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Should I remodel or build a new custom home?
This should be the first question you ask yourself when considering a change to your home. It's always beneficial to consider your needs and then determine which option would better meet them. We are always available to discuss your ideas, develop them, and pinpoint any major obstacles that they may bring about. It is best to gain a professional opinion to take into account any structural or utility issues that may prohibit your specific remodel. Helsel construction Operations, Inc. will gladly provide our professional assessment before you spend costly dollars on any impractical plans.
Do you charge for an estimate?
No, first we start with and over-the-phone conference to determine what requirements will be necessary for your project. At this point, we can give up close estimate price for your project. Then we schedule a time to meet with you onsite to discuss options and actually confirm the scope of work. At this point, we discuss plan drawing, engineering, and building permits if required.
Can you help us draw plans?
In most cases, yes. We are a full service-building contractor. We can handle all drafting needs, engineering, and planned submittal. Some areas require the use of an architect or residential designer which you will have to hire. These areas usually have an architectural committee or homeowner's association with restrictions. Normally a quick phone call to the association can answer this question. We do have a list of preferred architects to help.
What financing is available?
There are several options for financing. For additions and remodels, the most popular is the home line of credit. We are always amazed at how many people have a line of credit but have not revalued their house to its current price. With increased home values, most people have more equity than they realize. Not to mention the money saved by not paying typical loan fees. Although sometimes converting a package construction loan into a new first mortgage can be the best option. Began help you with a preferred list of construction loan Institutes.
How do we select what we want for our home?
The selection process is the most time-consuming for the new homeowner. We now have so many options available for exterior products and even more for interior. Once again, we do have a preferred list of vendors to get you started. All we need our customers to do is simply pick out their selections and we will quote them with our builders discount. If the owner has not selected an item when we quote the job, we will automatically plug in an allowance price so we can finish the estimate. We have never had a customer that has selected all items before construction, so just do the best you can. We will give you a timetable for selections as they are needed so we don't have any delays in the building process.
How much money down do you require?
None. Any builder requiring a substantial amount of money up front to start may have financial problems. All builders with credibility have accounts set up that bill once a month. We only send out invoices for work completed and material on site. There is absolutely no reason to pay any builder for services or material up front unless there is a 50% down payment for custom ordered material. The best way to check on a builder is to call the State Contractors Board, and the Better Business Bureau.
Do we have to move out during construction?
Not usually, it all depends on how extensive the project is and what portion is being renovated. You may be able to relocate to a different part of your home during construction. Normally we construct the new edition first. The complete structure is framed with roofing before we do the actual existing house tie in. For second-floor additions, the structural process will be more labor-intensive and will cause parts of the existing home to be exposed to weather elements longer. We usually do second-floor additions in the summer months to help keep our customers living in their home and as comfortable as possible.
