Frequently Asked Questions About

Building a Custom Home

Q. Is it more expensive to build a custom home?

A. It is not necessarily more expensive to build a custom home. In fact, because you control how the money is allocated, you will usually end up with a home that most closely meets your needs and specifications for the money you spend.

Q. How do I finance my custom home before it is built?

A. Home owners generally first get a letter of committment from the lending institution that will be providing the permanent financing. The home owner then gets a construction loan that is paid out during the construction process based on progress reports by the builder and inspections by the lender. After the home is built, the permanent loan is taken out and used to pay off the interim financing.

Q. How can I have an energy-efficient home without overspending?

A. Many utility companies have incentives for building energy-efficient homes. Also, oftentimes money spent on energy saving heating and cooling systems result in much lower operating costs, leaving more money in the family budget for the actual cost of the home.

Q. What kind of options do I have when I build my own custom home?

A. Working with Greater Texas Builders, you may be able to have private water and sewage systems, and many driveway and landscaping options. Other options include a wide choice on the exterior of the home (e.g., stone, brick, stucco, wood and Cement Fiber (Hardy Plank), roofing (fiberglass, dimensional shingles, tile and metal), and flooring (tile, wood, marble, vinyl and carpet). Each choice impacts the overall budget which Greater Texas will manage for you.

Q. How can I be sure the contractor won't just take my money? What are my remedies under the new laws which went into effect 11/97?

A. A builder must provide disclosure to the prospective clients prior to signing a contract. There are other requirements and approvals which must be signed by the client during construction before draws may be disbursed to the builder.

The best protection is to deal with an established builder with a solid reputation for quality. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau for any prior complaints, and be sure to check with trade references and prior clients of the builder.

Q. Can you supply me with references?

A. Greater Texas Builders would be happy to supply you with a list of satisfied customers and trade references.

Q. How can I be sure my home meets all the relevant safety and zoning codes?

A. Greater Texas Builders has an in-house designer who reviews all plans before they are used. Additionally, the professionals at Greater Texas Builders have decades of experience building custom homes in San Antonio and South Texas, and have built custom homes in many of the finest communities there.

Q. Can I use plans from another designer, or from a magazine?

A. You can use plans from many sources when you use Greater Texas Builders. Our designer will review the plans to ensure that they meet local building codes and deed restrictions and are suitable for the South Texas climatic conditions. There may be additional charges if the plans need to be modified.

Greater Texas Builders would be happy to talk with you about getting your own custom home designed, financed and built. We can be reached in several ways:

Greater Texas Builders
8632 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 112
San Antonio, Texas 78240

(210) 341-8396; or (800) 721-4383
(210) 348-7836 Fax
E-mail: charlieh@greatertexas.com