Custom Home Building
Frequently Asked Questions

What About Costs?
This is probably the most asked question on Hilton Head Island. The answer is: It depends on what you want in your new home.

 A number of factors will influence actual costs. These include lot elevation, tree clearing, whether sewer is available, the type of finished work you desire, types of floor coverings, bathroom fixtures, cabinetry, wall coverings and wall finishing's, windows, landscaping and driveway, walkway layout, as well as the size of unheated areas such as garages. Most builders do not include wallpapering and landscaping in their final price.

 Normally you will be given an “allowance” for various items such as: Bathroom fixtures, Light fixtures, floor coverings, cabinets, counter tops, appliances, shelving and door hardware. These allowances represent the amount that the builder has budgeted to complete these items. Allowances may differ among builders and will make a difference in the final price, so you need to evaluate these budgeted items carefully with your builder. Be sure that your allowances will cover any particular desires you may have- for example wood flooring will be more expensive than carpet, luxury fixtures will cost more than standard.

What is an Adjusted Square Foot?
The term adjusted square footage describes the total areas of a home, not just the heated square footage. The footage most people are familiar with is the heated square footage which is, of course, the area of the house that is conditioned space. However, there are many other parts of the house that contribute significantly to the cost and must be calculated to obtain the total. This process is known as “factoring”. The various areas of the house are given values that relate specifically to the amount of work and cost involved in construction of that particular area. Calculate this, the actual square footage of the area is multiplied by the value of that area, thus becoming an adjusted square footage.   

Do You do Free Estimates?
No. we normally charge a “value engineering fee”  This is a service we provide to our clients during their design and estimating phase.  This enables the client to gain product and construction knowledge in order to make informed decisions before construction starts and to have an active part in the cost of his or her home.  The fee is to cover time and materials cost.  If we are selected as the builder, this cost is credited to the contract price.

How long will it take before we can start building our home?
The design process takes between 60 and 120 days.  The Architectural Review Board (ARB) Review Process is 30-60 days.  The Town Permit/Review Process about 10 days.  The average for the process is about 4 months.

How long does it take to build?
Weather permitting, a 2500 to 3500 sq foot home will take up to 8 months.  A 4500 to 6500 sq foot home may take up to 12 months.

Is there a better time of year to start building?
Not really, but probably the best time is between November and May in order to avoid a great deal of rain during hurricane season. 

If we purchase plans from a magazine, can you build from them?
They can be used somewhat, but local building codes, ARB guidelines, and local engineering requirements will have to be incorporated in the plans.  We work with Residential Designers, Architects, and Engineers to help you accomplish your goal.  We also have a selection of Southern Living House Plans that can be altered as well.

What is the difference between an Architect and Residential Designer?
An architect has 4 years of college and a two year internship. Many residential designs have just as much experience as an architect and perform the same tasks, but they do not have an architectural degree.  Many residential designers have an architect or a registered engineer review their work for accuracy.  An architect generally charges a higher price.

What is a “Cost Plus” Contract?
Cost Plus means the builder is charging a fee above the actual costs.  The client is required to pay for all costs of building the house and all items incur the builder’s fee/percentage.

What is a “Stipulated Sum” contract?
After going through value engineering with the client, a contract amount is identified and agreed upon where all materials and labor are specified.  The contract is then written for a “stipulated” amount with certain considerations for changes.