Image of Charles Pointe framing with 2x4 and 2x6 studs main photo image for the blog.

Building A Custom Home – FAQ

Building a custom home on your land is different from buying a pre-existing or production house.  To help, here are some common questions we’ve heard lately.  If you have more questions, feel free to reach out to us and ask.  We’re always happy to help!

1.  How much does it cost to build a custom home?

The cost to build a custom home on your lot depends on the price of your land, site work, and your new home’s construction costs.  The easiest way to think about it is this:  Land Price + Site Work + New Home Construction = Total Cost  Click here to read more on our blog.

2.  How much per square foot does it cost to build a custom home?

If you’re comparing quotes from different builders, sometimes this question is like comparing apples to oranges.  It’s hard to uncover all the ways builders figure cost per square foot.  For example, some builders divide the home’s total cost by “liveable” square feet, and what some builders consider liveable does not include porches, basements, or unfinished spaces like attics.

Another good example is that at American Heritage Homes, the elevations of the homes in our Designer Collection have different standard exteriors.  For instance, some Designer Collection designs have vertical siding, gable(s), or stone elements that are standard.  How do you know it’s standard?  If you see it on the brochure rendering or the floor plan, that is our standard.  What this means, though, is that the price per square foot is reflected in the individuality of the plan.

3.  How long does it take to build a custom home on your land?

Every custom home is different.  Various factors, including the design process, permit acquisition, site development, and construction, come into play.  Today, we’re also dealing with supply chain issues resulting in material and labor shortages, which sometimes makes it challenging to determine exactly how long things will take.  At the beginning of our building process, we will sit down with you during your pre-construction meeting and map out your home’s construction timeline.  This timeline – and communication – will help keep everyone on the same page throughout the construction process.

4.  Do we have to choose one of your floor plans?

No.  You can either choose from one of our plans, bring us a floor plan that you purchased online, or one that you designed with the help of an architect.  Remember that even when you choose one of our plans, the opportunity to customize those standard plans is endless.  You are not limited to what you see.  In fact, we’ve never built the same house twice!

5.  When should we get financing figured out?

Ideally, it would be best if you were pre-approved before heading to our model home.  This preapproval amount will help us design the right home for you, your family, and your budget.  Although we do not have monetary affiliations with any lender, we have a preferred lenders list that we can share with you.

6.  Where do you build?

We build in the following counties: Delaware, Licking, Madison, Franklin, Pickaway, Fairfield, Perry, and portions of Morrow, Union, Champaign, Clark, Fayette, Ross, Vinton, Hocking, Muskingum, and Knox.  For a map of our building area, click here.

7.  How many Model Homes do you have?

Today, we have one model home located 5 miles south of 270 on US 23 in Pickaway County.  However, we are constantly building homes around Central Ohio and sometimes offer tours of these homes.  Additionally, our website is filled with videos, photographs, and virtual tours of our homes so you can see the quality that goes into every American Heritage Home.

8.  What is your warranty?

We offer a 10-year limited transferable structural warranty and a one-year builder warranty per the BIA of Central Ohio guidelines.  Additionally, the waterproofing system installed on our homes comes with a 30-year transferable warranty, the vinyl siding has a lifetime transferable warranty, and the shutter manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty.  All other manufacturer’s warranties are passed on to you, as well, including but not limited to brands like Andersen Windows, Schlage, Moen, and Kohler.

9.  Why should I build with AHH?

When you build with American Heritage Homes, you are not only improving your community; you are also improving ours.  We live here.  We are your neighbors.  We see our homes every day.  We care.  Our owners are active in every project, allowing us to provide exceptional customer service, create superior designs, and apply the right resources throughout the process.  We know that our timeless designs impact the communities we live, work, and play, and because of that, we stand behind our product and our people.  Our teams have years of experience and are motivated by each unique project, customer, and relationship.