For those who are interested in becoming actively involved in the design and construction of a new home, we have put together the basic information that you need to know before starting to look for a lot or acreage for your new home. We will  take the mystery out of the building process for you.  We have the procedures and systems fine tuned. 

We help you secure financing, find the perfect home site, introduce you to custom home builders and designers, and continue to advise and help you manage your new home throughout its construction.  Below are just some of the most frequently asked questions that we hear from our clients when they are considering the possibility of building a custom home.

If you would like answers to these questions, please indicate your level of interest in the subjects below by choosing one of the buttons.  '1'   indicates a very high level of interest and '4' indicates no interest. 

'1'   indicates a very high level of interest and '4' indicates no interest. 
Level of Interest 1 2 3 4
Site Selection
Take into account:
  • What is the access to the lot?
  • What limitations on equipment and design does the topography entail?
  • What is the best orientation for a building with respect to the sun?
  • How do the CC&R's restrict the use of the lot?
  • How about zoning requirements?
  • What easements are on the property that may restrict its use?
Level of Interest 1 2 3 4
Permits
Take into account:
  • What information do I need to get the necessary permits?
  • What is the cost of   permits?
  • What inspections will be necessary and how do I prepare for them?
  • How do I prepare for proper compliance with the applicable building codes?
Level of Interest 1 2 3 4
Financing
Take into account:
  • Why are there separate loans for land acquisition and construction?
  • What is a 'take-out' loan?
  • How do I pay the contractors as work progresses?

 

Level of Interest 1 2 3 4
Design
Take in account:
  • What are 'stock plans'?
  • How are they different from custom plans?
  • Can I draw the plans myself?
  • How do I interact with an architect?
  • How can I make sure that the materials used will provide the most efficient energy use?
  • What is the cost of change orders during construction?
  • What are the principal things I should keep in mind to enhance the resale value of my home?
Level of Interest 1 2 3 4
Materials
Take into account:
  • What do I need to know to safely evaluate the various types of construction materials and how do I shop for the best price?
Level of Interest 1 2 3 4
Bids from Contractors and Sub-Contractors
Take into account:
  • What type of contract do I need to have with the general contractor, sub-contractors and material suppliers? 
  • How do I check references? 
  • What kind of insurance for workers on my job site do I need ?
  • Is worker's compensation, liability and builder's risk insurance necessary and where do I find the providers for this type of insurance? 
  • What about natural disaster insurance during construction?
Level of Interest 1 2 3 4
Liens
Take into account:
  • What are liens, what do they accomplish, and how do I protect myself from them?
Level of Interest 1 2 3 4
Checklists
Take into account:
  • Using and Customizing  home-building Checklists.
  • How does this scheduling tool  help to keep the sequence of events organized and  to maintain control of construction decisions?
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