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 Torrance home builders
Recent success stories from people in the Torrance area.
Yaniv K.
Highly recommend these guys after doing a great job from start to finish !
I recently bought a house for investment and needed remodeling for the kitchen and 2 bathrooms , and a friend recommended Oria Builders and sent me to speak with Gilad the owner.
we clicked from the first call , Gilad was super friendly , professional and understood exactly what I was looking for without me having to explain too much and got me a price offer and work plan within a couple of days and by the next week the crew was already working on my property.
Gabriel the project manager was always polite and respectful, kept everything clean and did a raeally good job on keeping us updated at every point of the job .
they completed the job within the agreed upon time frame with no lagging , left everything clean and looking brand new , and I will absolutely use their services again in the future .
thanks again guys for doing a wonderful job!
Oria Builders
Danny B.
Me and my mom had major remodel done that included removing a wall to create open concept in kitchen and dining area. Working with Zack and his workers was a pleasant and smooth experience. the responsiveness professionalism of the time management for different parts in the project was far beyond the expectations I will use Zack and sky builders again in the for future projects!
Sky Builders ZHR
Nathanial M.
Job: Demolish and replace 3-4' cinderblock retaining wall.
Review: Mr. Alvarado and his team are true professionals. The communication and responsiveness was the best I've experienced with any contractor I have hired. Mr. Alvarado is truly skilled at his craft and created a tremendous end-product. Would hire again for any masonry work. Highly recommend.
Alvarado construction company inc
Beto O.
Very professional
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