Building a Custom Home: Frequently Asked Questions

Building a Custom Home: Your Guide to the Journey

Building a custom home is quite different from buying a pre-existing home or a spec home. In the beginning stages, there are many questions to ask and unknowns about the process. Below, I have answered some common questions that I hear from my customers at Clifford Construction Co.

Why Should I Build a Custom Home?

There are many benefits to building a custom home. For many people, buying an existing home can be exhausting. Competing with other buyers, compromising on layout and style, and uncovering issues after moving in can be frustrating. When you choose to work with a trusted builder, you gain reliability that you cannot find elsewhere.

You get a brand-new home that is perfectly tailored to your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences because it was created by YOU. There’s a deep sense of pride and satisfaction that comes from knowing you helped create the perfect home for you and your family.

Where Do I Start?

To begin your custom home journey, start by identifying builders you feel comfortable with and can trust. It’s helpful to look into existing floor plans online and think about the style of home you want. Are you envisioning a sleek, modern design with clean lines, or a classic farmhouse with historic charm? This vision will help guide you to the right builder.

For more guidance, check out our article: [“11 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Custom Home Builder.”]

11 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Custom Home Builder

Where Can I Find Floor Plans?

There are many online resources that can provide you with ideas. Some sites create a plan based on the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage you would like. Pinterest and Google Images are also simple ways to start collecting ideas and designs that fit your preferences.

Ultimately, Clifford has a team that takes your ideas and creates a perfectly curated floor plan with and for you.

How Long Does the Process Take from Start to Finish?

The timeline for building your custom home varies depending on several factors. These include how quickly decisions are made, the size of the home, and the time of year construction is taking place. Each step leading to the beginning of construction revolves around design decisions that are the building blocks of your custom home.

In an ideal scenario, from our initial meeting to handing over the keys, the process takes 8–12 months for a standard-sized home. On our website, Clifford Construction Co., you can view our step-by-step process that we follow with all of our customers.

When Do I Need to Have a Lot?

While you can begin conversations with custom builders before securing a lot, some may require that you have a lot before moving forward with design. Once you decide to move forward with a builder, a lot will be necessary to officially begin the design process.

Can I Make Changes After Construction Starts?

At Clifford Construction Co., we understand that plans can evolve. Some changes may be possible depending on their nature. Changes that require a revision to the foundation may not be feasible, but we always encourage our customers to ask. Often, minor changes are possible.

What Costs Are Included in the Estimate?

During stage 4 of our process, we provide you with a detailed proposal that includes the full cost of your home. This estimate covers everything that would make your home turnkey when construction is finished, ready for you to move in when we hand over the keys.

When Should I Go to the Bank to Get a Loan?

It is helpful to get pre-approved at the beginning of the process. This can help you establish a budget. For a bank to complete a full loan application, they need to know the cost of the home. Unlike buying an existing home, which has an appraised value, your custom home does not yet exist.

To initiate the loan process, the bank needs a signed contract and a complete set of drawings. These two documents will confirm that the house appraises for the appropriate amount to proceed with the loan.

Do You Only Build in a Specific Price Range?

Clifford Construction Co. has over 30 years of experience building homes of all sizes. We put the same amount of value and effort into a modest ranch-style home that we would put into a multi-million dollar home. Our goal is to build your dream home, no matter what it may look like, and to give you the most value for your dollar.

Conclusion

Let us know if there’s a question we didn’t answer; we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us through our contact page. Give us a call or send us an email to learn more about how we can help you build your dream home.

Building a custom home is an exciting journey. With the right guidance and support, you can create a space that truly reflects your vision and lifestyle. Let's make your dream a reality!