How do I choose a house plan?
Most people already have some idea of what they want in a custom home. Sometimes they bring us a drawing they’ve made. Other times they want to combine several plans found on the Internet or in a book. There are all kinds of ways to finalize a house plan. Once we have an idea of what you want, we can build the perfect home for your needs. We would be happy to refer you to the architect we recommend.
How should I choose a custom home builder?
Since you’ll work closely together for several months, it’s very important that you feel comfortable with your builder. You should consider experience, quality of work, honesty, and personality to determine the potential for an enjoyable, trustworthy working relationship.
It is also a good idea to talk with subcontractors, bankers, and others who have worked with the home builder you are considering. Finally, make sure you’re comfortable with the builder’s experience in constructing the type of home you want.
How much does a new house cost per square foot?
Though this is the most common question we’re asked, it can’t be definitively answered until many decisions are made, including:
- a lot selected
- a finalized house plan
- the style of the house
- selections of fixtures, flooring, and appliances
Depending on many factors, two 3,000-square-foot houses could see a difference as much as $15 to $50 per foot. A larger kitchen, for example, increases cabinet costs. A house with three baths, naturally, has higher plumbing costs than a house with two. Flooring can cost $20,000 to $35,000. Appliances can range from $3,000-$10,000. You get the picture.
We do assure you, however, that when we price your home, we clarify all the reasons for the cost. You will be more than welcome to make adjustments, according to your budget.
Whom do you recommend for financing?
We do business with several excellent banks, which you can link to below. No matter where you have your current mortgage, we can borrow from these banks to build your home. Call us to request the names of bank officers who handle our business, and feel free to ask them about the way Cornerstone handles our finances.
• Bank of San Angelo • Citizens State Bank • Concho Educators Federal Credit Union • Crockett National Bank • 1st Community Federal Credit Union • First Financial Bank • First State Bank of Paint Rock • Prosperity Bank • Sonora Bank
What do I get to pick out for my new house?
You’ll choose nearly every selection related to your new custom home. Basically, they’ll occur in the following order:
- Front and back doors
- Window style and color
- Roofing type and color
- Brick, rock, or stucco, type and color
- Plumbing fixtures
- Wall texture
- Trim, baseboards, crown molding
- Interior doors
- Paint colors for outdoor trim, cabinets, walls, ceilings, and inside trim
- Countertops
- Electrical fixtures, ceiling fans
- Floor coverings
- Appliances
- Lockout package, including door knobs and bathroom fixtures
How long does it take to build a new home?
Again, this depends on several factors, including both the size of the home as well as the design details. Most Cornerstone Builders homes are completed within five to seven months after the contract is signed.
Steps to Custom Home Building
Build Foundation
- Foundation workers lay out foundation
- Plumber runs drain lines
- Foundation workers finish framing foundation and dig trenches
- Plumber runs pex (plastic water lines), finishes rough out
- Plumber takes first of three draws
- Foundation workers tie steel (rebar)
- Electrician sets floor plugs and/or island wire
- HVAC runs vents if necessary
- Treat for termites
- Pour foundation
Framing Begins
- Order windows
- Order special plumbing fixtures
- Order front and back doors
- Select and order garage doors
- Choose roof shingles
- Choose brick
- Order cabinets
- Add felt after decking
- Install windows
- Install doors and construction locks
- Finish framing, order inspection
Top Out
- Select trim
(crown mold, baseboard, and interior doors)
- Order interior doors and trim
- Electrician runs wiring
- Plumber sets tubs, outside faucets, and drain vents through the roof
- Plumber gets second draw
- Add HVAC ducts and set unit inside
- Pest control system installed
- Sound and security wired
- Lay brick anytime in next month
- Stain concrete
(before insulation between sheetrock and tape/float or after tape/float before staring trim)
- Add insulation
- Add sheetrock
- Order tile
- Order carpet
- Order countertops
- Choose light fixtures and fans
- Choose lockout package
(door knobs, towel holders, toilet fixtures, door stops, closet rods, and so forth)
- Tape/float/texture
- Install garage doors
Trim Starts
- Install cabinets
- Install interior doors
- Trim baseboards, crown molding, chair rail, etc.
- Paint and/or stain
Trim Out
- Install light fixtures and fans
HVAC
- Hang vent covers, and set outside unit
Flooring
- Install tile and/or wood flooring
Plumbing
- Set counter/vanity tops
- Trim out plumbing; plumber collects third draw
Driveway & Sidewalks
- Finalize concrete driveway and sidewalks
Lock Out
- Hang doors
- Install door knobs, towel holders, toilet fixtures, door stops, closet rods, and so forth
Carpet
Order Final Inspections
- Order gas installed
- Electrical, call WTU for permanent hook up after inspection by city
- Plumbing
- Mechanical
- Total final
Touch-up Punch List
- Make a punch list and execute
Finalize Paperwork
- Move in and enjoy your new home!
CALL 325-617-2951 TO LEARN MORE!
