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Why ICI Homes

The Building Process with ICI Homes

From contract and personalization through construction, closing, and warranty, learn what to expect during every stage of building your new ICI home.

8–10 Months Average Build Time
Third-Party HERS Inspections
1·2·10 Years of Limited Warranty Coverage
94% Would Recommend ICI Homes in 2025

Buying

Buying Your ICI Home — 5 Easy Steps

OK, you're ready! You've decided on the community, picked out the perfect homesite, selected the floor plan you want, considered how much customization you would like, and started thinking about financing. What's next?

Couple dreaming of a new custom home
The Buying Process
Explore the 5 buying steps
  1. Make Your Decisions

    It's time to go to contract, and in order to do that, you'll need to make a few decisions about your new home upfront so they can be included in your agreement. Once everyone has signed off, the planning process can begin. Plans are drawn, a survey is ordered, energy calculations are completed, and roof trusses are engineered.

    Here's what you need to know:

    • Home design, plan number, and homesite
    • Exterior elevation
    • Garage orientation, as viewed from the street
    • Structural options such as a bonus room, additional square footage, or other customizations that affect the home's footprint
  2. Sign Your Agreement

    Signing the Agreement for Sale and Purchase or Construction Agreement marks an important step in the process and outlines everyone's responsibilities for the construction of your new home. It includes timelines, buyer and seller responsibilities, and other important terms and conditions.

    Make sure your Sales Associate thoroughly reviews the paperwork with you and that you understand what you are signing. Ask questions. It's our job to help you feel comfortable and informed throughout the process.

    It's a big step, so take your time.

  3. Schedule Your Appointments

    You have a few important responsibilities regarding your new home. First, you'll need to schedule your Design Studio appointment within the timeframe specified in your agreement. If you are financing your new home, you'll also need to apply with a lender within the timeframe outlined in your agreement.

    Once the contract has been fully executed, additional steps must be completed before construction can begin.

  4. Personalize Your Home

    After the contract has been fully executed, the selection process can begin. A meeting will be scheduled at an ICI Homes Design Studio with a design professional to finalize your plans, options, colors, and interior finishes.

    This can feel overwhelming, but it can also be a lot of fun. Take your time, share your personal preferences, and let your designer help you create a home that suits your lifestyle.

    The timeframe for completing your selections is one of your contractual requirements because construction cannot begin until your plans are finalized, materials are ordered, and the building permit is submitted and approved. If you are unable to make your design selections personally, you may need to designate a representative to make decisions on your behalf.

    The more prepared you are, the more enjoyable the process will be. Do your homework before your Design Studio appointment. Changes made after purchase orders have been released or construction has begun may result in additional costs and delays.

  5. Finalize Your Financing

    The options and finishes you select will be added to your agreement. In some cases, a portion of those selections may be financed along with the purchase of your home.

    You'll also need to submit any additional deposits required by your agreement, complete your loan application, and provide ICI Homes with the required financing documentation.

    During this time, purchase orders and construction documents will be prepared so that once your building permit is received, your home can be released to your builder and construction can begin.

Building

Building Your ICI Home — 4 Easy Steps

OK, this will seem like the longest part of the process because you may see nothing happening on your homesite for weeks, and of course, it can feel like months. But there is a lot happening behind the scenes. So, what IS happening?

Important steps are being completed, including energy calculations, roof truss design, finalizing your selections, preparing work orders, scheduling the trades, and working with city and county municipalities to obtain your building permit. So, hang in there…

Custom kitchen from frame to completion
The Building Process
Explore the 4 building steps
  1. Meet Your Builder, Pre-Construction Time

    Once the permit has been received, the “START” package is released to your ICI builder. This package includes the permit, the survey showing your home on the homesite, color selections, plans, and the purchase orders that tell the builder which suppliers and trade partners will provide labor and materials for your home.

    From there, your builder develops the work schedule and contacts you to set up the Pre-Construction Meeting. During this meeting, you will confirm your selections, verify the orientation of the home on the proposed house survey, and have the opportunity to ask specific questions about the construction process.

    It is a good idea to think about your questions ahead of time and come prepared with a list so you feel comfortable with your builder and the exciting process that is about to begin. If you cannot attend your construction meetings, make sure you have an authorized representative available to attend on your behalf.

  2. Watch Your Progress, Essential Communication

    Build time will vary depending on the location, size, and complexity of your home. ICI Homes has an average build time of approximately 8 to 10 months.

    Periodically, you will be asked to attend construction meetings. These meetings will take place during normal weekday business hours, and your attendance is highly recommended. If you authorized someone to act on your behalf at the time of contract because you are unable to attend, your builder will schedule the meeting with your representative.

  3. Make Your Notes, Progress Walk

    A mid-construction walk between you and your builder will occur after construction is well underway, but before insulation and drywall. This review will familiarize you with what goes on “behind the walls.”

    During this meeting, you will walk through the home to confirm that the standard features and selected options are included. This is also an excellent opportunity to get answers to your construction-related questions.

  4. Complete Your Pre-Closing Orientation and Inspection

    Before closing, your builder will contact you to arrange your Pre-Closing Orientation and Inspection after your home is complete. Your builder will walk you through the features of your new home, explain the proper operation of its equipment, and review important maintenance requirements.

    This is your opportunity to go through your new home thoroughly, so ask questions and take your time. Any items of concern will be documented so they can be addressed as quickly as possible.

    Finally, you are on the home stretch. Your builder will attend to the documented items and coordinate the final touches, with the goal of making sure your new home is complete, professionally cleaned, and ready for move-in day.

Closing

Closing Your ICI Home — 5 Easy Steps

After watching your new home come to life, the time has come to prepare for closing. ICI Homes works with the title company to prepare your closing documents and guide you through the process. Good communication on all sides is essential. This can feel like one of the most stressful stages, but it is also one of the most exciting, and being prepared is the key to a smooth closing.

Couple working with a sales agent for a new custom home
The Closing Process
Explore the 5 closing steps
  1. Prepare to Close, Stay in Touch

    Before closing, you will receive information from the ICI Homes Closing Department confirming your closing date, location, and any items needed to help the process go smoothly.

    If you are financing your new home, this is a good time to check with your lender and make sure you have satisfied all conditions of your loan approval and remain on track for the scheduled closing date.

  2. Line Up Your Insurance and Utilities

    Contact the local utility providers to begin service in your name as of the closing date.

    If you have not already secured homeowners insurance, contact your insurance agent and provide the required policy information to your lender and closing team. Your lender will let you know what coverage and documentation are required.

  3. Finalize Your Closing Figures and Wire

    Once your lender and title company have finalized your closing package, you will receive the final amount needed for closing and instructions for submitting your funds.

    Always verify wire instructions directly with the title company using a trusted phone number before sending money. Never rely on unexpected or last-minute wiring instructions received by email.

  4. Close on Your New Home

    On closing day, you will meet with the title agent to review and sign your closing documents. The title company will disburse the funds and record the necessary documents.

    Once the closing is complete, you will receive your keys, garage door openers, and important documents and materials related to your new home. Any additional recorded documents will be provided to you after closing.

    Once everything is signed and completed, it is official.

  5. Take Possession of Your New Home

    You are now the proud owner of your new ICI home. It is finally time to move in.

    Take the first few weeks to become familiar with your home and note any items that may need attention as you settle in. You can use the #MyICIHome Portal to access important information, connect with your team, and submit warranty requests.

Congratulations, and welcome to the ICI Homes family.

Caring

Caring for Your ICI Home — 5 Easy Steps

You're finally moved into your new ICI home. Our commitment to customer satisfaction does not end at closing. After you have settled in, the ICI Homes Warranty Team will continue to support you and help address questions or service needs that may arise. So, how does it all work?

Happy couple caring for their new custom home
Caring for Your Home
Explore the 5 home-care steps
  1. Organize Your Documents

    Gather your closing and warranty documents and keep them in a safe place for easy reference. These may include your closing statement, termite warranty, final survey, Certificate of Occupancy, warranty information, maintenance materials, and other documents provided at closing.

    You may refer to these frequently during the first few weeks and months in your new home.

  2. Complete Your Registrations

    If you have not completed the manufacturer warranty registrations for your appliances and home systems, take time to do so. These registrations may activate additional product-specific coverage beyond the ICI Homes limited warranty.

    Store your manuals and warranty information in a safe place, and review the warranty materials provided at closing so you understand what is covered and how to request service.

  3. Submit Your Warranty Requests

    The ICI Homes Warranty Team is your primary contact for questions about your home and warranty service after closing.

    As you settle in, you may notice items that require attention. Submit your requests through the #MyICIHome Portal so they can be documented, reviewed, and scheduled with the appropriate team or trade partner.

    Grouping non-urgent requests together may help reduce disruption and allow service appointments to be coordinated more efficiently.

  4. Tell Us What You Think

    Your satisfaction is important to us. An independent third-party research firm will invite you to complete surveys at different points after closing, giving you the opportunity to share what went well and where we can improve.

    Whether you want to recognize a team member, provide feedback about the process, or share your thoughts about your home's design, quality, and workmanship, your honest feedback helps us continue improving the experience for future homeowners.

  5. Start Your Maintenance Schedule

    Routine maintenance is essential to protecting your home and may be required to maintain applicable limited warranty coverage. A minor adjustment or repair completed promptly can often help prevent a more serious, time-consuming, and costly issue later.

    Use the home maintenance information provided by ICI Homes to create a schedule for caring for your home's major systems and features, including heating and air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, flooring, insulation, windows and doors, landscaping, ventilation, cabinetry, and appliances.

    Regular maintenance will help protect your investment and allow you to enjoy your new home for years to come.

Energy Wise

Every ICI Home Has the EQ Factor

At ICI Homes, we take great pride in keeping pace with today's technological advances while preserving the craftsmanship and building traditions of the past. An ICI EQ Factor home is designed to support greater comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality while helping reduce monthly energy use.

It is a smart investment and added peace of mind because what is behind the walls really counts.

Energy efficient homes are good for the environment
Energy Wise, Quality Built
  • HERS RESNET Certified — inspected twice during construction by a third-party energy rating service, with final results certified through a RESNET-accredited rating provider.

  • Tighter Building Envelope — advanced framing techniques and upgraded insulation help improve energy efficiency.

  • High-Performance HVAC — carefully sized and installed to distribute even temperatures and remove humidity.

  • High-Performance Windows & Glass Doors — Low-E insulated glass deflects radiant heat and helps protect finishes from fading.

  • Energy Star Appliances — use less energy without sacrificing performance, features, or comfort.

  • More Wood Behind the Walls — interior walls are built 16″ on center, rather than 24″ on center.

  • Solid-Built Foundation — the 3,000 PSI concrete mix used in the slab is further strengthened with fiber mesh.

  • Added Water Intrusion Protection — the exterior of the home, from the windows to the stucco application, is designed to handle Florida's wet weather.

  • Superior Window Installation — every window installation is carefully planned and monitored for both masonry and wood openings.

Explore these energy-efficient and quality-built features throughout our floor plan library.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Build time varies depending on the location, size, and complexity of your home. ICI Homes has an average build time of approximately 8 to 10 months.

You will need to schedule your Design Studio appointment and complete your selections within the timeframe specified in your agreement. If you are financing your home, you will also need to apply with a lender within the timeframe outlined in your agreement. Your selections must be finalized before permitting and construction can move forward.

Before closing, your builder will walk you through the features of your new home, explain how its equipment operates, and review important maintenance requirements. This is also your opportunity to ask questions and document any items that may need attention before move-in.

ICI Homes works with the title company to prepare your closing documents and guide you through the closing process. Before wiring any funds, always verify the instructions directly with the title company using a trusted phone number.

Gather and safely store your closing and warranty documents, complete any required manufacturer warranty registrations, and review the warranty information provided at closing. You can also use the #MyICIHome Portal to submit warranty requests and access important information about your home.

Every ICI home is HERS RESNET certified and inspected twice during construction by a third-party energy rating service. ICI homes also include energy-efficient features such as a tighter building envelope, advanced framing techniques, upgraded insulation, high-performance HVAC systems, and Low-E insulated glass.

Ready When You Are

Let's Start Building

From first signature to move-in day, our team walks every step with you. Let's find the right time to talk.