Frequently Asked Questions

Your first priority should be finding a competent builder. If you design a home but can’t afford to build it, you’ve wasted your time. Look for a builder with references, and make sure you also observe and admire their work first-hand. You’re trusting a builder with one of your most significant purchases—one that affects your life and your family on a daily basis.

So find a builder you can depend on for the highest quality craftsmanship, customer service, and personal integrity. While getting a fair price is important, nothing is more important than hiring a competent, trustworthy builder with a good reputation. You want more than a good price; you want a good value. At Countryside Homes, we design, plan, and build the homes we sell.

Yes. You will spend four to nine months working together to plan, design, and build your new home. Make sure you respect your builder’s values because he will make lots of judgment calls during the process. It’s his job to prioritize your best interests, not make a quick profit.

On a fixed price, you may pay more because the builder is assuming all the risk of rising material and labor costs. But a Cost Plus home puts the responsibility of cost changes on you. If you like what you’ve seen from the builder’s homes and you know what you want, a fixed price is probably right for you. Cost Plus is ideal for larger projects by allowing for changes in cost during the build.

Financing. If you need financing, talk with an experienced mortgage lender so you’re equipped to make the best decisions on how, what, and where to build.

Decide on all the details before starting construction, and make sure the builder’s allowances have the flexibility needed. Builders who quote the lowest prices have unreasonably low allowances that lead to miscalculations. These bottom-of-the-barrel quotes often result in unseen costs and “surprises.” They also can indicate a builder’s lack of experience.

Yes. An experienced builder will guide you through the design process and help protect your investment.

This is usually not the right question. Four things contribute to the cost of a home: size, components, complexity of the house, and quality of finish. After we discuss with you the quality, finishes, and added spaces, such as porches, garages, etc., we can provide an accurate price range per square foot.

No. Call your builder first. The house you want may not fit the lot. The soil may be unsuitable, a water meter may not be available, or zoning and resale value for the area may cause issues. Ask your builder before buying a lot.

Do your research, and narrow your search to just a few builders. Quality custom home builders often don’t bid their jobs against other builders. They make a connection with the client, discuss their fee structure, and demonstrate their competency and experience.

Don’t sweat the small stuff. With a good builder, you can ease your stress considerably and enjoy the building process. When your beautiful new home is complete, it will all be worthwhile.