with. The best way to keep the home build costs down is to be strategic with your design decisions. However, it would be safe to assume a roughly $250 per square foot base cost to build, with difficult terrain, or luxury items increasing that.

  • The first thing we'd recommend is finding a piece of land you'd like to build on. As you start that process, we're more than happy to do a pre-purchase site visit to determine the feasibility of building there. Next, start deciding on a style of home you'd like to build. Give is a call at any time and we can help you through that process.

  • Occasionally we will have building lots available and ready to go for building. When we don't, we can put you in contact with great real estate professionals who will make the process a breeze.

  • We offer full service custom home design, or can refer you to any number of architects who can help you design your dream home. We also recommend consulting with an interior designer to help with materials and color selections to bring the whole design together.