Custom Home Builder– How to Find the Right One to Build Your Dream Home

Having your dream home built from the ground up can be really fun especially when you hire a Saint Cloud MN custom home builder that can help you transform your ideas into reality. Finding a great home builder you trust can be quite a challenge, what with search engine results saturated with websites offering custom building services and variations in each builder’s pricing structure.

There are ways, however, to narrow down your search into a manageable list that you can use to choose the best general contractor for you. Simply read on to find out more about how to choose the best custom home builder in Central MN to construct your dream home.

Finding the Right Custom Home Builder | Tips & Suggestions

To start with, ask around. Your neighbors, friends, and family might know of a custom home builder that comes highly recommended. Based on these recommendations you can then contact the builder and set an appointment to discuss what your plans are for your home. Hiring a highly recommended St Cloud Builder will assure you that the job is finished on time and that you enjoy the entire planning and construction stages of your dream home.

Another thing that you can do to find the most suitable custom home builder is to ask several builders and contractors to bid on the project in terms of costs and the amount of time it will take to finish it.  For most people two bids is good, three is plenty and four or more tends to get confusing.

Once the building contractors submit their estimates you can choose the one who gives you the best value in terms of price and quality.

Bonus tip: Lowest price during the estimating process does not necessarily mean the lowest cost by the time the project is complete! So beware of those contractors who offer a low bid only to be awarded the work and to bill you extra as the project proceeds.  When this happens you often end up paying more in the end than you would have paid had you first chosen a bid that was higher but fully inclusive of all costs.

You’ll also want to select a home builder who is capable of completing the project on a time-line that works with your needs. Furthermore, we suggest that you consider making your final choice of custom home builders to work with based on his or her expertise. Ask to see their custom home portfolios and browse through them to get a clear understanding of how your dream home will look once finished and whether the builder you want to hire will be able to deliver the results you desire.

Lastly, find a custom builder who is able to communicate with you on a regular, consistent basis regarding the progress of your construction project.  You’ll also need to discuss any improvements on the original plan that you may want to implement. A skilled home builder will not only be able to do the job for you but will appreciate your input as the project proceeds. Moreover, he will happily keep you updated on any development or issue that may come up during the building process.

Find a custom home builder in St Cloud who can deliver all that you need and you will surely enjoy the results once your dream home is completed.

~~~

Want to build your dream house in Central MN? A quality Saint Cloud General Contractor is always willing to help you construct the home of your dreams at the price that works for you and your family. Craig at Schoenberg Construction is one of the best custom home builders in Central MN.  Give him a call today at 320-252-0911 for your no-obligation consultation.

New home construction company— If you are planning to build your dream home there is no doubt that it is extremely important you set aside some time to find the most reliable central MN general contractors in the market today.  Selecting a quality and qualified  new home building contractor is essential to a well-built house that fulfills and satisfies your hopes and dreams.  To help you along in your decision-making process we offer you the following tips and advice.

Finding a New Home Construction Company | 4 Tips

Hiring a New Home Construction Company Tip #1 —

Make a list of the qualities you are looking for in your central MN general contractor. Some examples of great qualities to look for are: honest, trust-worthy, skilled, excellent communicator, helpful and knowledgeable.

You have probably noticed that web search results pages are overflowing with lots of home builders promoting their services, so an otherwise simple task becomes a bit more difficult. As long as you have a list of the qualities that you are looking for in a construction company then you can definitely find the most suitable crew to build your dream home just the way you pictured it.

Hiring a New Home Construction Company Tip #2 —

The next thing that you should look for in a new home construction company is its ability to finish the project on time. You wouldn’t want to go for one that has too many projects pending at the time you approach them with your building plans. This is your dream home after all, so you want a crew that can give proper attention to each detail. A good idea is to search for a local Saint Cloud MN general contractor instead of going for one of the larger, regional ones. This is because larger construction companies tend to have more ongoing projects than the local ones, therefore sometimes lessening the amount of personalized attention you are likely to receive.

Hiring a New Home Construction Company Tip #3 —

Estimated costs should also be in your checklist, and you may want to ask for price quotes from a few of the most reliable construction companies in the St Cloud area. Compare the estimates and the services that they provide you with in order to make sure that you will not go over your budget. Also, inquire about ways that you can cut down on costs without sacrificing the quality of the materials used in the construction of your home. A new home construction company has an extensive network of suppliers, and so they know which materials can be used as alternatives instead of the more costly ones.

Hiring a New Home Construction Company Tip #4 —

Lastly, do not just choose the first new home construction company that you find when browsing through the internet. Take the time to compare and assess each company that you come across in terms of expertise and experience. Browse through a company’s website and check the reviews left by previous clients to give you an idea of the kind of service they provide. Customer reviews will certainly give you an insight as to whether the new home construction company you are looking to hire is worth it.

If you follow these simple tips you are sure to find the home building general contractor that suits your needs perfectly.  Happy searching!

~~~
Need a quality Saint Cloud General Contractor to build your dream home or remodel your house?  Craig at Schoenberg Construction is one of the best home builders and residential remodelers in Central Minnesota.  Give him a call today at 320-252-0911 for your no-obligation consultation.

Custom Home Builder, St. Cloud, MN —

If you’ve taken a drive around central MN recently you’ve likely seen rows of houses that look almost identical. These are what are referred to as cookie cutter homes. If you don’t mind having the same house as everyone else and having your home look nearly identical to your neighbor’s, then this can be a good new home option for you.

If, however, you can’t stand being a copycat and want something that’s more unique and reflective of your personality, you should consider building a custom home that’s exactly what you you’ve always dreamed of. In fact, a quality and talented custom home builder in central MN can help you build a house that fulfills your dreams and fits your budget!

Custom home builders aren’t like other contractors who can build a 20, 30, 50 or more spec homes a year. Rather, the custom house contractor you choose will build you a one of a kind home that is designed with your dreams in mind. Typically a custom home builder creates the plans for you either with their own architect or through a designer they recommend. Of course, you might already have a house plan ready to turn over to your home builder. Either way a plan is the first step toward building your custom dream house.

A custom home builder in central MN typically builds between 2 and 10 homes a year. When you hire this type of a builder you have say in every aspect of the home building process. You’ll be able to select your floor plan, your cabinets, your countertops, flooring, lighting and every other component of your new home. You might want a home that’s environmentally friendly, you might want a home that’s a dome, or you might want a home that’s heated using solar panels. Whatever it is you want to see from your home your custom home builder can create it.

When you have a custom home built you get to have all the amenities to your specs. Stainless steel appliances are very popular as are soaker tubs. Whatever it is you want to see in the form of amenities is up to you. You will work hand in hand with your custom home builder choosing these amenities. Your general contractor can offer you recommendations as well as pros and cons to your choices.

Choosing the right custom home builder is key to your success. That’s why you need to take a little time to do your research, check reputations, and have a look at what others felt about the workmanship and team as a whole. That way there is no room for disappointment. Choose the right custom home builder and soon you’ll be enjoying your beautiful new home, built just for you.

~~~

Custom Home Builder in St Cloud, MN. A quality Saint Cloud General Contractor is always willing to help you build the home of your dreams. Craig at Schoenberg Construction is one of the best custom home builders in Central MN.  Give him a call today at 320-252-0911 for your no-obligation consultation.

Choosing a Construction Company—

Whether you are building an addition or a new home, it’s important to find the best construction company for the work you need done.

When choosing a construction company you can use the internet to scout out companies in your area. You can see what construction services they offer, get a list of phone numbers for companies that could do the work for you and even check out what others have to say by reading reviews.

Once you’ve done your research you’ll want to begin the process of choosing a construction company to build your project.  Below are some tips and advice on how to do so.

Choosing a Construction Company

Call a minimum of three construction companies and interview the owner. You may want to request a quote from all three, but it is a good idea to get no less than two quotes.  Also, when comparing the estimates keep in mind that the lowest price does not equal the best value or the most quality work.

When the building contractor comes to give you your quote ask questions, and lots of them! In fact, it’s a good idea to write down any questions you might have for the general contractor beforehand and then to jot down the replies for future reference. Also, make sure you get the price quotes in writing and signed by the construction company owner. Moreover, it is a good idea to find out how long the quote is valid. The typical time-line is 30 days.

Before work begins on your construction project, it is best to read through all agreements and look carefully at the details. Contracts are legal and binding so make sure yours reads the way it should. Make sure it protects you from liability against subcontractors and material suppliers. Know what your requirements are pertaining to payments. The depth of these contracts will depend on the size of the construction project.

Check on the construction company at the local level. Make sure they have all the certifications, licenses, and that they are properly insured. You might also want to check if they are members of professional organizations such as the Central MN Builders Association.

You’ll definitely want to make sure all of the carpenters are skilled and legally employed by the contracting company. Get credentials and references, too, so that you can feel confident you’ll get the workmanship on your construction project that you expect. Also be prepared for the probability that during your project problems will arise. While these problems can be the result of misunderstandings they can also occur because the construction company simply wasn’t skilled enough or failed to communicate with you. Without a doubt communication is key to quality construction work!

Some companies will require a portion of the project costs up front, also called a deposit. You should always use caution any time money is being exchanged prior to work commencing. You must feel comfortable with the construction company you choose. Indeed, there must be trust between both parties. After all, if the contractor begins to work with no money, he risks you not paying, and if you part with your money before the work is done, you risk the work never being done. That’s why payments are in installments, providing some protection for both parties and reducing the risk.

Construction projects, big or small, can be exciting. An addition, a new kitchen, a custom home, or a remodeling project – they’re all exciting, especially when you choose the right construction company in central Minnesota. By doing so you can relax knowing you’re in good hands.

~~~
Need a quality Saint Cloud General Contractor to build your dream home or remodel your house?  Craig at Schoenberg Construction is one of the best builder and remodelers in Central Minnesota.  Give him a call today at 320-252-0911 for your no-obligation consultation.

Steps to Building a Home in Central MN— Building a dream house is something that many people want to realize someday. Making this dream come true will require effort, patience and wise decision-making. This article gives a general overview of the different steps involved in building a new home.

Before we outline for you the various steps involved in building a new house, please know that we assume you have purchased the land on which to build your new home and have already decided upon the design of your house.

Okay, without further ado, let’s talk about the steps to building a home.

Steps to Building a Home

Acquiring a Building Permit

Some times there are different permits that have to be approved by the local government when building a house. The first one of these is the building permit. Without a building permit, you won’t be able to begin the construction of your home. To obtain this document, you have to submit the house design and a permit application to the designated authorities. You also have to obtain approval for a well or septic system if the lot is not already hooked up to a city sewer system.

Laying the Foundation

The first steps to building your house foundation is to get rid of trees or other impediments from the lot, including the septic area. You may also need to level off the land if it has a slope. A house foundation might be a slab or block for which ground will be dug. Obviously, it is vital that a foundation is laid properly since the stability of the building depends on it.

Walls, Doors, Windows and Framework

After laying the foundation for your new home, the skeleton framework comes next. The exterior wall framework is made, followed by the roof framework. Once the framework is in place, sheathing begins and then the doors and windows are set up.

Roofing, Electric, Plumbing and Siding Installation

Now it is time to begin the installation of siding, roofing, electricity and plumbing. You’ll need separate contractors for each of these. There are many steps to hiring the correct subcontractors for the work, and you’ll want to get educated about how to hire the best home building subcontractors (or seriously consider hiring a central MN General contractor to take care of this for you).

Internal Finishing, Flooring and Painting

At last, interior finishing can begin. When the sheet-rocking is done, flooring and tiling must start. Then after the flooring and tiling are complete, painting of the house can begin. By this stage in the building time-line most of the work on your new home has been completed.

Landscaping

For people who want to have a garden, you need to have a separate project which can transform the ground around the house into a lawn. This will also include designing and constructing a drainage mechanism. You’ll need professional advice to get this right or you could end up with water in your new home!

Interior Design

The last but not the least step in building your home is the interior design. Home furniture and other decorations can now be set up. With this, you are all ready to have a party!

Of course we think it is a very good idea to hire a professional builder, also called a general contractor in central MN, to assist you in building the home of your dreams. Hiring a pro gets you a quality-built home that fulfills your new home building dreams.  After all, you deserve the best, right?

Just remember this: Building a house is a complicated endeavor that will require your patience and tolerance but the end results will entirely be worth it!

~~~
Need a quality Saint Cloud General Contractor to build your dream home?  Craig at Schoenberg Construction is one of the best home builders in Central Minnesota.  Give him a call today at 320-252-0911 for your no-obligation consultation.

Building a home shouldn’t remain just a dream for most people, rather it should be realized somehow. However, there is a question that needs to be answered before one decides to construct a dream house – how much does it cost to build a home?

When constructing a home, you have to consider the factors related to the costs of building it. Below are some factors that can affect the cost of building your dream house. Consider them all carefully before you finalize the design for your dream house, as this is an essential step in the budgeting process and in determining the final costs of building your new home.

How Much to Build a Home:
Factors Affecting the Costs of New Construction

One factor that affects the cost of house building is the plot of land. Before building a house, the price of the land should be considered. In luxurious and high end areas, expect to spend a lot of money. On the other hand, if you choose land in the outskirts of the city or in a rural region, the price would be cheaper than lands near the heart of the city.

The cost of a house also depends greatly on the cost of manpower and construction materials, which may differ from time to time and place to place. According to a number of real estate market surveys, the cost of home building ranges between $90 to $200 per square foot. So if the design you have is for a 2500 square foot house, then it would cost you anywhere between $225,000 and $500,000. These costs will depend on your choices and preferences, of course. The cost of building a home will increase if you employ a professional builder in Central MN to do the work for you, but the final result of a home build by a quality St Cloud general contractor is well worth the money.  If you want to know why just contact your local real estate agent and ask him the difference in value of a home built by a professional versus one built by a do-it-yourself enthusiast.

As everybody knows, land price and cost of construction materials are lower during a recession and increase when the economy is good. Therefore, the timing of when to begin a construction project is also important in determining the total cost to build a new home. For more accurate pricing information on land and construction material costs, it is helpful to consult with dependable contractors who knows the market fluctuations related to home building. This is the best way to get an accurate idea of the current home building costs and expenses in central MN.

The cost of building a house also depends on the type of home you want to construct. Log homes, which are becoming more in demand now because of their cool appearance, can cost around $100 to $120 per square feet. So, if you plan to build a large bungalow with an area of 2000 sq feet, you will have to spend from $200,00 to $240,000, and this is a conservative number even in today’s market.

The shape of the house also determines the cost of building your house. It is believed that dome and rectangular shaped homes are cheaper than homes of any other shapes. So, if you are on a tight budget, choose either one of these shapes. Hopefully, this article has given you some useful information on how much it costs to build a home.

~~~
A quality Saint Cloud General Contractor is always willing to help you stay on budget when you build your dream home. Craig at Schoenberg Construction is one of the best home builders in Central Minnesota.  Give him a call today at 320-252-0911 for your no-obligation consultation.

New Home Construction Tips— When you decide to build a new home, it’s important that you know how to avoid costly mistakes. Building a new home is exciting but it can also be overwhelming; it should never be an exercise in passivity.

There are all kinds of decisions that you need to make when constructing a new house and if you don’t make those decisions, the builder will have to make them for you. When that happens, you may not get what you thought you’d get.

The solution?  Follow these new home construction tips, and you’ll have a much better chance of getting the house you dream of!

New Home Construction Tips — #1 Understanding Your Builders Contract

• Your building contract is associated with a large amount of money. Signing the contract does not mean you relinquish your basic legal rights so be sure that you know what those are. Read the contract and make sure you understand it. Communicate in writing with the building contractor. That includes additions and retractions.

New Home Construction Tips — #2 How to Save on Your Building Costs

• When deciding on components related to your house, remember that what might sound like a minimal amount when quoted per item can be a huge amount over the entire project. For example, let’s say you are thinking about adding brick. You are quoted $20 a thousand more for brick. When there are 10,000 bricks its $200 more but if it’s 100,000 bricks its $2000 more.
• Don’t exchange solid construction for glitz. Always look for the best construction. For example, if the floors are bouncy because of the joist installation, adding the top of the line soaker tub isn’t going to fix that. You just can’t beat quality construction by a qualified Saint Cloud MN builder.
• Remember that the cost per square foot you have been quoted applies whether the space is usable or not so make sure you get the most out of that square footage cost.

New Home Construction Tips — # 3 Be Flexible

• You may have a vision of what it is you want from your home but you should also know that things don’t always go according to plan. You should look at both sides and decide if it’s worth fighting for. Pick your battles.
• Construction isn’t perfect and there are factors like the weather, site conditions, and human error that account for imperfection.
• If you demand absolute perfection you are going to be disappointed. Errors happen. However, if those errors drastically affect the outcome of your new home then the mistakes need to be corrected.

New Home Construction Tips — # 4 Keep Good Records

• When changes are made get documentation such as change orders, or a written record such as an email at the very least. When there are discussions or disputes record them. This can keep things fresh when you are looking back at a later date.
• Don’t leave anything to chance. Follow up on all verbal dialogue (and note in your documentation), approve changes, and request receipts.
• The more energy you put into planning and designing your home in the early stages the less trouble and hassle you’ll run into as the construction moves forward. The bottom line is this: The more dialogue you have with your Saint Cloud MN general contractor before the building starts the better!

New Home Construction Tips — # 5 Stay Professional

• Stay professional when dealing with the builder and sub trades. They are working for you and you have a right to expectation. You aren’t trying to make new friends so while being cordial is fine at the end of the day stick to business.
• Make sure you ask the right questions and if you don’t like the answer don’t accept it. Demand change. After all, it is you who is paying the builder.

~~~

New Home Construction Tips for St Cloud, MN homeowners. A quality Saint Cloud General Contractor is always willing to help you build the home of your dreams. Craig at Schoenberg Construction is one of the best custom home builders in Central Minnesota.  Give him a call today at 320-252-0911 for your no-obligation consultation.

Construction Loans

Finding the right construction loans for your new home, or your next building or remodeling project could feel like a balancing act.

Here are the basic types of loans that you will be dealing with before, during and after construction:

Construction Loans — Option #1 Bridge Loans

These are short-term construction loans designed to span the monetary gap between the closing of your new home and the closing of your current home.

As the name implies, this type of loan provides a financing “bridge” for beginning construction of your new home while you sell your current home. Your current home serves as collateral for the bridge loan. Typically, financial institutions charge a slightly higher interest rate for this type of loan, along with processing and administrative fees.

Most residential bridge loans are written to last for six months or less. You have to be able to afford to carry the three loan payments: the old mortgage, the new mortgage, and the bridge loan, until the closing on your old home.

Construction Loans — Option #2 Construction Loans

Construction Loans provide the financing for the construction of your new home. When you’re building a new home, most financial institutions require you to take out a construction loan rather than a conventional mortgage. The construction loan is often blended into a conventional mortgage once the house is finished, in many cases without any additional fees.

Under a construction loan, a builder receives “draws” from the bank as various phases of the construction is completed. The final draw comes when the house is completed. The number of draws depends on the bank and how much up front money you put toward the construction of your new home. Most banks charge a set fee for each draw. In addition, some financial institutions charge administration fees and a higher interest rate for constructions loans.

Construction Loans — Option #3 Conventional Mortgage

Your Conventional Mortgage is the type of loan you will likely have once your new home is finished. Conventional mortgages typically run 15 or 30 years, with the 15-year mortgage usually carrying a slightly lower interest rate. Most financial institutions will allow you to buy down your interest rate to a lower rate by paying points up front. Each point costs one-hundredth of the amount you are mortgaging. For instance, a point on a $100,000 mortgage would cost you an extra $1,000 as part of your mortgage application fees.

Typically, each point that you purchase reduces your interest rate by a quarter of a percent. Conventional wisdom is that buying points is a good investment if you plan on owning your home five or more years. Each point can save you thousands of dollars in interest over the life of your mortgage. Points also are deductible in many instances on your federal income tax return for the year in which you take out your mortgage.

~~~

A quality Saint Cloud General Contractor is always willing to help you make the best choices that
fulfill your new home building dreams. Craig at Schoenberg Construction is one of the best home builders in Central Minnesota. Give him a call today at 320-252-0911 for your no-obligation consultation.

~~~

About the Author:

Tammy Crosby-Editor, Dream Designs http://www.thehousedesigners.com, has picked the best selling, most popular house plans direct from architects and designers. Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=140921&ca=Finances

A split-level floor plan is an interesting approach to new home construction in St. Cloud. There are usually three tiers, but instead of stacking them on top of each other like pancakes, the sections are staggered next to each other. In many split-level homes, there is a raised porch that leads up to the main entrance, often opening into a large family room and sharing the level with the kitchen. From here, there are two short stair cases-one leading up and one leading down. Below, many split-level homes descend into a formal living room, while above leads to the hallway where all of the bedrooms and the bathroom are.

“Why,” you may ask yourself, “would I want such a zig-zag blue print?”

Versatile Efficiency

The casual eye may find a split-level floor plan confused or divided, but there can actually be a good reason for the design. If the plot of land that the new home construction is built on isn’t very big, split-level home can help save you some yard. Split-level homes are also ideal for severely sloped or un-graded land.

The use of space is very economical with several smaller stories instead of full-sized floors. Building a ranch home is usually the choice of people wanting to build small, but a split-level home gives you the efficiency of a ranch with the elegance of a two story. The construction cost is also usually slightly cheaper when compared to a full two-story home.

Potential Options

Up to this point, we have discussed the typical three way split level home, but other layouts and additional space that fall into the split-level category:

Bi-level: This layout has only two levels. The front door usually opens into a foyer between the two stories, with two staircases leading to the different levels.

The Four-Way: Similar in basic design as the 3-way split, with the addition of a partially excavated basement. This feature can be ideal in some of the high water table areas in Minnesota.

Raised Ranch: Imagine a regular ranch home where half of the house is lifted above the other side. This layout is most frequently used on severely graded land.

The “Ups and Downs”

The unique look of a split-level home gives the homeowner several distinct advantages, but there are also some cons to be aware. In one sense, the split-level gives you the best of both worlds in terms of openness. When standing in the kitchen, you can see practically the whole house. Yet, once in a family room, you can easily establish a cozy focus. Instead of one large staircase leading to the upper floor, there are several smaller ones. This can be good news for elderly people who may have an easier time taking only three or four steps up or down.

A split-level home can be a wonderful solution to your new home construction project. A homeowner that can appreciate the versatility of the space can create a wonderful new home, with the help of a qualified St. Cloud general contractor.