Frequently Asked Questions About the Custom Home Building Process

How long is the custom home-building process going to take?
Because each home we build is customized to your specific needs and preferences, every project is different. But generally speaking, the building process can be broken down into three stages:

• Design phase: 3 to 6 months (varying based on your availability to provide timely feedback)
• Permitting: The permitting process is rather complicated, so we’ll go into the details in another article (stay tuned!)
• Building phase: 10 to 12 months from the foundation (depending on the final house design, it could take 12 to 18 months)

Do I need a realtor?
We love and welcome our realtor community! However, agents are not required during the process. 

Do I need an interior designer?
Because the interior design process is so involved, having a professional designer is essential to make sure you love your new home, inside-out. While a designer will cost more upfront, it will save you in the long run on more than just money: time, energy, and emotion. 

Do I get to choose my interior designer and at what point do we design the interior? Because we build homes for all different styles and needs, we want to give our clients the opportunity to choose a designer that fits with their vision of their future home. We have great relationships with interior designers in the area and are more than happy to make recommendations based on hearing what you’re looking for in your home.

There is a material selection schedule for items like plumbing, appliances and cabinets that begins soon after the contract is signed. You’ll work with your designer to go to different showrooms for each of your interior choices. 

Are there any features that you can’t accommodate?
We can do just about anything, depending on the neighborhood we’re building in (some neighborhoods require architectural reviews). We’re happy to discuss any and all ideas with you to see how we can make your requests work for your home and your neighborhood.

What is communication like after signing a contract?
Your project will have its own project manager and client coordinator that become your working team in the field. Our project managers only run a few jobs at a time so they can be there for your project every day and often have daily communication with you. We also like to set up standing meetings, sometimes every other week or so, based on your availability and how much involvement you’d like to have. 

Is there some sort of warranty?
We have a builder warranty and all appliances and systems come with their own warranties. It’s up to you as the client to sign up for the non-builder warranties, but we provide you with a packet with all the information you need from each manufacturer. We also perform a one-year walk-through after you’ve been in your home for all four seasons to address any issues you may have experienced. 

What if I already own a piece of land?
We are happy to build on land you already own. We also have lots available in multiple neighborhoods across the triangle area. 

What’s your average cost per square foot?
We don’t have an average cost per square foot because our homes have such a wide range of materials, appliances, systems, and outdoor features among other factors.