I also wanted to take this opportunity to explain how the typical home buying process works when you hire Top Choice Homes, Inc. Typically we are contacted by new customers asking for preliminary data on the home building process. This can go in several directions depending on the background of the buyer. Many buyers that have owned homes in the past know the details they are looking for in a new home. This allows the process to move a little more quickly. First time home buyers are typically looking for more advice from our tried and tested methods to suggest how a new home design can provide for their current and future needs. Regardless of the buyer's level of expertise we are willing to provide customer service that is second to none even before a contract is proposed. We typically suggest a meeting, with no strings attached, to go over a preliminary description of materials.
Once we understand the preliminary materials requested by the customer, we move to researching land to match the price point of the completed project. Some customers come to us with land they own or land they are targeting and we are willing to make a site visit to discuss their options and the details (water, sewer, grading, clearing etc), again with no strings attached. We also own various lots in the region that could be an option for customers at this point in the discussions. Finally we can work with our trusted agent Joe Sansone to research and find land that will meet the needs of the customer in an area where they want to live.
Depending on the timing of the customer we can enter into a land study period to gather all necessary details on the feasibility of building and costs of site work. Sometimes we have not finalized floor plans and this can also be done during the land feasibility study period. If the land research, floor plans, and pricing come together during the study period, we will present the contract for the new home. Once the new home contract is signed and a deposit is made we are able to purchase the land normally without a construction to perm loan. Alternatively and based on the customer's timing we will start with floor plan finalization before pursuing land. We do this on a case by case basis depending on the needs of the customer.
In fact our business model does not require the customer to have construction financing. We handle the cost of construction and deliver the home to the customer at the end much like the loan process of buying an existing home. This saves the customer interest payments on the construction loan during the building process! Payments only start when the home is completed and sold.
At this point we have the land, we have the floor plans, and we have the new home contract signed. We then re-visit the description of materials to allow the customer to propose any changes they see fit. We introduce our change order process which works like this: We do not charge an administrative fee for change orders. If the change saves us money, the customer receives a credit. If the change increases our costs, we collect the additional expense at or before settlement. It is not unusual to receive credits since our standard materials used are higher quality than every builder we have researched. Many of our customers have upgraded materials in some areas and selected more economical materials in other areas to result in no net price increases.
At this time we submit the permit application to the County/City building department. This does not halt the customer's option to propose additional change orders. We have the expertise to make changes and if necessary submit permit amendments to the building department.
Once the building department issues the building permit we begin construction. Prior to beginning construction we have discussed details with the customer and gathered information on so many items it is impossible to list them all here. Depending on the customer's availability we can complete electrical plans, lighting layouts, and many other items during a meeting in our office. Sometimes we wait until the home is framed to mark the locations of electrical fixtures and light fixtures during a walk through with the customer. Each customer desires a different level of involvement during the process and we are happy to accommodate many differing levels of involvement.
The building process and selections process is normally very enjoyable for the customer. We have depth of expertise to make suggestions from experience or accommodate your custom requests without unreasonable delay. While this is far from an exhaustive procedure, we hope it serves as a valuable overview of the process so you can understand and trust Top Choice Homes, Inc with your project!
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