This
page contains answers to those questions asked most frequently by our
customers.
If you have a question other than those that appear below or would like
additional information, just
call or email us.
1. What Is Your Cost Per Square Foot?
2. Do You Only Build Your Standard Plans?
3. How Long Does It Take To Build A Home?
4. Why does it take 6 to 8 months to build?
5. Can I make changes to a certain floorplan?
7. Are garages included in the square footage given?
What Is Your Cost Per Square Foot?
The average cost/price per square foot of the homes we build is just
under $112 including financing costs and real estate commissions and
excluding the lot. However, a number of factors can affect the cost per
square foot. The cost per square foot of the homes we have built over
the past two years has ranged from a low of $85.28 to a high of $130.06.
Be cautious when using cost per square foot to compare builders. There
are a number of things to consider.
Cost per square foot is typically calculated by dividing the total cost
by the square feet of living area. Costs such as impact fees, water
meter fees, sewer hookups, temporary utilities, plumbing, garage doors,
cabinets, appliances, site concrete work such as driveways and
sidewalks, and landscaping are included in the total cost and affect the
cost per square foot calculation. But they are unrelated to the square
feet of living area in the home. Consequently, smaller homes generally
cost more per square foot than larger homes because there is less
finished square footage to divide these costs into.
Some homes might contain unfinished or partially finished areas - like
basements and attic "bonus rooms." These unfinished or partially
finished areas obviously add to the total cost of the home, although the
cost per square foot of these unfinished or partially finished areas is
less than the cost per square foot of finished space. If the square
footage of this unfinished, or partially finished, area is included in
the cost per square foot calculation, the cost per square foot would
appear low. On the other hand, if this square footage is excluded, the
cost per square foot would appear high. We only use the finished areas when
calculating our average price per square foot.
The sales price quoted by most builders includes "Allowances."
Allowances are budget amounts for items the Buyer is allowed to select
but which may not have been selected prior to entering into the contract
to build the home. If the cost of the items selected by the Buyer
exceeds the Allowance, the sales price is increased by the difference.
Common allowance items include cabinets, countertops, light fixtures,
appliances, tile, flooring, and landscaping. Low Allowances could make
the cost per square foot appear low.
Do You Only Build Your Standard Plans?
No. In fact, if you compare our Homes Under Construction and our
Completed Homes to our Standard Plans, you will see that most of the
homes we build are custom designed for our clients.
How Long Does It Take To Build A Home?
It typically takes about five (5) months from the time that we apply for
the building permit until the house is completed and ready for
occupancy. Basements add about two (2) weeks to the schedule.
Why does it take 6 to 8 months to build?
The growth in the building industry in the last few years has made it a challenge to keep the construction time at a minimum. In trying to keep up with its demands, we have dealt with shortages in supplies, as well as shortages in manpower. Our uppermost commitment is to build the quality that our customers expect.
Can I make changes to a certain floorplan?
You may make minor changes to floorplans. No foundation, elevation (front facade of home), or plumbing changes are available due to engineering, inspectors, etc. We give you many options with the homes so that you may choose what will best suit your needs. You should check with your builder to ensure that the minor changes you select do not conflict with load bearing walls and structure.
It is an "optional" room that may be added to the floorplan, usually upstairs, where a family can have a media room, work out facility, or an additional all around gathering room.
Are garages included in the square footage given?
We do not include garage space in our square footages.
