Living room of the Ashley with windows on both sides of the fireplace and shiplap on fireplace wall.

Top 10 Most Common Home Building Questions & Answers

1.  Where does American Heritage Homes build?

We build custom homes in Columbus, Ohio, and surrounding areas, including 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. If you’re uncertain whether or not we will build in your city, we encourage you to ask. Please email us at sales@ahhcorp.com, contact us via our website, or call 1-888-640-2442.

2.  Does American Heritage Homes help find land?

Shadow image of house on land.

If you don’t have land, no problem. We always have our eyes peeled for new lots for sale, and we have even partnered with a local landowner to promote his lots for sale. Check them out here. The internet, driving around, asking friends, and local Realtors are all great resources that might help you find that perfect property to build your new home. Tips for Finding Land

If this is the first time you’ve built on your lot, or if you’re not quite sure about the lot you intend to purchase (or have bought), American Heritage Homes will provide a complimentary site evaluation. During this analysis, one of our team members will meet you at your lot to provide support and answer any questions. As the premier custom home builder in Columbus, Ohio, we believe this is the first step to building a successful relationship that will carry on throughout the entire building process.

3.  What is your average cost per square foot?

Our average cost per square foot ranges between $120 to $200. If you’re comparing quotes from different builders, sometimes this question is like comparing apples to oranges. It’s hard to uncover how 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, our Designer Collection of homes each have different standard exteriors. This means that the price per square foot is reflected in the individuality of the plan. For instance, some of our Designs come standard with vertical siding, gables, or stone elements. So, what is the standard at American Heritage Homes? Well – if you see it on the brochure’s rendering or floor plan, then it is standard with that home.

4.  What is included in the base price of your homes?

Image of GMX waterproofing system on basement walls. The base price of our homes is determined by the standard list of building materials and features found in our Designer Collection. In addition, as we mentioned above, if you see it on the brochure’s rendering or floor plan, it’s standard!

Overall, poured foundation walls, 2×6 construction, a GMX Ultra-Shield waterproofing system, and the amount of custom cabinetry in the kitchen are some of the great features that set us apart from other custom home builders in Columbus, Ohio.

5.  Are basements included in the base price? Are they finished?

Yes, basements are included in nearly all of our floor plans. However, a few floor plans, like the Morgan, are built with a partial crawl space and a basement. Also, while basements are included in the base price of our homes, finishing them is an option that can be discussed and added during one of your Home Customization meetings.

6.  How much can we customize our new home?

We can customize a little or a lot to meet your specific needs! Our Sales Consultants have degrees in Interior Design, which means they not only know how to make spaces beautiful, but they also know how to make them functional with years of experience in spatial planning and design.

We’ve developed a list of common customization ideas to help customers determine what they want to add to their new home. But, of course, if you want something specific added to your new home, let’s talk! We have built hundreds of new homes throughout central Ohio, and with the vast amount of customizations our talented team of designers and builders can do, we have never built the same house twice!

7.  Are site costs included in the base price?

Image of cement truck used to pour basement walls.Because all lots are different, the costs necessary to prepare your lot for construction are separate from the base price of our homes. That said, we understand that determining what is required to prepare your lot for construction can be difficult, which is why early in the process, we ask questions to learn more about your lot, its location, topography, etc. If necessary, we will also perform a personalized site evaluation to help determine your property’s unique qualities and characteristics. Once we have enough information about your lot, we will estimate the work necessary to make it ready for the construction of your new home.

8.  Who is responsible for what items as it relates to site conditions?

American Heritage Homes will assist in the site conditions listed below at no additional charge. Or, if you would rather, you can also complete the items independently. We will discuss who is responsible for specific items during your Welcome Meeting and again during your Preconstruction Meeting.

•  Obtaining a Property Address
•  Applying for Temporary and Permanent Electric Service
•  Obtaining a Septic System Design + Installation OR City Sewer Connection
•  Managing Well Installation OR City Water Connection
•  Obtaining a Zoning Permit Application + Follow Up
•  Applying for a Building Permit Application + Follow Up
•  Installation + Maintenance of a Construction Driveway

LEARN MORE ABOUT SITE CONDITIONS 

9.  How long will it take to build my custom home?

Wood 2x4 Framing of a Charles Pointe design.

Once the planning and design process is complete and your New Home Contract has been assigned and approved, it can take anywhere from 6-9 months to build your custom home. Of course, every custom home is different, so it can take longer. Various factors, including the design process, permit acquisition, site development, and construction, come into play. Today, we’re still 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, during your Preconstruction Meeting, we will sit down with you and map out your home’s construction timeline. This timeline and constant, relevant communication throughout your build will help keep everyone on the same page and eliminate surprises.

10.  Do I have to use your list of preferred lenders?

No, our clients aren’t forced to use our preferred lenders, which allows them to use the program that fits them (and not their builder.) Ideally, however, it is best if you are pre-approved before your first Home Customization meeting. After all, this preapproval amount will help our Sales Consultants design the right home for you, your family, and your budget.


About American Heritage Homes
American Heritage Homes is a locally owned, on your lot custom home builder in Columbus, Ohio. Since 1995, families have trusted us to build their dream homes on their land. Through honesty and hard work, American Heritage Homes has become central Ohio’s premier on your lot custom home builder with a reputation for constructing extraordinary custom homes at an affordable price.