The Top Ten questions asked by our prospective clients (with our answers) are found below for your assistance:
(If you have questions that need answers, please feel free to contact us by phone at 253.853.1414 or email at jeff@hillcustomhomes.com).

(Drum roll please!)

Number 10: How do I get started? Call us! Arrange a time at your convenience, (we are happy to meet with you on Saturdays or after 5PM during the week), for us to meet and discuss your plans. We will then customize an action plan for you.

Number Nine: How long does the building process take?
Tough question! When we can assess the variables, i.e. architectural time, permit time, construction time, all which is based on the size and complexity of your home, then we will provide you with a construction schedule.

The quick answer is: a 3,000 sq. ft. house takes about 5 months of actual construction time.

Number Eight: How do we start on the design process?
There are many paths to a complete design. The most common paths are:
· An existing plan is used as a base plan, and modifications are made to fit you.
· Photos of existing homes - usually from magazines - are brought in indicating a particular feel or design you want. We may design a complete home around the photos or find a similar match to your photos and then make modifications. We like to see all of the photos you clip from the magazines!
· You may have original sketches. We will design your home with your sketches as a starting point.

Number Seven: Do you do design work?
Yes, we do. Our firm has designed approximately 75% of the homes we have built. We assess the architectural theme of your home and may recommend another firm as the lead designer (as they may be a better fit). We are still actively involved in the process as a secondary designer.
Just a note...
Design doesn't stop when the blueprints are done. The kitchen and bath design, special rooms such as a media room or home/office, shop areas, outdoor living extended spaces, and landscape design are still waiting to be done. Don't worry...the award winning Hill team excels in these areas and is at your service.

Number Six: There are so many things to decide - the whole process is so overwhelming, how can you help?
You are absolutely right. You will need a tested plan to follow and an experienced builder to get you through the process where the end product is a home you are proud of and is what you want. Our experience and expertise are a major part of the services we offer to you.
Our goal is to make the building process easy for you, and to provide a finished product worth your time and effort. We know from our past clients that they ALL say their home was worth the work.

Number Five: How do we find a lot?
Where do you want to live? You probably know the area, but finding a lot can be difficult. We recommend you make the purchase of your lot contingent upon a review by us, your builder. We will make sure your proposed design will fit the lot and such obvious review points as placing a rambler on a steep side-hill lot are considered. Our clients generally have two or three lots in mind before we are involved and come to us for our view to assist in making the final decision.

Number Four: We want three bids, is Hill Custom Homes comfortable in this situation?
This is generally an average idea. Keep in mind, the bids are only as good as the information you provide the bidders. Do you have the appliances selected? Doorknob style? Make and model number of the fireplace? Handle style and model number on the bath faucets? You get the idea.

• Remember the low bid signifies the cheapest builder you can find and that isn't a great recommendation. The builder probably won't be the cheapest when construction is done.
• The most expensive builder does not guarantee the best job. We suggest you review other criteria as well...
  o Is the building firm an efficient and organized firm? This will translate into a competitively priced bid.
  o Can you easily communicate with the firm members? And does the firm have office hours where someone is always available for you?
  o Are previous homes available for you to see?
  o Are references available?
  

Number Three: Change orders scare me. How do they work?
Change orders represent an increase or decrease in cost because something has been added or deleted by you, the client. You may elect to add a trash compactor or delete a garage door opener. Sometimes a change order is appropriate when an area of work is changed which has no influence on
cost. The French door in the nook is exchanged with the solid door in the den. This assumes the doors haven't already been installed. Change orders are agreed to by both parties, in writing, prior to any additional work being done.

Number Two: Financing - how does it work with a custom home project?
The process is easy. Many lenders have developed borrower-friendly programs. Costs and rates do differ so we suggest you talk with two lenders in an initial interview and then immediately select one lender to complete your loan. Again, feeling comfortable with individual you will be doing business with is vitally important, often more important than the lending institution. We have a recommendation list for you if you are interested.
and here it is...

Number One: How much a square foot does it cost?
We don't know. In order to give you a reasonable range you must provide us with a lot of answers that greatly influence the cost. Some examples based on a 2,500 square foot house:
1.) Roof pitch 5/12 vs. 8/12............................................................ $1.50 - $2.50 change per foot
2.) Roof material - 25 year composition vs. Moniertile....................... $4.50 - $7.00 change per foot
3.) Skylights - yes/no? How many? What type?.............................. $0.50 - $1.75 change per foot

As you can see, just the roof can vary by $11,875.00 or 4.75 per foot. If you have a budget - unless you won the lottery - tell us where you want to be with the final price and let us design your home and specifications to meet that budget.