FAQs

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Do we have to pick one of your existing floor plans?

You do not have to select one of our plans! We are a custom builder, meaning each home we build is uniquely designed to your taste. You may work with us to develop a design, use your own design or use another home designer. In any case, we can offer previous designs as examples from which you can pick the features you want.

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What are your prices?

Our pricing is based on a number of factors which are common to all custom home builders. These include:

  • Price of the lot - your own lot or one purchased from us
  • Cost of materials - concrete, lumber, electrical, plumbing, etc.
  • Cost of trades - HVAC, electricians, plumbers, cabinet makers, etc.
  • Choice of amenities - your selection of countertops, cabinets, appliances, etc.
  • Cost of financing - current interest rates and loan costs
  • Real estate commission - fixed percentage (usually 6%) of total cost
  • Gross Receipts Tax - fixed percentage (usually between 5% and 7% based home location) of the total taxable cost
  • Builderʼs fees - fixed percentage (usually 12% to 14%) of the total cost

We will be up front with you about costs at each step of the design process so that there are no surprises. We have no hidden costs or fees.

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Do you allow design and amenity changes after we sign a contract?

Absolutely! As a custom builder we can incorporate changes more easily than production builders. Our contract gives you a separate allowance for the selection of each ammenity such as appliances, cabinets, countertops, tile, lighting and plumbing fixtures. You may spend these as you see fit in order to get what you want in your home. If the cost of the items you select are less than the allowance, we will credit the difference back to you. If the cost is greater than the allowance, you may apply credit from another item or add the cost difference to the total contract cost.

Whenever such a change occurs, we issue a Contract Change Order which identifies the credit or debit amount and its effect on the Total Contract Cost. We both sign the Contract Change Order and you get a copy. This makes our contract with you a "living" document which gives you the flexibility you need. We charge a 20% builderʼs fee for all Contract Change Orders which increase the total cost of the home. This fee covers our overhead and the Gross Receipts Taxes for the increased cost.

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How can I save money on my home?

Common ways to save on the cost of your home include:

  • Landscaping - use xeriscaping - defer more extensive work until later
  • Choice of materials - windows and doors especially
  • Choice of amenities - less expensive countertops, cabinets, appliances, tile, plumbing and lighting fixtures
  • Join a buying club - materials can be purchased at near wholesale cost

We are happy to work with you and suggest other ways to reduce costs.

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Are your homes energy efficient?

We build energy efficiency into our homes by:

  • Installing all heating and cooling ductwork within the conditioned building envelope
  • Installing all heating and cooling ductwork within the conditioned building envelope
  • Sealing corners and interior/exterior wall intersections to prevent energy loss
  • Installing return ducts or transfer grilles in every room having a door except baths, kitchens, closets, pantries, and laundry rooms.
  • Installing ENERGY STAR ceiling fans
  • Installing ENERGY STAR exhaust fans from every bathroom ducted to the outside
  • Using high efficiency A/C and heating equipment
  • Installing R-38 ceiling and R-19 wall insulation or higher
  • Using ENERGY STAR appliances

We will be happy to consider other ways to improve energy efficiency.

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How are your homes saving water?

We build water conservation into our homes by:

  • Installing low flow toilets
  • Using ENERGY STAR appliances such as dish and clothes washers
  • Using water saving plumbing fixtures
  • Xeriscaping
  • Using rainwater capture and graywater systems

We will be happy to consider other ways to conserve water in your home.

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Who are your contractors and vendors?

If your company is interested in working on our homes, please Contact Us and ask to be added to our Bidder List. Below are some of the folks with whom we have a long standing relationship.

  • HVAC: Finks Heating & Cooling installs Carrier Refrigerated Air as standard in our homes.
  • Cabinets: Davis Kitchens designs and installs our kitchen and bath cabinets with many choices in fine woods and designs.
  • Flooring: Floorscapes provides most of our carpet, tile and wood flooring including floor preparation.
  • Lumber: Lumber Inc provides most of our lumber and hardware needs.
  • Windows: Pella Windows Proline wood clad low-E windows and sliding glass doors are standard in our homes.
  • Doors: Pacific Mutual Door & Window provides interior and exterior wood doors, locks, hardware, shelving and the trim in our homes.