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Web site designed by Critical Mass Web Design
Web site designed by Critical Mass Web Design
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the price per square foot of your homes?
A1. While our homes price out very competitively, every home is completely different. There are so many variables that go into a custom home, it is impossible to predict the cost per square foot until the working drawings and material specifications are complete. Homes of the same size can have dramatically differing features and finishes. One with more upscale appointments or expensive materials will have a higher price per square foot. A home in which the owner selected materials or features that are less expensive will have a lower price per square foot. Since there are no direct comparables, we believe this is a poor way to judge the value of your home. It is the same as asking how much a car is "per pound". A BMW and a Hyundai may weigh virtually the same, but the price per pound is extremely different. The purchase decision is made based upon the style, features and appeal of the car, not the price per pound. So it is with a home. Judge the home on the overall value, not the price per square foot of space.
Q2. What if I don't have a homesite?
A2. We assist many of our homebuyers in their search for a homesite. With our exclusive Homesite Acquisition Program, we have created a one-of-a-kind catalog of property owners ready to negotiate a sale for our buyers. If you don't already have a homesite, or if the homesite you have is not suitable for the style of home you want, we can help you locate and procure a homesite that will be ideal for the home of your dreams.
Q3. How long does it take to build?
A3. Every home is unique, however, if lot acquisition is not a factor, building time should be between 5-8 months.
Q4. How much time is involved in drawing plans for my home?
A4. The first step is to develop ideas and brainstorm. Then a conceptual drawing is created by the architect from those ideas. This part of the process usually takes 3-5 weeks. Next a preliminary bid is prepared. This takes approximately 2 weeks. Finally, the architectural drawings are completed in approximately 2-3 weeks. In total, the process usually takes approximately 7-10 weeks. The average is about 2 months.
Q5. How much money do I need up front?
A5.. If Schmeerbauch Custom Homes owns the ground, we require a $5,000 refundable deposit to hold the homesite off the market for 45 days while the contractual arrangements are made. The balance of a 10% downpayment is required when the foundation is poured.
If the homeowner owns the ground, no deposit is required. Construction funding is drawn from the customers account once per month. There will also be a separate bill from the architect for the working conceptual drawings.
Q6. Is a blueprint costly?
A6.Most architects have a formula they use for pricing based upon the size and complexity of the home. Our long relationship with our architect allows us to have blueprints drawn for substantially less than it might cost you if you went to one on your own.
Q7. Isn't building a custom home more hassle?
A7.Building your own custom home, from your own dreams and ideas can be one of the most rewarding and satisfying endeavors of your life. If you want your home to be truly special...a one-of-a-kind representation of your tastes, style and desires...then it will not seem like a hassle. It will be fun, exciting and a literal "dream come true" when it is finally complete!
Q8. I thought custom building was only for million dollar homes. Is that true?
A8.No! People are able to craft custom homes in a wide price range. During our initial conversations you will get an idea of the variety of styles, sizes and values of the many homes we have built. Although many people misuse the word to identify only very high priced homes, "Custom" reflects the method of design and construction, and is not limited to a certain price range.
A1. While our homes price out very competitively, every home is completely different. There are so many variables that go into a custom home, it is impossible to predict the cost per square foot until the working drawings and material specifications are complete. Homes of the same size can have dramatically differing features and finishes. One with more upscale appointments or expensive materials will have a higher price per square foot. A home in which the owner selected materials or features that are less expensive will have a lower price per square foot. Since there are no direct comparables, we believe this is a poor way to judge the value of your home. It is the same as asking how much a car is "per pound". A BMW and a Hyundai may weigh virtually the same, but the price per pound is extremely different. The purchase decision is made based upon the style, features and appeal of the car, not the price per pound. So it is with a home. Judge the home on the overall value, not the price per square foot of space.
Q2. What if I don't have a homesite?
A2. We assist many of our homebuyers in their search for a homesite. With our exclusive Homesite Acquisition Program, we have created a one-of-a-kind catalog of property owners ready to negotiate a sale for our buyers. If you don't already have a homesite, or if the homesite you have is not suitable for the style of home you want, we can help you locate and procure a homesite that will be ideal for the home of your dreams.
Q3. How long does it take to build?
A3. Every home is unique, however, if lot acquisition is not a factor, building time should be between 5-8 months.
Q4. How much time is involved in drawing plans for my home?
A4. The first step is to develop ideas and brainstorm. Then a conceptual drawing is created by the architect from those ideas. This part of the process usually takes 3-5 weeks. Next a preliminary bid is prepared. This takes approximately 2 weeks. Finally, the architectural drawings are completed in approximately 2-3 weeks. In total, the process usually takes approximately 7-10 weeks. The average is about 2 months.
Q5. How much money do I need up front?
A5.. If Schmeerbauch Custom Homes owns the ground, we require a $5,000 refundable deposit to hold the homesite off the market for 45 days while the contractual arrangements are made. The balance of a 10% downpayment is required when the foundation is poured.
If the homeowner owns the ground, no deposit is required. Construction funding is drawn from the customers account once per month. There will also be a separate bill from the architect for the working conceptual drawings.
Q6. Is a blueprint costly?
A6.Most architects have a formula they use for pricing based upon the size and complexity of the home. Our long relationship with our architect allows us to have blueprints drawn for substantially less than it might cost you if you went to one on your own.
Q7. Isn't building a custom home more hassle?
A7.Building your own custom home, from your own dreams and ideas can be one of the most rewarding and satisfying endeavors of your life. If you want your home to be truly special...a one-of-a-kind representation of your tastes, style and desires...then it will not seem like a hassle. It will be fun, exciting and a literal "dream come true" when it is finally complete!
Q8. I thought custom building was only for million dollar homes. Is that true?
A8.No! People are able to craft custom homes in a wide price range. During our initial conversations you will get an idea of the variety of styles, sizes and values of the many homes we have built. Although many people misuse the word to identify only very high priced homes, "Custom" reflects the method of design and construction, and is not limited to a certain price range.
