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Our Process

Your building journey begins long before concrete is poured, wood is nailed together or your keys drop in your hand. Here at Richardson, we have the processes and people in place to ensure you receive the best guidance along the way.
How it All Works

Ensuring a Successful Journey

A lot of planning, coordination, and work goes into every single construction project – regardless of how big or small it is. Each step builds upon the previous step. That’s why it’s so important to choose a contractor that has the applicable experience and the commitment needed to do things the right way! With the Richardson Team, we make this process simple and easy for you every step of the way.
Project Conception
Clients can contact us directly at our office or via our website. Our team will then coordinate and set-up a meeting to review project details and how we can help. This is a key step as we strive to learn as much as possible about the vision for your project. We also thoroughly review our services, structure, pricing, and schedules. From this consultation; we're able to map out the appropriate next steps.
1.
GPS
After the initial consultation and budgeting, we both decide if our team and approach are a good fit for each other. In this phase we enter into a "Guided Project Start Agreement". The "GPS" locks us into a scheduled start date and gives you the confidence of having a professional in your corner working toward a common goal. From here we can help with financing, surveying, and other preparations.
2.
Design Services
Once our initial review of your project is complete, we may find that it’s necessary to include design services. We can be involved as much or as little in the project design as the client desires. We offer full-service design options in-house as well as utilize local partners. We want you to have confidence that your vision will be realized by our team, long before we ever start laying the foundation on your project.
3.
Estimate
Once your plans are finalized, we will move into the estimate phase. Before starting, we will review the client's desired finishes, material preferences, etc. Our estimates are itemized clearly, showing what is and isn't included so there are no surprises later.
4.
Pre-Construction
Planning & Setting up for a successful build.
a. Develop cost estimate for material/ labor, 30-60 days prior to construction.
*With the market shifts being so unpredictable, this is a key factor to a successful partnership.
b. Secure financial resources for your construction project
c. HOA/ Review Boards
d. Survey lot & determine house placement
e. Submit required documents to city/county for permits
f. Intro to Selections
5.
Construction
After all the planning leading up to this stage, this is where the real fun begins! As with every step of the process, communication between all parties is essential. Clients have direct access to our entire team during all phases of construction.
6.
Engagement is Easy

BuilderTrend

Once Construction starts, each client is given access to their one stop, personal customer portal. Within BuilderTrend you will have access to all project related documents; drawings, estimates, contracts, etc. This tool also includes built-in communication tools so you can reach out directly to your Project Manager or the entire team. Easily follow jobsite progress, make selection decisions, or review quotes right in the app.
Buildertrend Login
Their construction crews were on time, friendly, professional and competent.  We highly recommend Richardson!
Michael & Teresa
The finished product turned out absolutely stunning.  It literally couldn’t have turned out more perfect!
Jason & Jacci M
Chester helped in choosing the best site on the mountain for the cabin. If something was not up to Chester's standards he would have the workers, do it over. I now have a beautiful well-built cabin. In fact, Richardson Construction has now built 3 cabins on our property for my sisters.
Debbi J
We began building our home just as COVID struck. We had never built a home from the ground up and this one was literally on top of a mountain! The process went smoothly and moved along in a timely fashion. Chester and his crew were great to work with and easy to get in touch with, if needed. We love our house and it feels solidly built. No complaints!
Brenda & Bryn G
People always say building a home is terribly stressful but for us, you made the experience a true pleasure. From the very beginning of our project, it was obvious how much everyone cared about getting it right. We are so happy with our new home and pleased with everyone at your company.
Andy & Lisa W
The entire staff worked in a friendly and efficient manner. The entire process was quick, easy and an overall pleasant experience. No question went unanswered. They built the home of our dreams and we could not be happier.
Randy & Paige
We chose Richardson due to their reputation in and around Blount County.  After meeting with Chester and his team, we knew it was the right choice.  Integrity and complete honesty are hallmarks found in every member of the Richardson team.
Debbi J

Frequently Asked Questions About Richardson Construction

If you are considering a custom home, renovation, or light commercial project in East Tennessee, these FAQs cover the questions we hear most often. Each answer is designed to give you quick clarity before you reach out.

What is Richardson Construction’s custom home building process?

Richardson Construction’s custom home building process starts with a project consultation, then moves into budgeting, a Guided Project Start Agreement, design services, estimating, pre-construction planning, permitting, and construction. Clients are guided through each phase before the home is built.

How do I start a custom home project with Richardson Construction?

To start a custom home project with Richardson Construction, clients contact the office or submit a request through the website. The team then schedules a meeting to review the project vision, services, pricing, schedule, and next steps.

What is Richardson Construction’s Guided Project Start Agreement?

Richardson Construction’s Guided Project Start Agreement, or GPS, is the phase after the initial consultation and budgeting. It helps lock in a scheduled start date and gives clients professional guidance with planning, financing, surveying, and other preparations before construction begins.

Does Richardson Construction help with custom home design?

Yes. Richardson Construction can help with custom home design through in-house design options and local design partners. The company can be involved as much or as little as the client wants, helping make sure the home design is clear before the foundation is started.

When does Richardson Construction provide a construction estimate?

Richardson Construction provides a construction estimate after the plans are finalized. Before estimating, the team reviews the client’s desired finishes, material preferences, and project details. Their estimates are itemized to show what is and is not included.

What happens during pre-construction with Richardson Construction?

During pre-construction, Richardson Construction prepares the project for a successful build. This can include developing the cost estimate, securing financial resources, reviewing HOA or review board requirements, surveying the lot, determining house placement, submitting permit documents, and starting selections.

Does Richardson Construction help with permits and lot planning?

Yes. Richardson Construction’s pre-construction process includes surveying the lot, determining house placement, and submitting required documents to the city or county for permits. This helps the project move into construction with fewer surprises.

How does Richardson Construction communicate during construction?

Richardson Construction gives clients direct access to the team during construction. The company also uses BuilderTrend, a customer portal where clients can view project documents, drawings, estimates, contracts, progress updates, selections, quotes, and communicate with the project manager or team.

What is BuilderTrend used for in Richardson Construction projects?

BuilderTrend is Richardson Construction’s client portal. Clients use it to access project documents, drawings, estimates, contracts, communication tools, jobsite progress updates, selection decisions, and quotes during construction.

Why is planning important in Richardson Construction’s building process?

Planning is important because every construction phase builds on the previous phase. Richardson Construction uses planning, coordination, budgeting, design review, estimating, permitting, and communication to help clients move through the building process with more confidence and fewer surprises.