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As these preliminary plans develop, we get closer and closer
to seeing your home on paper - just as you want it. Our experience has shown that the designer phase usually requires at
least three meetings or more. While it is important to proceed quickly with all aspects of your new home, we want to be absolutely
certain that we fully incorporate the features you desire.
As you continue to analyze and determine your priorities,
we continue to fine tune the design. One of the most enjoyable and satisfying aspects of having a custom home built is being
able to make so many choices. One of the maddening and frustrating aspects of having a custom home built is not knowing exactly
what it will cost. Each change, adjustment, addition or deletion in the design affects the cost of the home. Until all the
decision have been finalized, none of us can know the exact cost of the home. We will work with a cost estimate or price
range unitl we finalize all the specifications
When you are satisfied that you have made all the adjustments and changes
you want, we are ready to have working blueprints drawn. Until now your contribution has been your thoughts and time. At
this point, we ask for your financial participation. Working drawings are necessary for final pricing (subcontractors will
prepare their bids based on these prints) and they are ultimately used for the construction of your new home. In addition,
they allow you to view the plans in even more detail.
The cost of these drawings will depend upon the size and complexity
of your new home. Since we request payment in advance, you will know exactly what the cost will be. The expense is not a
part of your new home. However design fees are distinct and separate from the earnest money deposited and referred to in
our sales contract.
If there are any areas where you have not made your final choice – for instance, appliances, tile
floor coverings – an allowance will be included in the pricing. This provides you with more time to consider your selections
or perhaps work with a decorator, while at the same time a definite price for the new home can be set. If the allowance for
a particular category is $1,500.00 and your final choices total $1,650.00 you will pay the additional $150.00 when your sign
the order. If the total is $1,400.00 the difference will be a credit to you before you move in.
Please note that some
of the details of the home will be determined outside of yours or our control. Building codes, engineering and homeowner
association requirements will influence the plans for your new home. We will point these out and discuss them with you.
Changes
can be made at any time. However, once blueprints have been drawn, contracts and specifications finalized, engineering completed
and a building permit is obtained, even a minor change can necessitate redrawing, re-engineering and reapproval by the building
department and/or homeowner association. These extra steps are costly and can cause delays in starting or progressing with
construction. To avoid this, we encourage you to take full advantage of your design meetings to think out loud about your
new home and arrive at a plan that services all aspect of your housing dream.
Many custom buyers begin this process
with great deal of construction knowledge; others know what they like or dislike in a home but have not been exposed to the
technical side of home building. Whenever you are on this continuum, when your new home is complete, you will have acquired
considerably more construction knowledge and technical vocabulary. Do not hesitate to ask for an explanation at any point.
We expect and welcome your questions. We invite your frequent inspection of your new home and are always willing to explain
the construction process to you.
Thank you for selecting Keepsake Homes, Inc.
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