FAQs About the Building Process
From selecting the right location to navigating design choices and permits, potential homeowners often face many decisions during the building process. It's common for questions to arise at every stage, and gaining clarity can significantly ease the experience. To assist you in the exciting journey of custom home construction, we’ve gathered some frequently asked questions about the building process.
Q: Can you meet my deadline?
A: Some homeowners need their job done by a particular date for personal reasons that range from hosting a wedding to minimizing the interest on their construction loan. The problem is that people under time pressure are more likely to make poor choices, and that includes the choice of a contractor. A better approach is to choose someone you have confidence in and trust and then work together to establish a realistic schedule.
Q: How long does it take for a job to get underway?
A: The answer depends on the time required to create plans, obtain necessary HOA/City approvals, acquire permits, and make final systems / material selections. Homeowners can aid in streamlining the planning process & getting to the construction process by making timely decisions.
Q: How does homeowner decision-making affect the project timeline?
A: A successful project requires timely decisions. Whether approving a design or selecting finishes, every decision has a due date. Meeting those due dates will ensure that the project gets done on time. Not meeting them will lead to delays and cost increases.
Q: How are allowances structured?
A: An allowance assigns a budget to choices that still haven't been made at the time of contract signing. One example is the homeowners who need time to decide what cabinets they want but don't want to hold up the start date. The allowance would set a deadline for the selection and define the budget for the cabinets. A good allowance reflects the homeowners’ tastes as well as the value of the home and the other products they have selected.
Q: What is an escalation clause?
A: This is where the customer agrees to pay for price increases on specified items that happen between contract signing and the start of construction. These appear when high price volatility exists for a building material (such as lumber). The decision to sign or not sign such a clause is a bet on the market, but without it, the contractor may price the job higher to cover potential increases.
Q: What specific changes or upgrades can I make once construction starts?
A: One advantage of working with a custom builder is that changes can be made once work is underway. Most contractors have clear policies about what changes can be made and when. For instance, changing the bedroom paint color isn't a big deal, but don't expect to alter the bathroom layout once the walls have been framed and the plumbing roughed in, or change the cabinets after they have been ordered. Be aware that changes can affect the schedule and the product prices and that the change order fee will likely reflect this. It's another reason to spend the necessary time making firm decisions before construction starts.
Q: What is a punch list?
A: A punch list is a list of minor items that must be completed or corrected before the job is finished and final payment is made. The contractor and client usually walk through the home and generate the list together. Where does the practice get its name? In the days before computers, the builder would reportedly generate a written list and then punch holes next to items as they were done.
Q: Do builders and remodelers guarantee their work?
A: Yes, solid, reputable custom builders do. The warranty will be in writing and clearly define what is and what is not covered and how long the warranty is good for.
Whether you have questions about the building process or need guidance on making decisions, find a builder readily available to provide the information and assistance you need. When partnered with the right builder, the home-building process can be a rewarding experience. A skilled contractor ensures clear communication, seamless project management, and personalized attention throughout construction. From the initial design discussions to the final walkthrough, homeowners can feel confident and excited about their investment, knowing that their vision is being brought to life by experienced professionals dedicated to quality and craftsmanship.
TM Grady Builders’ intent is to share general and/or interesting building industry information through articles on our blog. Article posting dates are included as they may be current or contain potentially dated information. Blogs are informational only and do not necessarily represent the processes and procedures of TM Grady Builders. We hope you enjoy these informational articles as you relax and envision building your dream home. Blog articles are the property of TM Grady Builders and not for reuse by any party.