FAQ

Getting Started Questions

What is your no surprises philosophy?

Our goal is simple: at the end of your project, we want you to say ‘There were no surprises, and I wouldn’t change a thing.’ While new custom home building or customizing your existing home naturally involves some unknowns, we discuss everything upfront. Our experienced team anticipates potential challenges and keeps you informed every step of the way. It’s this proactive communication that ensures a smooth, enjoyable building experience.

What’s the first step?

Everything starts with our complimentary consultation, typically via Zoom or phone. During this no-obligation meeting, we’ll explore your vision, discuss your budget goals, and outline our proven process. To make the most of our time together, we recommend gathering inspirational photos, must-have features, and any initial budget considerations. This helps us understand exactly what you’re looking for in your dream home.

What is your price per square foot?

Throughout our site you will see starting price points for new custom builds as well existing home customization.  However, asking for a price per square foot is like asking a doctor for a diagnosis without an examination – it’s impossible to answer meaningfully without understanding your specific vision. Custom home costs vary dramatically based on design choices, site conditions, and materials selected. The same square footage could cost 10 times more or less depending on your selections. During our initial consultation, we’ll discuss your goals and help you understand how different choices impact overall cost. This way, you can make informed decisions that align with your budget while creating your perfect home.

Our Process Questions

How do you handle design changes and upgrades during construction?

While we encourage finalizing decisions before construction begins, we understand that seeing your home take shape might inspire new ideas. Our clear change order process makes it easy to evaluate modifications during construction. Before proceeding with any changes or upgrades, we provide detailed information about cost and timeline impacts, ensuring you can make informed decisions. Our goal is maintaining flexibility while keeping your project on track and free from surprises.

How involved can I be during construction?

We encourage your involvement throughout the building process! Our team is always available to answer questions and discuss progress. We believe keeping you informed and involved helps create an exciting and enjoyable experience.

How do you ensure quality construction?

Quality control begins with our carefully selected team of premium subcontractors and continues through every phase of construction. Our project managers oversee daily progress and conduct regular inspections that go beyond local requirements. We maintain detailed checklists for each construction phase and hold every aspect of your home to our exacting standards. This systematic approach to quality ensures your home is built to last.

What warranties do you offer?

Your home comes with a comprehensive warranty package that includes:

  • 1-year coverage on workmanship and materials
  • 2-year coverage on systems
  • 10-year structural warranty (for new homes)

This warranty coverage applies to all work we perform and systems we install, whether it’s a new custom home or a renovation project. We also pass through all manufacturer warranties and provide detailed documentation of your coverage. But our commitment extends beyond these formal warranties – it’s not uncommon for us to take care of minor issues even a few years after completion, at no cost to you. Your long-term satisfaction and our reputation for excellence are everything to us.

New Custom Home Questions

Do I need to own the land before starting the process?

No, you don’t need to own land to begin. Thanks to our extensive network in the community, we often know about prime home sites before they’re listed. We can help evaluate properties you’re considering or suggest available lots that match your needs. Our team has deep experience assessing land for buildability, zoning requirements, and cost implications – we’ll guide you through finding the perfect location for your dream home.

Can I customize one of your existing plans?

Yes! We view our floor plans as starting points for creating your perfect home. Whether you want to move walls, add space, reconfigure rooms, or make other changes, our design team will work with you to achieve your vision. We ensure all modifications maintain structural integrity while optimizing cost efficiency. This flexible approach lets you create a truly custom home that fits your lifestyle perfectly.

What if I have my own floor plan?

We welcome your ideas and plans! Whether you have a complete set of drawings or rough sketches, our design team can help bring your vision to life. We’ll review your plans, suggest optimizations based on our local building experience, and ensure everything meets local building codes. After our review, we’ll provide detailed pricing and discuss any modifications that might be needed to maximize your site’s potential or align with your budget. Our goal is to make your dream home a reality while adding value through our expertise.

How long does it take to build a custom home?

Each project varies in timeline based on complexity, design choices, and seasonal factors. During your initial consultation, we’ll provide a general timeline based on similar projects. As part of our design and discovery process, we’ll develop a detailed timeline. Typically, from your initial consultation to receiving your keys, our custom homes take 8-12 months, with actual construction usually taking 4-8 months once we break ground. Our bi-weekly updates ensure you know exactly what to expect at each stage.

Customizing Your Existing Home Questions

How does the design and planning process work?

If during your complimentary initial consultation it makes sense to move forward with our Design & Discovery phase we will schedule a time to visit your home.  Based on our conversation, we will help price out and design your project.  We then will continue to refine it until your vision is in alignment with your budget.  Often we will use 3D Renderings to help you visualize. 

Do I have to move out during the renovation?

It depends on the extent of the remodel or renovation project and what rooms are affected.  For shorter projects, some of our clients even plan a vacation for part or all of the projects.  If you choose to not move out during the construction process, our team understands that our construction site is  your home.  We will do our very best to mitigate dust and to keep your home clean.

How long will my renovation take?

Each project varies in timeline based on scope and complexity. During your initial consultation, we’ll provide a general timeline based on similar projects. For example, a bathroom renovation typically takes 2-4 weeks, while a full kitchen remodel might take 4-8 weeks. Whole-house renovations can range from 3-6 months or more depending on scope. As part of our design and discovery process, we will provide more detailed timelines specific to your project. 

What precautions do you take to protect my home during construction?

Protecting your home during construction is our top priority. We take several precautions to minimize dust, debris, and disruption while ensuring your property remains safe and clean:

  • Dust Containment: We use plastic barriers, zip walls, and dust control systems to isolate the construction area and prevent dust from spreading into other parts of your home.
  • Floor and Surface Protection: We cover floors, countertops, and other surfaces with protective materials like drop cloths, Ram Board, and plastic sheeting to prevent damage.
  • Ventilation Control: HEPA-filtered air scrubbers and fans help maintain clean air by reducing dust and particles during the project.
  • Secure Worksite: Tools, equipment, and materials are organized daily to prevent accidents and keep the work area safe.
  • Daily Cleanup: At the end of each workday, we clean the job site to minimize clutter and disruption.
  • Respect for Your Home: Our team is trained to treat your property with care and respect, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience for you and your family.

Financial Questions

What type of financing do I need?

We have solutions for just about every situation. While many of our clients pay cash, we work closely with several trusted local and national lenders who understand custom home building and renovation project financing.

When it comes to new custom home building, many clients use a construction-to-permanent loan, which converts to a traditional mortgage after completion. We can also help arrange bridge loans so you can use the equity in your current home without moving to a rental during construction.

As it relates to remodeling and renovation projects at your existing home many of our clients use a home equity line of credit during construction and often convert that to a home equity loan. 

Our team coordinates directly with your lender throughout the process, making financing as smooth as possible.

How much do I need for a down payment?

While construction loan down payments typically range from 20-25% of the total project cost, we have financing solutions for various situations. Through our network of lenders, we can access special construction loan programs requiring as little as 5% down.

Every client’s financial situation is unique, so we’ll connect you with lenders offering programs that best match your needs. During our initial consultation, we can discuss various financing options to find the right fit for you.

Do you work with insurance and/or governmental agencies for payments when applicable?

Yes, we have extensive experience working with insurance companies and governmental agencies. Each has different requirements, but we’re well-versed in their processes and documentation needs. We serve as your advocate throughout the process, helping you navigate the complexities and maximize the funds available for your project. Our team handles all the necessary paperwork and coordination, making the process as smooth as possible for you.

Ready to Start Your Dream Home Journey?

We take pride in making the custom home building process clear, organized, and enjoyable. Let’s explore how we can bring your vision to life through a complimentary consultation. 

Our proven process has helped countless families create their perfect custom home with no surprises along the way.

Whether you’re ready to build now or just starting to explore your options, we’re here to help guide you through every step of creating your dream home.

Let us show you why so many of our clients say building their custom home was easier and more enjoyable than they ever expected.

(A Simple, No-Obligation Phone or Zoom Call)