Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on HomeGuide.
How much do house builders near me cost?
The average cost to build a house is $155,000 to $416,000, not including the land or lot. Building a custom home costs $100 to $155 per square foot, depending on the location, size, finishes, and customizations. Prefab or modular homes cost$80 to $160 per square foot to build using a pre-designed floor plan.
How long does it take to build a house?
Building a home takes 6 to 12 months on average, including obtaining the permits, drawing the architectural plans, and construction. Bad weather conditions, changing finishes, or a shortage of laborers and subcontractors can increase the overall building time.
What do new home building contractors do?
Custom home builders and general contractors manage the entire house building process, and adhere to zoning regulations and building codes. The best home developers do the following:
Consults with the customer to plan their new home.
Estimates the total cost of materials and labor.
Hires and manages dozens of subcontractors such as architects, carpenters, plumbers, and roofers.
Schedules and coordinates the subcontractors' work.
Oversees the construction process from start to finish.
Do you need a realtor when building a home?
Real estate agents are not required when building a new home, but they can help with contracts and negotiations on upgrades. Plus, realtors can provide information about a neighborhood or city and connect you with lenders and home inspectors to make the process seamless.
Where to start when building a house?
Here are the steps and what you need to know when building a house:
Figure out the house style wanted and start looking for land.
Create a budget and get feedback and estimates from home builders near you.
Purchase the plot of land.
Hire a new home builder or general contractor to build and manage the project.
Develop the architectural plans.
Get the required permits and inspections.
Consider purchasing insurance to cover the project.
Start the construction.
Schedule the final inspection before moving in.
Finish by landscaping the lawn.
Who do I hire to build a house in my area?
Custom home builders and general contractors build houses. Custom home builders have an in-house team of contractors from start to finish, while general contractors hire and manage dozens of subcontractors. Both choices are common and have similar fees of 10% to 20% of the project cost.
To find the best home builders in your area:
Get at least three estimates from home developers to compare.
Ask for references and to see a portfolio of their past work.
Verify their insurance, worker’s compensation, and bond guarantees.
Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask about their warranties and guarantees.
Ask for a full itemized contract in writing in case of a dispute.
Avoid making large payments upfront. Come up with a payment schedule for work completed.
What questions should I ask local home builders?
Ask the following questions before hiring home building contractors.
How long have you been in the home building business?
What types of homes do you build?
Will you work with me to create a floor plan?
How many similar homes like mine have you built?
Can you provide me with a list of references?
Can I see your portfolio, or can you give me the addresses of houses you've built?
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
How do you handle damages that happen on the job?
Who's the project manager, and will you use subcontractors?
What qualities do you look for in subcontractors?
What hours do you and your crew work?
How long will the project take?
Is landscaping included?
What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?
What does your warranty policy include?
Can you provide me a written estimate or contract with a breakdown of all costs?
What’s your payment schedule?
Do you offer in-house financing?
What do I need to provide to get started?
Reviews for Chester home builders
Recent success stories from people in the Chester area.
Lisa L.
George did a marvelous job on my lawn taking down my tree stumps.
Absolute Contracting LLC
Andrea S.
They were great to deal with. They listened to all my concerns and walked me through the process they gave me a drawing so I could visualize the project which was a huge help being a visual person.... They were awesome on time attentive and paid attention to every detail
Leon Garden World
Glenn A S.
Hard workers, cleaned everything, dusted everything, very good !!!
Limpeza Cin
Geoff S.
We have had extensive work done by David Carey of Bryant Phillips Construction since 2007, and are exceptionally pleased with the results. The project was completed in 2010, but we still use him today. David was our general contractor for the complete restoration of two historic homes, as well as the construction of a new barn and pavilion, in Rose Valley. The work reflects a degree of craftsmanship seldom seen today -- and has been done in a thoroughly professional and pleasant manner. The result can be seen on our website: www.rosevalleyfarm.com.
David, his crews and subcontractors are creative, courteous, and reliable. We can highly recommend them for all sorts of construction and restoration projects.
Bryant Phillips Construction Inc
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