You’ve achieved so many dreams.
Isn’t it time you lived in one?
Since 1961, John Buchan Homes has been one of the most trusted builders in Seattle, Bellevue, Clyde Hill, Kirkland, and Medina.
Every detail of a John Buchan home meets an unprecedented standard of craftsmanship, artistry, and perfection. Our team takes great pride in knowing that our clients trust us to design and build beautiful homes that elevate their lifestyle.
The BUchan Difference
Custom Home Building Process
For many of our clients, the biggest question is not whether to build, but whether the process will justify the investment of time, trust, and attention.
You may be asking practical questions: How long will it take? What will influence cost? How are decisions managed? How do you know the team you choose will execute at the level you expect? These are the right questions.
A custom home is a complex undertaking with countless moving parts, and for most clients, it is unfamiliar territory. That is where Buchan makes the difference. We bring structure to complexity, clarity to decision-making, and a proven process designed to replace uncertainty with confidence.
Our clients come to us because they want more than a beautiful home. They want a disciplined, transparent experience. They want expert guidance, clear communication, and a team capable of delivering exceptional quality without unnecessary friction.
And the result is more than a remarkable home. It is the peace of mind of knowing it was built right.
1
Discovery
The discovery phase begins with an initial meeting discussing goals, styles, expectations and basic feasibility. We offer our expertise to ensure you are ready to make informed decisions every step along the way.
2
Architectural Design
We will guide you through the process of selecting an aesthetic based on your unique personal preferences and lot location.
3
Interior Design
This is the exciting part! Working in the Buchan Design Studio alongside our skilled Interior Designer, you will select the interior and exterior materials and finishes for your home.
4
Build
From ground breaking to completion you will watch as your vision comes to life! Your experienced Superintendent will ensure your home moves through each phase of construction on time and on budget, keeping you informed along the way.
5
Move In!
It’s the day you’ve been dreaming of for months! Watching families thrive in their new home is the ultimate reward for us. Welcome home!
Where to Build
We can help you find the right property
Finding the right property to build on is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. We make the process of identifying the right property easy. Do you already own the right property? Great! Our team will take a look and offer our feedback from a development point of view.
THE BASICS
Frequently Asked Questions
Several key factors influence the final cost of a project:
City: each jurisdiction has its own requirements
Style: traditional, modern, 2 story, other…
Size: the square footage of your home
Finishes: interior selections (cabinets, counters, hardwoods, windows, doors and more)
Site conditions: topography, utility connections and accessibility
Current custom home projects start at $450+ per conditioned square foot.
Our quotes are comprehensive and include:
· Basic feasibility assessment
· Contractor fee
· Labor
· Materials
· Rentals
· Supervision
· Landscaping + Irrigation
· Course of Construction Insurance
· Warranty
· Washington State Sales Tax
In addition to your contracted build costs, you need to consider Pre-Development expenses such as:
· Land
· Financing costs (costs relating to your custom home loan)
· Surveys & Civil Engineering
· Architectural design & engineering (our library of floor plans or custom design)
· Interior Design
· Permit fees
Pre-development costs are directly related to the size, location, and characteristics of the building lot.
Typical costs range from $125-$150k or more in addition to land acquisition and financing. Please note that costs will be higher if the parcel of land is on waterfront, unusually large, burdened by critical areas, or if the topography is challenging.
Obtaining a construction loan to build your custom home is different than a conventional loan.
We will provide you with a list of lenders that our clients have used and encourage you to contact one or more to inquire about custom home financing.
The lender will walk you through the process and explain what program will be best for your individual goals.
Every custom home will have a unique building timeline depending on the size and style of home , the property characteristics and the jurisdiction. Generally speaking, Architectural Design, Interior Design and permitting can take 6-9 months to complete. The average build time ranges from 10-18 months. Once we learn more about your custom home vision, we will tailor a timeline specific to your project.