"Boy! It seems that the construction of a new home can be confusing at times!"
At Charles Homes we want to hold your hand throughout the entire process. Each team member wants to make your home buying experience a satisfying one so we have taken this opportunity to provide you with some answers for frequently asked questions about the construction process. If your questions are not answered here, please feel free to contact us for clarification.
Where do we start?
We start by talking with you during our initial discovery meeting (once you are ready to ask questions in person), or through telephone or email contact. We want to get to know you just as much as you want to know who we are! Through our interview process, we help determine the basic scope of your dreams for your new home, where we would build it, and what you think you may want in it. Most importantly, Charles wants to get a feel for who you are, where you have been and where you want to go. Charles believes that in order to exceed your expectations, he needs to really "get you".
What happens after that?
After the initial discovery meeting, there will be a direction to follow; where this leads depends upon the topics covered during our discussion. We will have developed a mutually agreed upon plan to move forward. In many cases, Charles will either draw up a concept floorplan for you, use a plan you provided, or utilize a plan rendition from our extensive portfolio. We shall develop a list of personalized features based upon the Silver, Gold, or Platinum set of predetermined features, and as modified according to your stated wishes. You just sit back and wait for the presentation package which will be custom developed expressly for you! We then call you to set up a proposal meeting when you will
enjoy the excitement of seeing the formation of your dreams start to take focus.
With that proposal presentation, you will then decide if you would like to continue to move forward together with our team to fine tune the plan and features as we create the perfect package for us to build for you!
Will I have to pay for this custom service?
No! We want to earn your business the old fashioned way! You certainly will not have to pay us for either the discovery meeting or the follow up proposal meeting. Only once you have decided to move forward after the concept proposal presentation do we discuss the options available for us to secure either a design and plans deposit or a full contractual arrangement.
When should I apply for a new home loan?
Once you have made the decision to purchase a new home, you may choose to contact your mortgage lender and pre-qualify for your loan. If you do not have a lender relationship already, please feel free to ask us who we may suggest will offer the best program for your situation. Loan applications may take up to 6 weeks, so the sooner you begin the process, the better. It is advisable that you do not wait more than five days after contract to begin to secure your mortgage loan.
It is important to do an "all in one" loan, which means that you will close on the house before it begins. This "construction-perm" loan will save you time and money by only closing for your loan one time. Our company will work with the financial institution throughout the process to receive draws at various phases of completion.
If you are paying for your new home on a cash basis, a similar draw schedule will apply and closing will take place after completion and final payment is received by the builder.
Are lenders still lending?
Yes they certainly are! Thankfully the leading lenders have returned to more "responsible" lending practice procedure. There is plenty of funding available, and many program choices will be presented to you. There is truth to the claims that it's not as easy as it was a few years ago; however, our economy is improving as Wall Street and "the bankers" follow a more rational approach to their business practices. We can all see that this will be better for everyone in the long run.
Who should I contact with questions, concerns, changes, etc., throughout the construction process?
Charles Rinek, the Certified General Contractor, is the first person that you should contact to address changes to your original home design or any other possible concern that you may have. He will be eager to answer any questions that you may have regarding your new home. Jeanne Rinek, his lovely bride, can also assist you with questions and/or concerns that you have during this time. John Whelan, our consummate professional head superintendent, is also a wonderful choice. We will always encourage you to communicate with any member of our professional team to make sure all of your needs are addressed prior to the completion of your home.
After the contract is signed, can I make changes to my new home?
Of course! Charles Rinek Exquisite Homes has the best reputation for their unequaled concierge approach to building. We know who we work for, and we understand the value in focusing on your every need with singular attentive service! However, once both parties approve the final print and construction begins, we cannot guarantee that structural changes to the home design can be made.
The best way to ensure that you have all of the elements that you want in your home, and to ensure the timely completion of your home, is to finalize all the details and features that you want included prior to the start of construction. This is why we take as much time as is necessary to examine every little detail before we go to contract! There is no room for surprises, but if a feature does need to change, you may certainly change your mind! Please note that there may be an additional charge for change orders.
When and where do I start to choose patterns, colors, and finishes?
Jeanne loves to assist you in making your interior selections; her talents will amaze you! However you may also decide to work with your interior design professional. We have a beautiful showroom on premises that displays a wide selection of features, from cabinetry through to roof color choices! We also have valuable vendors who operate extensive showrooms for items such as ceramic tile or major appliances. Once you have signed your contract with Charles Rinek Exquisite Homes, we will schedule an appointment to begin your selections. In order to ensure the timeliness for selections, it is recommended that this process is completed before the construction phase begins. For many new homeowners, this is a most exciting part of building. It is a blast!
During the homebuilding process, do we or should we meet with the builder?
Yes! Each project will require certain times when an issue is best discussed on site, but it is not always possible for our clients who live elsewhere. It is important that you meet with Charles at least once during the pre-drywall phase. At this vital transitional point, your building team will be working on the land grading, foundation, framing, electrical wiring, initial plumbing, and the home's exterior. At this meeting, you will discuss the "3-D" version of your home, and verify preferences or a need for change. Our team of professionals will contact you to set up this very important date.
Of course, Charles is also available to meet you on site at any other pre-arranged time that suits yourneeds! There will always be time to walk through your project with the actual builder himself whenever you feel the need! How often? That is for you to decide!
How long does the actual building process take?
Each home's length for construction time varies and is based upon the overall size and scope of the project. To make a long story short, the discovery and plans process averages three weeks, (sometimes more if the client prefers), the permit and plan engineering period may take up to 10 weeks or so, and the actual construction time averages about 9 months. After the cabinets are installed, we will be able to provide you with a firm closing date.
What is the final process like, how do we close?
We're always here to help you through this process. One thing to keep in mind is that we will not close on your home until everything is complete and a certificate of occupancy is issued. We meet together with you to "walk through" the home one more time to show you how everything works. We schedule a time for you to meet with any tradesman who can help explain their products. We will give you detailed instructions about customer service policies, warranties, maintenance schedules, repairs and more. If there are any matters that we need to address or help you with, we immediately start attending to those needs. We can assist with scheduling movers, we help set up your utility accounts; we'll even stock your refrigerator for you!
What kind of warranty will you provide?
Charles Rinek Exquisite Homes stand firmly behind the homes they build. We offer a complete service for satisfaction during the first full year after you move in, and we have developed a partnership between Charles Rinek Exquisite Homes and Bonded Builders Warranty Group to extend their reputable protection for an additional nine years afterwards. This relationship was solidified after we passed this leading warranty company's thorough screening for technical competency, financial stability, and fine customer service. Bonded Builders re-certifies our company annually to ensure that our standards for quality, financial responsibility, and customer satisfaction are meeting expectations.
Your peace of mind is our top concern, and we are known for providing assistance to our customers well after the full service warranty period has expired. We do what is right! We also offer an extended service contract to you which will cover the routine maintenance tasks required for any home as it ages. For those who winter elsewhere, or for those who simply do not want to be bothered, we will caulk, putty, inspect, and fine tune all the important aspects of your beautiful home. The yearly fee for this varies on a case by case basis, and the quality of our service is always as you would expect.
How do I know you'll be around?
We have been building in Flagler County for almost twenty full years. While many others have come and gone, while the warranty promises of the large builders have vanished just as they have, we are still here, still strong, and firmly rooted in our wonderful County. We are conservative and financially very stable. Our local subcontractors each stand behind their work, and all of us are dedicated to the old fashioned Golden Rule and it's values for integrity. You will never be left hanging.
It all sounds great! Can we have references to contact?
Sure! During our discovery meeting we will provide a list of references who will gladly offer their testimonial to you! Of course you may also check out our history through the Florida State Bureau of Professional Regulation or even The Flagler County Chamber of Commerce! We can't wait for you to hear about us, so just give us a holler and we'll start your dream right away!!