Building Your Dream Home from the Ground Up: A Transplant’s Journey with Hogan Design Build in the Triangle Area

Moving to North Carolina’s Triangle Area — whether from LA, New York, or beyond — is an exciting new chapter. But starting from scratch with a custom home? That’s a whole new level of fresh start. At Hogan Design Build, we specialize in guiding transplants like you through every phase of your dream home journey — from raw land to move-in-ready luxury.

Here’s how we do it — step by step.

Step 1: Consultation & Visioning

Once you’re ready to build, our team meets with you virtually or in-person to learn about your lifestyle, preferences, goals, and timeline. Whether you’re dreaming of a modern farmhouse in Cary or a sleek contemporary build in Chapel Hill, we make sure we understand what “home” means to you.

We’ll discuss:

• Your desired architectural style

• Budget and financing structure

• Lot acquisition (if needed)

• Special needs (aging-in-place, energy efficiency, remote work zones, etc.)

🛠️ We’ve been through this ourselves — we’re transplants too. That’s why our process is built with flexibility, transparency, and total support.

Step 2: Site Selection & Feasibility

If you haven’t purchased land yet, we’ll help you find and assess properties. Our team evaluates:

• Topography and drainage

• Zoning and setbacks

• Septic vs. sewer

• Neighborhood HOA restrictions

• Tree removal or grading requirements

📍 We understand Wake, Durham, Orange, and Chatham counties inside and out.

Step 3: Architectural Design

As an architect-led design-build firm, we take your vision into full architectural plans in-house. That means:

• Custom home plans tailored to your site

• 3D renderings and virtual walkthroughs

• Seamless integration of structural, MEP, and code requirements

• Permit-ready drawings for local jurisdictions

No need to juggle a separate architect or wait months for revisions — we handle it all under one roof.

Step 4: Permits & Approvals

We take the headache out of dealing with municipalities. Our team handles:

• Building permits and reviews

• Stormwater and erosion control compliance

• Tree protection plans (where required)

• Coordination with surveyors, engineers, and HOA approvals

🗂️ You’ll get a clear timeline and real-time updates so you’re never left in the dark.

Step 5: Construction Begins

Once permits are approved, we break ground.

Phase Highlights:

• Site prep & foundation: Grading, footings, and stem walls

• Framing: Exterior and interior walls go up

• Rough-ins: Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC installation

• Insulation & drywall: We prioritize energy efficiency and comfort

• Exterior finishes: Roofing, siding, stonework

• Interior finishes: Cabinets, tile, paint, flooring

• Punch list: Final details checked and perfected

We use a cloud-based client portal to keep you updated with progress photos, schedules, and approvals, no matter where you’re located.

Step 6: Interior Design & Furnishing

Here’s where we go beyond the usual contractor scope. Hogan Design Build offers full interior design and furniture installation, tailored to your new home.

• Custom cabinetry, lighting, and fixture packages

• Furniture sourcing and installation

• Art hanging and accessory styling

• Window treatments and smart home integration

🪑 You walk in to a home that’s not just finished — it’s fully furnished, styled, and ready for you to live in.

Step 7: Move-In & Welcome Home

Once the final clean is done and furnishings are in place, we walk you through your new home — and hand over the keys. We remain on call for warranty items, adjustments, and anything else you need as you settle in.

Why Transplants Choose Hogan Design Build

✅ Architect-led from day one

✅ Licensed in both California and North Carolina

✅ Concierge-style onboarding for remote clients

✅ End-to-end service including furniture install

✅ Deep local knowledge with a West Coast design sensibility

“We moved from Los Angeles and didn’t know the Triangle at all. Hogan Design Build not only built our dream home — they became our guides and advocates throughout the entire process.” – A.R., Cary, NC

Ready to Build Your Custom Home in the Triangle?

We’re here to help — whether you’re still deciding where to land or you’ve already picked out your perfect lot.

👉 Schedule a Consultation Now

Let’s make your North Carolina dream home a reality.