Category: Custom Home Construction

First Time Home Buyers in Rio Grande Valley, Texas

Posted on January 13, 2021 by alien - Custom Home Construction

A home in the Rio Grande Valley is not just a financial investment. Your very first home is where your dreams meet reality. And to make this reality sweeter, there are a few things a first time homebuyer in Rio Grande valley must consider. Mortgage, closing costs, and room for home improvements are the common concerns along with the listed price of a house.

Whether you build a new house or buy an existing one in the Valley, take a deep breath and mull over a few things.

1. Are you ready for a new home?

You move into a new location. A portion of your earnings goes towards purchase and maintenance of this residence. And you spend a great many number of years within its walls. Is it worth it?

2. How much does the house cost? Can you meet the expenses?

Take a close look at your financial position. Do you have a steady day job? Are you willing to give up on a few comforts until you have the house? These are a few questions every first-time home buyer grapples with. Remember, housing costs do escalate.

3. How much of your salary goes into paying off your debts?

How much mortgage can you afford? Finding a mortgage that’s within reach can be a challenge. Experts say that if you earn $100, you are better off paying around $30 dollars as a loan. Anything higher is unsustainable. But you must make sure you’re getting your money’s worth with those $30.

4. What are your needs?

The types of neighborhood, local regulations, and the general atmosphere have some degree of impact on your living. Small things like mowing your own lawn yourself might seem like a chore to you but others might find it a pleasant pastime. So make an effort to know the people and the places before you make a choice.

It is easy to be snowed under with all the preparations. That’s why connecting with professional real estate groups could be of help. At Hosanna Construction we take the trouble out of house hunting so you can get the best out of a deal.

Here’s how we help a first time home buyer in Rio Grande Valley:

1. Real estate agent

We will connect you with reliable brokers. The agent will help you narrow down your needs and calculate the costs of ownership. Next they will share the details of important properties. They will help you look at the pros and cons of each property you visit. Our focus is simple: to get you your first home at the best possible price.

Our agents have spent years in the industry to know how it works and use this knowledge to your benefit.

2. Real estate lawyer

We have worked with trusted real estate lawyers who can detangle legal jargon. While hiring their services might set you back by a few hundred dollars, it is justified too. No one wants to deal with messy property disputes later. Those cost a lot more and waste a lot of time.

Real estate lawyers working with us can give you a comprehensive idea of the legalities involved in the buying process.

3. Bare necessities

We assist clients in identifying their needs and prioritizing them over luxuries. For example, a fully functional HVAC is slightly more necessary than a walk-in closet for some buyers. Since it is easy to get lost in the details, we help you see what you really need as well as what you want in the house.

4. Property inspection:

Have the property well inspected for rot and damage. A thorough check is best performed before purchase so that you are not burdened with chronic repairs. Leaky roofs, mold, faulty plumbing, defective wires, inefficient fixtures, or a bad case of mold can throw daily life off gear.

We would love to share recommendations about local property inspections with you.

5. Paperwork

We simplify the paperwork involved. After you have read through and assented to the proposals, we present it to the seller. And although they might counter it, we highlight the strongest points of your bid.

6. The Final walkthrough

We do the final walkthrough together, if you like, and make sure that all the terms of the final deal are met.

Hosanna Construction is there with you every step of the way – from the first look of the property to the final handing over of the keys. Get in touch with us today to ease the home buying process for the first time home buyer in the Rio Grande Valley.

10 Custom Home FAQs for First-Time Home Buyers

Posted on November 20, 2020 by alien - Custom Home Construction

A custom house is everything a production house isn’t. It has a personality; it boasts of genuine materials and fixtures and there are infinite customization options. No wonder prospective homeowners have lots of questions about it.

Below are the top 10 custom home FAQs that can point you in the right direction. Although by no means comprehensive, these are some of the most important ones:

1. What are custom built homes?

These are unique houses built around the specific layout and materials suggested by the client. A custom-built home reflects the architectural and functional preferences of the homeowner. For instance, if you need an extra cabinet built into the wall, you have the freedom to get it built. As opposed to pre-designed home, a made-to-order home lets you tweak the floor plan, external and interior design and many other aspects of homebuilding. These homes fully meet the needs of your family.

2. Are custom homes more expensive?

Typically, a customized residence tends to cost more than an average, pre-designed house because they bring in high degree of luxury and exclusivity in the design. But they also let you pay only for things you want. You can splurge on spas, oversized bedrooms, and eclectic accent lights or scale down into a double-storied rustic accommodation that is highly energy-efficient. Cutting down on extraneous elements, a personalized home helps you save money in the long run. You can select the perfect kitchen or a rooftop pool and fit everything into the budget. Professional custom home builders provide free estimates so you understand how the money will be spent.

3. Why build a custom home?

There is no way of knowing the exact condition of an existing home. You are never sure what supplies were used. Plus, you are stuck with the architecture. With a custom home, however, you can make it as structurally sound as you want. You can handpick construction materials and among other things, choose the best insulation. You can change the space planning as you please and leave room for future renovations because, as your family grows, your needs change. If you live in a house custom-fitted to your lifestyle, not only would you settle down faster but also potentially save a lot of money you’d have otherwise spent on repairs. Production houses can hardly be the home you dream of.

4. How much do custom homes cost?

The price depends on a lot of factors like location, design flexibility and so on. While it is true that with each addition to the plan the price leaps a little, it is equally true that you can find a home for $100,000. They become less expensive with time, removing the need for costly repairs later. Many homeowners agree that the upfront price of a custom house varies with the floor area. It can hover around $300,000 for a 1500 square feet house and rise to about $400,000 for 2000 square feet. A 2-bedroom house will be cheaper than a 4-bedroom home. House price also differs by state. Such a house in Texas might be available for $200,000 on an average. It is not difficult to find affordable houses in Texas if you can connect with the right builder.

5. Are custom homes worth it?

Custom homes are worth every penny. They are the closest thing to your dream home. True, you have to engage the services of a surveyor, a planner and a contractor. But this is money well spent. You are not only investing in the house you want to grow old in but also not wasting money on the upkeep of rentals or existing homes. All custom homes are not flashy. They are just what you need them to be.

6. Is it better to buy or build custom?

Buying an existing house is easier. You can hire an agent and visit houses till you find one. It is cheaper too.

Building custom has its own benefits. You are aware of every small step in the process and can aim for complete home automation in the future. Such possibilities of upgrade are few and far in between with older homes. New homes come with a warranty on structures, finishes or doors and windows – something that is lacking in an existing home. Plus there’s this overwhelming attachment that owners feel with the freshness of a brand-new residence.

7. How long should you wait before taking possession of the house?

Construction times vary and may get stalled for many reasons. Expect anything between a year and 18 months as a standard. But the benefit of working with reputed custom builders is they would share a timeline or a building schedule with you. This helps keep track of their operations and plan your other activities around it. That way you won’t have to repeatedly postpone or move around your other engagements.

There are many professionals engaged; there are many steps involved. This is not to say that custom homes are not delivered on time. Contractors usually include a date of delivery in the final contract and issue a warranty on it. Local builders should be able to tell you about the most favorable time to start building.

8. How to choose a custom home builder?

One of the most useful ways of choosing a builder is to ask for references from friends and family. If existing clients are satisfied with the homes they have received, you can assume the builder is reliable. Check local contractors and visit their houses to gauge if they are a fit. A reputed builder will bring trust and quality to the table.

Find out more about their network of subcontractors and highly-placed sources. Better to find out any unpleasant events before signing the home purchase contract.

9. Does a custom home builder help with the financing?

These builders work with a successful team of planners, architects, suppliers and financiers. The entire process is streamlined with in-house mortgage experts checking your eligibility. Not only can they help you get approved for loans faster, but also get you special loan rates and repayment windows. Once this hurdle is out of the way, you can confidently move forward with the construction.

You can also get help about down payment options, often saving thousands of dollars on loans.

10. Is site selection part of house building?

Not all who dream of building their own house possess a piece of land. If you are one of them, consult with your builder to find a plot at once. Decide on the location and what amenities you need nearby. Once that is settled, look for a suitable lot. Here a local builder’s knowledge shines through as they can give you valuable inputs on the weather, the condition of roads and traffic, overall connectivity, safety and its distance from facilities likes schools, hospitals and the like.

So, although the service is provided by some builders, the cost of buying the plot is not borne by them. Your budget must have room for a new piece of land.

Building a custom house is at once intimidating and thrilling. There are many builders in the Rio Grande Valley that can fulfill your desire of a unique home. Ask them for free estimates and request visits to their recent construction sites. A genuine builder would never refuse. Hence a custom home is the permanent answer to all your housing concerns in the Valley.

If you are looking to buy a home in Pharr, Mission, Edinburg, or anywhere in the Rio Grande Valley, contact us to talk about your property and get the best deal available.

5 Tough Questions to Ask When Hiring a Custom Home Builder

Posted on August 4, 2020 by alien - Custom Home Construction

Builder with stressed out look talking over the phone

You have decided to build a custom home – one that you have dreamt of, for a long time. But you may have some apprehensions and worries about how the project will go. There are so many nuances you need to take care of, and you may not be aware of most of them.

But rather than hesitating and mulling things over by yourself, ask your custom home builder about the things that are bugging you. A reputable builder will always be ready to answer their customers’ queries.

Here are 5 tough questions you should be asking your builder.

1) Can I have the specification sheets for the intended building materials you utilize for the construction?

Without leaving out any area of the home, ask the builder to be specific about the types of materials they plan to use for your project. From the plumbing materials to the roofing and flooring, ensure that they are using the highest quality materials. The materials do not have to be luxurious or expensive, but it is your right to know if you are getting your money’s worth.

By checking out some samples, you can get the feel of the material, and determine if they are right for your requirements. Also, you can learn about the specific warranties that come with some materials before making the purchase. For instance, some kitchen countertop brands have a 15 to 20-year limited warranty. And an honest builder will effectively communicate these details to you.

2) Can you give us a full list of references or past client testimonials?

You can ask for the builder’s portfolio to check out their past projects. Visit the locations and look around. You can also speak to the people currently residing in those homes to learn if there are any construction glitches. Ask about project timelines, budget, workmanship, and communication.

Alternatively, ask the builder to provide you with solid references. A good builder will be more than willing to showcase their best work. They may either provide photos or videos of the homes they built or if the owner permits, they can offer you a tour. For client testimonials, insist on having the references from their recent projects.

3) How involved are you during the entire construction process?

Most custom home builders work with an in-house design team or hire the professional on project-basis. They may also have a crew with specific skills and expertise to frequently engage in various home builds. Either way, it is the custom home builder’s responsibility to ensure smooth completion of the job.

Find out about their involvement in your project. Do they stay on the site from breaking ground to the finish? Do they have highly trustworthy subcontractors that offer efficient work? It is advisable to choose a builder who employs an insured crew that can deliver exceptional results with the utmost precision. They should be accessible to you from the design phase to the construction final stage and the follow-up.

4) How long would it take for completion of the construction?

It is always better to start the project with the end in mind. When you have a time estimate, it shows that the builder is realistic. However, remember that unforeseen delays can happen with any construction project. There could be shipping delays, health issues, adverse weather patterns, and other reasons. Barring these, ask the builder to give a reasonable time duration for the construction.

Having said the above, you should be prepared to wait because a custom home build is a lengthy process. Then again, the builder should not be too strict with the timelines as it could affect the quality of work. Be open in your communication, and get these questions answered and out of the way before you sign the contract.

5) Can you build a custom home within my budget?

Many things could go astray during the build, and shoot up the initial estimation. You and the construction company must stay on the same page. Make sure that you have a good rapport with the builder from the beginning of the construction. Tell them your budget limitations, and explain if you cannot make room for adjustments.

Avoid any sort of confusion to get what you want in your price bracket. Find a builder who does not resort to cutting corners to stay within the allotted budget. But we suggest that you do your research before choosing the construction materials as you have to think about the home’s resale value if you need to sell in the future.

Find out if they offer a warranty on the home, not just materials. Do they build in specific locations? If so, they know the local climate and soil. Other criteria to consider while hiring a custom builder is whether they are licensed and insured.

Top 7 Tips for Choosing a Custom Home Builder

Posted on July 27, 2020 by alien - Custom Home Construction

Home builder showing house plans to happy looking couple

Building your dream home may involve a couple more steps than purchasing an existing home. With an already constructed home, you may not have the chance to pick the builder, materials to use, and the design. But when you build a custom home, you have complete freedom in choosing every element that goes into the construction.

Before you sign on the dotted line, one of the essential considerations you must make during this process is choosing a custom home builder. Not any builder will do.

Here, we give you some useful tips to pick the right builder.

1. License and Certification

Many aspiring homeowners discover halfway through the construction process that their builder is unlicensed. It could have grave consequences if the project does not go the right way. And given the amount you are investing in the building, it is prudent that you check their license and registration.

One excellent method to pick a competent custom home builder is to get some references from your friends and family. You can also start your research at the local home builders association.

If you can gather information from your local real estate agent, that would help a great deal, too. Also, go on sites like Yelp or Google reviews and Facebook or other social media to find what people are saying about them.

2. Construction property

Customs homes are generally built on the property, belonging to the buyer. If your builder is showing you some half-built model home on their site, it is not a custom home. It may just be an off-the-shelf production home with a little room for customization. So, if you plan to build a 100% custom home, start it from scratch.

Besides, you can check out the builder’s spec home by visiting an ongoing construction. They may include many standard features in the base pricing, while some don’t. So, make sure that the amenities you see in the model home come with the finished product. Be clear about the pricing and safety measures at the site.

3. Warranty and Inspection

Read the fine print properly, especially when it comes to the warranties. Some sketchy builders provide a third-party warranty for considerable value and time. But when it is time to claim, you will be surprised to know the structural warranty has tens of exclusions.

Likewise, some builders may push for getting the construction inspected by someone of their choosing. But when the builder is the one engaging the inspector, how fair can their report be? You need to get clear communication about all these matters before the project starts.

4. Subcontractors and Suppliers

Find out if the builder is hiring skilled craftsmen for the job. Or, are they just picking random laborers working on daily wages, from a local gathering place? Compared to production builders, the custom builder has a qualified team of designers, architects, and subcontractors. They may be regularly using their services for several construction projects.

Speak to the builder’s local supply houses, subcontractors, and crew to learn more about their relationships. Without a good rapport, they may not stick with them for long. Or, the dissatisfied crew may create issues for you. Does the builder pay them on time? If not, it may be difficult to get timely supplies, and the project gets delayed.

5. Building Codes

When the builder agrees to add all the features you like at a low price, you may suspect that something is wrong. They may be cutting corners to meet your budget. Meaning, they may use quasi-knowledgeable tradesmen or hire the lowest bidders for work.

The outcome will be just as bad. They may not stick to the local building codes, partly because they may not be aware. Or, they mold the local regulations to their requirements, in a process known as selective code enforcement. The city inspectors enforce the adopted codes to some extent but turn a blind eye to some portions.

6. Recognitions

While accreditations and getting listed on the Better Business Bureau may be legit, do not go with face value for the so-called “Builder of the Year” awards. Most of these titles are bogus or are awarded by local magazines. Your builder may have paid them an advertising fee to appear on their “Top 10” list.

And then there are subsidiary companies or unrecognized builder organizations, which have no real value. They exist only to promote their members. If you believe such phony awards and titles, you may be looking at a botched ended product.

7. Building Sites

When you wish to see your dream come true, you would want to add all the possible amenities in the home. You may wish for a large garage, open floor plan, luxurious master suite, and a spacious kitchen. Most home buying public take pride in their outdoor facilities, too, namely, a swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, lounge area, etc. So, you choose a massive site to build your home.

But when the builder promises the moon within your budget, it is a problem. The reality and homebuilding sectors have witnessed a significant collapse recently. Besides, high spikes in the costs of construction materials and their shortage put a damper on building projects. So, they may be offering you land that is unsuitable for urban construction, in addition to using substandard construction techniques.

Conclusion

If in any of the above steps during your research, you feel like the builder is not being honest with you, look elsewhere. In the end, your project can go smoothly only when you can establish honest communication lines.