FAQ

A: Architects, like many other professionals, base the cost estimate of a project and their fees upon the anticipated time and the difficulty of the design. Although they do not charge by the hour, they attempt to assess the client based on the changes involved and the client’s ability to make decisions.

If a client can start with a general concept and then make modifications based upon specific individual needs, as happens when using our architect, there are significant time and cost savings. Our budget process is more accurate based on our familiarity with the architect. Therefore, our bids are more competitive with an architect we know well.

A: Forrest Homes employs a team approach, which allows us to involve different skill sets. The architect is responsible for designing the layout and determining room sizes and the flow of the home. Chris leverages her decorating expertise, vision, and client input to help make selections that remain mindful of the budget’s impact.

A: Once the lot is identified and secured, the preliminary plan process can begin, which usually takes at least three months. This phase includes initial plan approval and preparation for the structural and foundation engineering, which typically requires two to three months and can overlap with finalizing architectural plans, including elevation, lighting, and interior details.

Upon completion of engineering, architectural plans, and city reviews—which usually takes two to four weeks—we proceed with demolishing any existing structures, closing the construction loan, and beginning construction once the city building permit is obtained. The construction itself lasts between eight and twelve months, depending on the complexity of the design and the homeowner’s promptness in decision-making.

Changes are inevitable, but our construction communication process allows plenty of time for selection decisions. This minimizes change orders, which can slow the building process and add cost.

A: We collaborate with several local banks. We recommend that you meet with their loan officers to establish compatibility. We prefer that one of these banks extend the construction loan to the homeowner. At the loan closing, homeowners are expected to deposit 20% of the total project cost and cover the monthly interest during construction. Upon home completion, a mortgage is secured to repay the construction loan, culminating in home ownership.

A: Once we determine the budget for the home, the bank assigns percentages for various stages of completion, releasing funds based on these milestones. To monitor progress and fund disbursement, the bank employs an inspector who checks the home periodically and verifies each stage of completion.