10 FAQs About Building a New Home

Just picture it... a new home built from the ground up, designed exactly the way you want, for the life you lead, in your favorite place -your land. Designing and building a home is one of life’s most rewarding experiences, and there’s never been a better time to do it. 

Now, we know there are a lot of questions about building a hometoday, and how certain processes may have changed due to the incredible demand for housing. We’re here to help, so we’ve put together a list of our customer’s most frequently asked questions as of late. From timelines to loans, this list covers it all. And if you have any additional questions, we’re always around to answer them. 

1. When can we start building?

Currently in our markets, we are scheduling ground-breaking dates starting in late summer/fall 2021. By allowing for a reasonable amount of time for each stage of the building experience, we can set realistic expectations that we can meet (and often exceed!). This keeps our employees, trades, suppliers, and above all - our homeowners, happy and engaged.

2. Why is your time frame so far out? 

We are currently scheduling ground-breaking dates in Fall 2021 to ensure that we maintain our quality of construction and superior customer service. During the preconstruction process, we take our time to ensure our customers have the opportunity to choose each detail in their home to allow for a smooth (and fun) building experience. Even though we are being affected by material shortages and high demands for construction, we are more proactive than ever by getting these materials ordered as far in advance as possible – sometimes even before breaking ground!

3. Can we start the process now?

Yes! If you already have your land and sign a contract today, we can give you a firm start date for your home. We will get started on the pre-construction process immediately by evaluating land to determine property preparation costs.

4. Is now the right time to build? Or should we wait until there’s less activity?

Yes, now is the time! The new home industry is not slowing down any time soon, and interest rates are at an all-time low. When you consider today’s higher building costs and the lowest interest rates in history,* the cost evens out. Take advantage of it!

5. Are interest rates really that low?

Yes! And because they are so low,  you can afford much more home than you might think. It’s almost like getting more home, or additional features, at no additional cost compared to previous years!

6. Why go with a replicable v.s. on-off builder?

Simple answer... we make it easy! Everything is decided on and priced out during our streamlined pre-construction process, so you don’t have to stress about cost overruns in the middle of building. Plus, ourcurated collectionand world-class design studio allows you to design your entire home from one location - no need to visit any stores to pick your finishes.

7. What type of loans can we use?

With our required lenders, we offer what’s called a “construction-to-permanent” loan. The construction loan can take place for up to 12 months while you are paying interest-only payments. Once your new home is complete, you will transition to a permanent loan that best fits your needs. That may mean a 15-year program, a 30-year program, a VA loan, or any other option that’s best for you. Our lenders are here to help you make the right decision for YOU!

8. Why can’t I use my current loan that I am pre-approved for?

Congratulations on your pre-approval! It’s a huge step in the building process. We require our lenders in order to provide you with the best possible customer service. We don’t want you to get caught being the “middleman” - it leads to miscommunication and delayed information. We will communicate directly with our required lenders to save you the headache and ensure an easy building process.

9. Are modifications allowed to an approved home design?

We are willing to consider modifications as long as they don’t affect any structural walls. You are able to customize your home to meet your wants and needs by adding porch extensions and personalizing your design features. We have never built the same home twice!

10. What are the steps in the building process?

Our 10-step Path to Ownership keeps everyone on track and informed of where we are in the building process. When you build with Brown Haven Homes, each of these steps will have an assigned target date so that you never have to guess what’s happening or what’s coming next.

Step 1: Meet with your new home specialist to choose a floor plan and get a computerized price quote.

Step 2: Sign a contract with us!

Step 3: Meet with our team of professionals to determine the exact cost of property preparations needed to put your home on your lot.

Step 4: Meet with our trusted lenders to secure financing.

Step 5: Meet with one of our designers to choose all of your finishes from our curated collection.

Step 6: Meet with your new home specialist and general manager one last time to ensure everything is exactly how you want it.

Step 7: We break ground and construction begins!

Step 8: We install the beautiful, custom finishes you’ve selected

Step 9: Move-in day! We also provide a homeowner orientation so that you know the ins and outs of your new home.

Step 10: Our warranty manager follows up to make sure everything in your new home is working exactly as it should. We also invite you to join our ambassador program.

And finally: Make memories and enjoy your beautiful new home for years to come!

Hopefully, this information answers a few of your questions about building a new Brown Haven home. Whether you have land in Western North Carolina, South Carolina, North Georgia, or East Tennessee, we have a variety of open, airy floor plans to fit your preferences and lifestyle. Our whole team looks forward to meeting and working closely with you to bring your vision of home to life!

Have more questions about building a new home today? Contact Lia or Katelynn at 706-514-4447 and we’ll be happy to answer them.

*based on interest rates at time of publication