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Cecil & Ray Homes

Custom home builder in Kansas City, Kansas and Missouri

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Frequently Asked Questions about Building your Dream Home

We take pride in always being available to answer our clients’ questions, no matter how small. We’ve collected some common questions and answers here to help you start learning about the process of building a custom home.

Don’t see your question here? Drop us a line and we’ll be happy to help.

How do I compare home builder proposals from multiple companies in order to make the best decision?

March 21, 2023 by Cecil and Ray Homes

Comparing proposals from different custom home builders can be a challenging process, but it’s important to do in order to make an informed decision. Here are some tips to help you compare proposals effectively:

  1. Review the Scope of Work: Look carefully at the scope of work outlined in each builder’s proposal. Are all of the necessary tasks and components included, or are there any items that are missing or unclear? Make sure each builder is proposing to include everything you need for your custom home.
  2. Consider the Timeline: Compare the timelines proposed by each builder. Are they realistic and do they meet your expectations? You may also want to ask questions about the builder’s ability to stick to the proposed timeline and any potential delays that could occur.
  3. Evaluate the Budget: Look carefully at the cost breakdown in each proposal to ensure that you understand the total cost of the project and how the costs are being allocated. Be sure to ask questions if any costs are unclear or if you have concerns about the proposed budget.
  4. Compare the Quality of Materials: Check the quality of the materials that each builder is proposing to use. Are they of similar quality, or is one builder using higher quality materials than the others? Be sure to compare apples-to-apples when it comes to material selections.
  5. Check for Warranties and Guarantees: Look for any warranties or guarantees offered by each builder, such as workmanship or structural warranties. These can help protect you in the event of any issues or defects with the home after completion.
  6. Evaluate the Builder’s Reputation: Research each builder’s reputation by reading online reviews, checking references, and looking at their portfolio of completed projects.
  7. Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, it’s important to trust your instincts when evaluating proposals and choosing a builder. Consider which builder seems to understand your vision best and which one you feel most comfortable communicating with throughout the process.

By following these steps, you can compare proposals from different custom home builders in a thorough and organized manner, helping you to make the best decision for your project.

We would love the opportunity to build your dream home. Contact us today!

Filed Under: Frequently Asked Questions

How important is a home building company’s background and reputation?

March 21, 2023 by Cecil and Ray Homes

While it is true every company has to start somewhere, it’s also true that it makes sense to hire a company with a long-standing reputation in the industry. Here are a few reasons why:

  1. Experience: A builder with a strong background in home building is likely to have more experience with a variety of building techniques, materials, and design styles. This can give you confidence that they have the expertise needed to complete your project to a high standard.
  2. Reputation: A builder’s background can also give you an idea of their reputation within the industry and among past clients. If a builder has a history of delivering quality workmanship, meeting deadlines, and communicating effectively with clients, it’s likely that they will do the same for your project. Make sure to ask for references and testimonials – they should be able to give you many!
  3. Financial Stability: A builder with a strong background is likely to be financially stable, with a proven track record of completing projects on budget and without major delays or setbacks. This can help give you peace of mind that your project is less likely to encounter financial or logistical challenges along the way.
  4. Compliance with Regulations: A builder’s background can also indicate their level of compliance with building codes, regulations, and safety standards. Choosing a builder with a strong track record in this area can help ensure that your project is completed safely and meets all necessary requirements.

Overall, a home building company’s background can be an important factor in choosing the right builder for your project. It’s important to research the builder’s background and experience, read reviews and testimonials from past clients, and ask questions to ensure that they have the expertise and reputation needed to deliver the home of your dreams.

We would be honored to build your dream home for you. Contact us today!

Filed Under: Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when selecting a custom home builder?

March 21, 2023 by Cecil and Ray Homes

When selecting a builder for your custom home project, it’s important to review their portfolio of homes to ensure that their style and quality align with your vision and expectations. Here are some things to consider when reviewing a builder’s portfolio:

  1. Style and Design: Look for a builder whose portfolio showcases a variety of styles and designs that appeal to you. This will help you get a sense of their design aesthetic and whether it matches your preferences.
  2. Quality of Workmanship: Pay attention to the quality of the builder’s workmanship in the homes featured in their portfolio. Are the finishes and details of high quality? Do the homes look well-constructed and durable?
  3. Customization: Check to see if the builder has experience with customizing homes to their clients’ preferences. This may include unique features, such as built-in storage or custom cabinetry, or specific finishes and materials.
  4. Similar Projects: Look for custom homes in the builder’s portfolio that are similar in size, scope, and style to the home you are looking to build. This will give you an idea of how the builder approaches projects that are similar to yours.
  5. References and Testimonials: It’s a good idea to ask the builder for references and testimonials from past clients. This will give you a better sense of their reputation and how satisfied their clients have been with their work.

Overall, a builder’s portfolio should give you confidence that they have the skills and experience necessary to bring your custom home vision to life. Be sure to take your time reviewing the portfolio and ask any questions you may have to ensure that the builder is the right fit for your project.

We would be honored to be selected as your custom home builder. We would love to bring your dream home to reality! Contact us today.

Filed Under: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between semi custom home builders and true custom home builders?

March 21, 2023 by Cecil and Ray Homes

While there are many semi custom home builders in the Kansas City area, only a select few are truly custom home builders, who build a never been done before home specifically serving the client’s dreams and goals.

Semi-custom home builders and true custom home builders both offer options for building a custom home, but there are some key differences between the two.

Semi-custom home builders typically offer a selection of pre-designed floor plans and home models, which the homebuyer can then customize to some degree. This might include options for selecting finishes, upgrading fixtures, and making minor modifications to the layout or design. However, the basic structure and layout of the home will still be based on one of the builder’s existing designs.

True custom home builders, on the other hand, offer a completely bespoke homebuilding experience. They work with the homeowner to design a unique floor plan and layout that meets their specific needs and preferences. This might involve creating a completely new design from scratch or making significant modifications to an existing plan. True custom home builders also offer a much wider range of options for finishes, fixtures, and materials, allowing the homeowner to create a truly personalized home.

Another difference between semi-custom and true custom home builders is the level of involvement that the homeowner has in the construction process. With a semi-custom builder, much of the work is done by the builder, with the homeowner making decisions about finishes and other details. With a true custom builder, the homeowner is often much more involved in the process, working closely with the builder and other contractors to ensure that the home is built exactly to their specifications.

In terms of cost, semi-custom homes tend to be less expensive than true custom homes, as there are fewer design and construction costs involved. However, both options can be expensive, and the final cost will depend on a variety of factors, including the size and complexity of the home, the materials used, and the location of the build.

We would love the honor of being YOUR custom home builder. Review our work and contact us today!

Filed Under: Frequently Asked Questions

What does it cost per square foot to build a new home?

March 21, 2023 by Cecil and Ray Homes

When considering a custom-built home, this may be your first question.

The cost per square foot to custom build a new home can vary widely depending on several factors, such as location, materials, complexity of design, and the level of finishes and customization.

In general, the cost per square foot for a custom home can range anywhere from $100 to $500 or more, with an average cost of around $200 to $300 per square foot. However, it’s important to note that these figures are just estimates, and the actual cost may vary significantly based on the specific details of the project.

Some other factors that can impact the cost of a custom home include the cost of land, local building codes and regulations, site preparation and excavation, foundation and framing, plumbing and electrical systems, roofing and exterior finishes, interior finishes and fixtures, and landscaping.

There are many different parameters that go into the selection of amenities that can vary greatly from one project to another. While our selection of professional artisans does not change from project to project, the scope of the work they perform can vary greatly depending on the customer’s desires. While one customer may be fine with $20,000 in whole house appliances, another may feel $60,000 in appliances is important to them. Natural stone floors, exotic natural stone countertops, outdoor living spaces, natural stone veneers, foundation wall heights, etc., can all make a significant difference in the overall cost based on the square footage of a home.

Some homes also build out less per square foot based simply on the overall design. For instance, boxes are cheaper to build than homes with lots of offsets that require more lineal footage of exterior walls.

The best thing to do? Talk to an expert! We would love to talk to you about your wants and needs for your new home. Contact us today.

Filed Under: Frequently Asked Questions

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Building custom homes in Kansas and Missouri for over 25 years.

Cecil & Ray Homes Inc.
14525 Mastin St
Overland Park, KS

Ryan Ray: (913) 927-5234
Bryan Cecil: (913) 927-5235

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