Usually people have some idea of what they want in a new home. Sometimes they bring us their own drawing. Sometimes they bring several plans they have found on the internet or in a house plan book, but want some things changed. Often, when we know what they want we have built a house before that is similar to what they are looking for and we can modify it to make it their dream home.

Sometimes we will take an existing plan and copy the bath or kitchen from another plan and tape it over the other plan. There are all kinds of ways to finalize a house plan. We have a wonderful lady who draws our plans and we will take you to meet with her during the process should you choose to do so.

How should I choose a builder?

When you build a custom home, you will be working very closely with a builder for several months. The most important thing I think is that you trust your builder and feel comfortable with your builder.

Certainly base your decision on choosing a builder by the quality of their work, their personality, how honest you think they are, and whether or not you think you will enjoy working with the builder.

In our opinion, building a house should not be stressful, but fun. It is “making a dream come true.” Certainly there are many choices to make but the experience should be should be fun.

It is also a good idea to talk with sub contractors, bankers, and others who have built a home with the builder you are considering using to build your home.

A final thing to consider is the experience the builder has in building the type of home you want. The fact is, most builders have a “comfort zone” so to speak. Some build houses under $100,000; others focus on extremely large homes.

How much per foot does a new house cost?

This is the most frequently asked question and yet one the hardest to answer until a house plan has been finalized and a lot selected. Also the style of the house can make a tremendous difference in costs, as well as your selections of fixtures, floor coverings and appliances.

Our foundations will cost about the same amount per foot regardless of size, unless the lot slopes badly and extra material must be used to create a level building pad. If the pad is high on one end, piers must be drilled and filled with concrete and steel to anchor the house. Thus such a foundation cost more per foot.

Two 3,000 square foot houses could cost as much as $15 per foot difference depending on many factors. If one has a larger kitchen, there will be higher cabinet costs. If one has the garage at the back of house but the driveway still comes from the front street, that home will have higher driveway costs. Some houses are built between existing houses and the fence is already there on two sides, possibly three if there is a house behind it with a fence. Other houses in new developments may need a full fence.

A house with three baths will have higher plumbing costs than a house with 2 baths. A three car garage will add about $7,000 to the cost of a house.

A house can have a $1,300 appliance package, which would include a normal stove with an oven and cook top combined, a microwave/vent a hood combination above the stove and a dishwasher, or a $4,500 package that would include a double oven, a radiant cook top, a dishwasher, a trash compactor and microwave/vent a hood combination, all in stainless steel. And some want commercial style appliances that may take the costs over $10.000.

Floor coverings are another area that costs can vary widely. Some good tile sells for 99 cents per ft, but you may prefer tile that costs $3 per foot.

Granite counter tops cost much more than Formica counter tops.

A full masonry fireplace cost twice as much as a fireplace insert.

Rock labor is four times as expensive as brick labor so a house with lots of rock costs more per foot.

Some homes require a septic tank which adds to the cost of the home.

The reality is cost per foot of each house is different depending on many factors as well as location.

Currently most of our houses cost between $85 and $105 per foot plus the cost of the lot. It all depends on the style of the house and the features you want in your new home.

We do promise that when we price your home, we will make clear exactly why it will cost what we say it will cost. Then if you want to make changes in selections, you can lower or raise costs as you choose.

What do I get to pick out for my new house?

You get to pick nearly everything related to your new custom home. Your selections will basically be in the following order.

Front and back doors
Window style and color
Roofing type and color
Brick, rock or stucco, type and color
Plumbing fixtures
Texture on walls
Style and amount of trim, baseboards, crown molding
Style of inside doors
Paint color for outside trim, cabinets, walls and ceilings and inside trim
Counter tops
Electrical fixtures, ceiling fans
Floor coverings
Appliances
Lock out package which includes door knobs, bathroom fixtures

How long does building a new home take?

Again, how long it takes to build a home depends on several factors, both the size of the home as well as the detail you want inside the home.

Most Cornerstone Builders homes are finished within five to seven months after the contract is signed to build the home.

Be Sure to see Steps in Building a Custom Home.