Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions About Utah Custom Home-Building Answered
You have questions; we have answers. We know that the custom home-building process can feel daunting. But with the facts in hand, you can feel educated and empowered to make the right decision for your family and lifestyle. We’ve broken the questions down into multiple sections for easy learning. Let’s get started.
FAQs: About the Custom Home Build Process in Utah
Process can sound like an intense word, but it doesn’t need to be. Think of a journey with an educated guide. That’s what it’s like building a custom home with Choice Builders.
1. What Is the First Step in Building a Custom Home?
The first step in the custom home-building process is defining your vision and goals. This means choosing the right builder to listen to your needs, understand your style, and align with your budget. Collaborate on creating a roadmap for the design, permitting, and construction phases. When you start with clarity, every decision feels more manageable, and you set the foundation for a home that perfectly reflects your family’s story.
2. How Long Does It Take to Build a Home in Utah?
Building a custom home in Utah typically takes 12 to 24 months, depending on the home’s size, design, and location in the state. Weather conditions in the region surrounding Cedar City and Brian Head heavily factor into the timeline.
In our mountain areas, it generally takes two build seasons, or 18 to 24 months, depending on when you start. While this certainly seems like a long time, we have processes and systems that help us work during winter months, which helps us stay on track.
Closer to Cedar City, most houses can be completed in 8 to 12 months. Sometimes, larger homes take a little bit longer. The process includes everything from foundation work to finishing touches.
Partnering with an experienced builder who cares about your journey and project means you receive clear communication that helps you prepare for how long it takes to build a custom home and remain excited about the next stage.
3. How Long Does It Take to Design a Custom House?
You have the design portion before you get to the building section of the custom home-building process. On average, designing a custom house in Utah takes 3–4 months, depending on the level of customization and revisions. During this time, you’ll work with designers and architects to create plans that reflect your family’s lifestyle and needs. With the details in hand, your team will create a home design that is breathtaking and customized to you, setting the stage for a smooth building process.
4. Should I Build a Custom Home in Utah?
Only you can decide if building a custom home in Utah is right for you. Here are some factors that can influence your decision.
1. Timeline
Do you have enough time to build a custom home versus buying a pre-built home? Custom homes are built entirely around you, meaning they can take longer.
2. Customization
Do you love the idea of a home curated to you and your lifestyle? If picking out every detail with an expert by your side appeals to you, a custom home might be the right choice for you.
3. Budget
Another factor to consider is knowing your realistic budget for a custom home. If you have the budget for a custom home and want to invest it in one designed and built around you, you're likely a great candidate for one.
4. Performance
A new home is built to modern construction standards, often incorporating energy-efficient materials and systems. This can lead to lower utility costs, improved indoor comfort, and better overall performance compared to many older homes. Additionally, new homes are typically designed with durability in mind, using updated materials and building techniques that can result in lower maintenance needs over time.
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FAQs: Paying for the Cost of a Custom Home in Utah
If you’re looking at the average cost to build a house in Utah, you’ve also likely wondered about your financing options. Multiple factors influence the price of a custom home, and no residence is the same. Here are a few financial questions we often get.
1. What Is a Construction Allowance?
A construction allowance is a pre-set budget for specific elements of a home build, like flooring, cabinets, or countertops. It’s designed to give you options within a defined range, balancing your preferences and the project’s budget. A trusted builder will help you make selections that work with your allowance. It can be a tool that keeps your vision and your finances aligned during construction.
2. What Is Open Book, or Cost-Plus Pricing in Construction?
Open-book pricing means the builder charges the actual cost of materials and labor plus a predetermined fee or percentage for their services. A reputable builder will provide clear communication and detailed records, helping you understand costs and stay involved.
3. How Does Design-Build Pricing Work in Construction?
Design-Build is a streamlined, team-based approach to construction that makes your project simpler and smoother. Instead of juggling separate contracts for design and construction, you work with one trusted team like Choice Builders from start to finish. Your quote is based on the design of your home, which means you’re only paying for the features you choose. The cost of a custom home in Utah varies based on the design and the materials you choose.
4. Is Design-Build More Expensive?
The cost of building a house in Utah varies, but the design-build approach helps make the most of your budget. With one team managing design and construction, you save time and avoid costly miscommunications. This collaborative approach allows your money to work smarter, optimizing resources and delivering value without unnecessary delays or expenses. At Choice Builders, we use the design-build method because it will enable us to focus on your journey from the very start.
FAQs: Choice Builders
You’ve weighed the cost of building a house in Utah and are now looking at Choice Builders. We can’t answer all your questions here, but we’d love to get you started with some commonly asked questions.
1. What Type or Style of Custom Homes Do You Specialize In?
We specialize in designing and building homes tailored to your unique style and lifestyle. Whatever your style–a modern masterpiece, a cozy Craftsman, or a traditional family home—our team listens to your vision and brings it to life. Your story is our guide; every detail reflects your personality and needs. By focusing on customization, we build a home that is truly made just for you.
2. Will You Build on a Lot Your Customer Already Owns?
We’re happy to build on a lot you already own. Whether it’s a city property or a countryside retreat, we’ll collaborate to design a home that fits the land and your vision. Our knowledge of local zoning and elements like optimizing the site’s potential simplifies the process. Our expertise enables us to make sure your dream home complements its surroundings and feels the perfect fit for your family’s story.
3. What Type of Warranty or Guarantee Do You Provide for Your Custom Homes?
We provide a warranty that guarantees your peace of mind by covering key aspects of your home’s construction. We offer an industry-leading 1 - 10 warranty: 1-year full coverage inside and out and a 10-year insurance-backed structural warranty, ensuring your home’s quality and peace of mind. We’re committed to quality and stand by our work so you feel confident in your investment.
4. What Is the Typical Time Frame From Initial Consultation to Home Completion?
The timeline from initial consultation to home completion typically ranges from 12 to 24 months, including design, permitting, and construction. The construction phase is the biggest variable and depends on the location and the weather in that location.
Each phase is carefully planned to reflect your vision while staying on schedule. By partnering with a dedicated team, you’ll feel supported every step, from the first blueprint to the moment you walk through your new front door. Your dream home is worth the journey.
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Learn More
Do you still have questions that need informed answers? Check out our other resources to see where this journey will take you. You can learn about high-performance homes, our process, and any other queries you may have. Don’t let the unknown prevent you from an even better future.
Contact us today to begin your custom home build.
What Our Clients Say
"I call Roger my Dream Catcher. He caught my dream and built it.
"I would recommend Roger to anyone. His customer service is above and beyond anyone I have ever known and he only works with the best sub-contractors in the area."
– Sharon Saylor
Where We Work
Choice Builders builds quality custom homes in Cedar City and surrounding areas such as:
- Cedar City
- Brian Head
- Iron County
- Parowan
- New Harmony