Design Build Process

Our Simple Design and Build Process

Throughout the building process, we work to develop a strong relationship with each of our homeowners, creating an environment where the client is respected and listened to from start to finish.

Initial Consultation (no charge)

  • Discuss the client’s objectives, design ideas, and budget.
  • Present the client with a portfolio of our plans to choose from or review plans brought in by the client.

Preliminary Design / Project Scope

  • Builders in-house design team prepares an initial concept sketch of plan for client
  • Discuss and evaluate the scope of the project given the buyers needs and lifestyle
  • Prepare preliminary specification list and cost estimate range $0 - $2,000 AVG

Construction Documents and Specification

  • Engage with architect and engineer to develop the working drawings of the house and site plan.
  • Provide client with comprehensive pricing and specifications.
  • Include pricing for any requested options
  • Assist in customer selections and any further floor plan modifications
  • Acceptance of plans, specification and pricing by client $6,000 – $12,000 AVG

Contract Agreement and Construction

  • Client and Builder enter into contract agreement (Cost Plus % or Fixed Price Contract)
  • Finalize home selections and facilitate showroom visits with designer.
  • Client Orientation of the Construction Process
    Discuss timeline of construction and outline critical dates for selections to be finalized
  • Change orders/contract addendums
  • Site visits and meetings

Closing and Title Possession

  • Builder will notify client in advance of substantial completion of the residence and set closing date
  • Walkthrough and new home demonstration
  • Punch list items
  • Homebuyer's Protection Plan

Since 1952, the Kemp Homes Company has built a reputation in our community for designing and building innovative, yet timeless homes. It all started with our founder, Fred M. Kemp, who became inspired by the drawings hanging in Washington University’s School of Architecture. He graduated from WashU in 1950 with a degree in architecture, making him one of the few builders with an architecture background. After graduating, he pursued his dream of merging architectural design with suburban home development to bring well-designed, affordable housing to the St. Louis area. 

The history of homebuilding in St. Louis would not be complete without the enduring legacy of Fred M. Kemp. A gifted architect, visionary and past president of the St. Louis Home Builders Association, Mr. Kemp was a nationally recognized leader in the industry. Mr. Kemp introduced many new concepts to the St. Louis community in the 10,000 homes he built during his career. He was the FIRST to design communities with private parks and swimming pool; the FIRST to market new homes with billboards, radio and television; the FIRST to plan for permanent broad open spaces, referred to as common ground within his communities; and the FIRST to build zero lot line homes. Many of these are still considered standard practice in the industry today.

​Today, Mr. Kemp’s legacy and passion for building continues with his son, Bill Kemp, and partner Mark Teitelbaum. The same core principles of building quality homes with exceptional design and value remains to this day.