20 Commonly-Asked Questions Regarding the Custom Home-Building Process
You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers—and we’re not even going to make you ask all of those tedious Yes or No qualifiers. At Sheffield Homes, we understand the thrill that comes with the prospect of constructing your dream home—a place uniquely yours, shaped by your customized and often long-awaited wish list. We also recognize that the journey may seem daunting. The myriad of decisions—from floor plans and finishes to financial undertakings—can at times feel overwhelming. If you’re considering a new-build you undoubtedly have many questions; start here.
20 Commonly-Asked Questions Regarding the Custom Home-Building Process
1. What is custom home building?
Custom home building involves the creation of unique, one-of-a-kind houses. It gives homeowners flexibility in choosing everything from the floor plan and lot size to the materials used and home layout.
2. How long does it typically take to develop plans for a custom home?
Owing to the time required to develop and approve the architectural plan—plus the time required for engineering—you can expect a build-ready set of plans to take approximately three months, under normal circumstances. This process is expedited by timely client decisions and open communication between builder and buyer.
3. How long does it typically take to construct a custom home?
Once the building permit is in place and construction begins, a typical timeline for building a custom home is in the 8 – 12 month range. Many factors outside of the builder’s control—such as weather, size of the home, and availability of materials can effect the timeline.
4. How much customization can I do in my home design?
The level of customization is determined chiefly by your budget and architectural design. Decisions must be made by a certain stage of the build, however, as past a certain point in the construction process it can become too costly and/or not feasible to add or change features of the home. Your builder will direct you through this process.
5. What is the process of building a custom home like?
The process of building a custom home typically involves several stages: pre-design and budgeting, architectural design, permitting, site preparation, building and construction, inspections, and finally, move-in and post-move-in services.
6. Can I make changes to my home design after the building process has started?
Generally, you can but it may come with costs and delays depending on the complexity of the changes and how far along the project is. See question #4.
7. How do I find a reputable custom home builder in my area?
Consult local listings, online reviews, and recommendations from acquaintances to find a reputable custom home builder in your area. Interview possible builders and ask about their processes and methods of client communication.
8. Does a custom home builder take care of necessary permits and codes?
Yes, a typical custom home builder usually handles acquiring necessary permits and ensures the home is built to local and state building codes.
9. What kind of warranty comes with a custom home?
Most builders offer warranties that cover materials and workmanship for at least a year, and structural elements for three years or longer.
10. How do custom homes differ from standard homes?
Custom homes are designed with the homeowner’s specific needs and choices in mind, unlike tract homes which are based on pre-designed plans—many of which repeat throughout the neighborhood.
11. Can a custom home builder also provide interior design services?
Some custom home builders offer interior design services, or they may partner with professional interior design firms.
12. Can I walk through my home whenever I want, as it’s being built?
Most builders consider it a safety risk to have lay-people (non-trades, or non-employees) on the jobsite, and will not permit you to visit carte blanche. However, a reputable builder will allow you to have supervised site visits, and will have a few scheduled site visits throughout the project.
13. Can a custom home be built if I already have my own plot of land?
Absolutely. In fact, owning a plot of land can expedite the process as one of the first steps—land acquisition, is already taken care of. It can take longer, however, if utility lines need to be brought up to the lot.
14. Do custom home builders also provide financing options?
Some builders may offer financing options or have partnerships with financial institutions that can help with financing your custom home.
15. What are the challenges that come with custom home building?
Challenges may include ensuring that the design is within budget, navigating unexpected construction delays e.g., due to weather conditions, finding a builder with whom you can communicate well, and managing the decision-making process through the build.
16. How do I ensure that my custom home is energy efficient?
Work with your builder and architect to include energy-efficient designs and materials, such as well-insulated windows, energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, etc.
17. Will I have a project manager overseeing my home construction?
Yes, most residential builders assign a project manager who supervises the project from the office side (paper work—think change orders, etc.) and a field superintendent who manages the job onsite. Both can serve as points of contact for updates and questions.
18. Can I start moving my belongings into the garage when the house is almost finished?
Even if you own the land on which the home is being built, you may not move any possessions into the home until it passes final inspections—at the very soonest. If your builder owns the lot and home, then you must wait until after closing with the title company.
19. How will I be updated about the progress on my custom home?
Your project manager and/or superintendent should provide you with regular updates. This may be through meetings, photos, email updates, an online software project management platform, or a combination of these.
20. What happens if the construction process encounters unexpected delays?
Delays can occur due to weather, construction issues, or material shortages. Your builder should inform you and may rearrange the schedule to accommodate for these delays.
A home building journey with Sheffield Homes is not just about the final outcome, but the joy and satisfaction derived throughout the process. Sheffield Homes is more than a builder—we are your trusted ally in bringing your vision to life.
Ready to take the first step toward building your dream home? Contact Sheffield Homes today to schedule a free consultation in the Denver metro area and northern Colorado.
