Embarking on the journey to your new Bridgewater Villa is an exciting milestone. But as with any new chapter, you may still have questions about what happens next. This guide walks you through each phase from your option-to-purchase to receiving your keys, so you’ll know exactly what to expect at every turn. If anything feels unclear or you have specific concerns, your community Villa Expert is always ready to help. If you haven’t completed an Information/Discovery Session to prepare a preliminary budget visit our blog post “Where Do We Start” for a guide to our early process and help.

Step 1: Option-to-Purchase
Before a formal purchase contract is signed, you may reserve your base price and your chosen homesite with an option-to-purchase deposit.

• Requires a $1,000 refundable deposit
• The option-to-purchase secures your chosen homesite and base price for 7 days
• The option allows access to custom pricing for special features you may have requested that weren’t available during the preliminary budget session.

  

• At the end of the 7-day option period, you may choose to have your deposit completely refunded or move forward to signing a contract to build your new villa.

Step 2: Signing the Contract and Initial Deposit
Once you decide to move forward, you sign the purchase contract and submit a preliminary construction deposit of $5,000.

• Your $1,000 option-to-purchase deposit applies toward this amount
• The additional $4,000 completes your initial deposit at contract signing
• As a part of your contract your preliminary budget becomes Addendum A to the contract.
• Signing the contract kicks off the first calendar in our process and the first of several meetings will be scheduled.

Step 3: The first two Weeks of the first 30 days
The first 30 days of our process are dedicated to planning and making design selections and are set aside to ensure the build project of your new villa moves smoothly into construction. During the first two weeks we typically meet twice – one week apart. The first two weeks require a few steps to be completed.

• We open Addendum B to your contract. Addendum B allows for changes to any item we’ve previously included in Addendum A. You may add or subtract anything you like.
• Begin the interior design process and the “Color Selection Sheet”. Selecting flooring, cabinetry, lighting, etc.
• Confirm all structural features of your new villa. What size is the villa, how high is the ceiling, how deep is the garage, do you have a vaulted ceiling or flat, do you have a screened porch or covered deck, do you have bay windows, etc.
• All exterior components and features must be confirmed. What front elevation have you chosen, front door selection, garage door, etc.
• Addendum B is signed and concludes the structural feature and exterior components decision phase.
• The balance of a 10% final construction deposit is due. Your preliminary deposits will be applied here.

Step 4: The Balance of the first 30 days.
The interior features and selections continue

• Addendum C is opened and allows for changes and refinements to colors, features, and selections.
• Finalize all design selection decisions and sign off on your “Color Selection Sheet”
• Finalize any extra electrical or low voltage wiring.
• Addendum C will remain open until the pre-construction meeting.

Step 5: The Pre-Construction Meeting
The pre-construction meeting is scheduled when blueprints for your new villa are received from our architect. The meeting brings our construction team into our process.

• Conducted by Bridgewater construction manager with your community Villa Expert
• Everything from your addenda will have been converted to an itemized “Start Order”
• All structural features and components will be reviewed against the blueprints
• Design samples are reviewed and confirmed with the Color Selection Sheet
• Appliances, faucets, light fixtures and other components are reviewed by pictures.
• The Start Order and Addendum C are signed, and the construction process begins

Step 6: Construction – Months 2-6

• The construction process proceeds
• Your community Villa Expert is your contact throughout the construction period.
• Sit back, relax and watch your new villa come to life.

 Step 7: Closing Preparation – 5-8 weeks before closing.

• Your “New Home Presentation” and Closing dates will be confirmed via your community Villa Expert
• Discussion of financial arrangements and title company details in preparation for closing
• You will receive a “Pre-Closing Review” packet from your community Villa Expert
• Construction continues

Step 8: New Home Presentation – 2 days before closing
This meeting will be conducted by the Bridgewater Communities construction manager at your new villa.

• Thorough review of your new villa with a discussion of features and systems operation
• Discussion of how to best maintain your new villa
• Introduction to the Bridgewater Warranty Coordinator who will present you with your warranty packet containing not only your warranty from Bridgewater Communities, but also numerous other warranties from other vendors and subcontractors.

Step 9: Closing and Move In

• Closing is two days after your New Home Presentation
• Closing paperwork is signed at the title company
• Funds transfer is confirmed through the title company
• You are presented with the keys to your new villa!

Step 10: Welcome Home and, welcome to the Bridgewater family of villa owners!

If you have questions at any stage, your community Villa Expert is here to guide you. We look forward to making this journey to your next chapter as smooth and enjoyable as possible.