Answers To Common Construction Questions

BHR Construction seeks to be a valuable resource for information as you plan your construction project. We understand you have a lot of questions, and we're here to guide you in the right direction and help you make the decisions that are right for you.

Whether you have general questions about the benefits of the type of project you're considering or want to know more about the overall process, below you will find honest, factual information that can inform your decisions.

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Additions

New Construction

Frequently Asked Questions About Addition Construction

What Kinds Of New Addition Projects Does BHR Build?

We take on a variety of residential new addition projects including interior rooms, exterior patios, sunrooms, mother-in-law suites, accessory dwelling units, and new garages. Our expertise in luxury construction ensures you will achieve a supremely stylish outcome for whatever kind of addition you're planning. We will work with you in the beginning to evaluate your current home's layout, offering tips and advice for maximizing its space and getting the most efficiency out of the layout.

Will You Help Me Design My New Room Or Garage?

Of course! We are not only a builder, we have in-house design capabilities and a wide range of 3rd party partnerships with architects and designers. Whether you work with us for the design or choose to work with one of our partners, involving the builder in the design process is a great way to ensure an efficient build and prevent delays and setbacks caused by a design that isn't technically feasible for the project.

How Long Will My New Addition Project Take?

For most new additions, you can expect completion in under 6 months, with some smaller projects able to be completed in 2 months. But for larger, more complex projects such as fully self-sustaining accessory dwelling units, you may have a timeline of over 6 months and up to a year to complete. Proper pre-construction planning is essential to minimizing the total time of the project, and we prefer to partner with our clients early in the process to streamline it from start to finish.

Do I Need A Permit For New Addition Construction?

Yes, you will need to obtain a building permit for your project prior to beginning the construction. It is wise to obtain all permits and financial pre-approvals upfront, before engaging with a designer or builder. In addition to building permits, you may be required to obtain HVAC, plumbing, or electrical permits as well depending on the type of project and your local regulations.

What Do New Addition Projects Cost With BHR?

Additions involving bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and patios typically can range from $25,000 to around $100,000 depending on the size, choice of materials, and scope of the project. Larger additions such as accessory dwelling units typically start around $100,000 and can go as high as $300,000 and up. Because we specialize in luxury construction, the prices are reflective of high-end materials, unique custom designs, and high-quality craftmanship. If you're looking for the pinnacle of style, BHR Construction guarantees you will love the result of your luxury new addition.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Construction

What Is New Home Construction?

New home construction refers to the process of building a home from the ground up, with no pre-existing structure to add to. The process is very detailed, beginning with initial designs and flowing into pre-construction and ultimately, the building phase of the project. We are expert custom home builders and serve as your partner during every phase, from design consultation to site-prep to the final build, you're in excellent hands with BHR Construction for your new home project.

How Do I Choose A Builder For My New Home Construction?

Look for a builder that communicates well upfront and is eager to help you make the best decisions for your needs. A good builder will act as a consultant, informing you of the steps required to get your project started. It's extremely important that your builder is licensed and insured. Licensing requires a builder to be trained and knowledgeable regarding the services they provide and guarantees they have been approved by a 3rd party governing body to do the work at a high level. Insurance protects you from liability in the event of damages or personal injury during your project, so it should be a requirement for you that your builder can prove he has insurance.

How Long Does It Take To Build A House?

It varies depending on many factors, but you can expect a range from 6 months to 12 months as a standard timeframe. Larger builds or those that are fully custom (not working from a pre-made floorplan) can take longer, and delays in permitting or weather-related issues can also lengthen the time it takes to build your new home.

What Does New Home Construction Cost With BHR?

We specialize in luxury home construction and work with very high quality, long-lasting, beautiful materials. Fully custom homes start at around $700,000 and can range as high as your needs dictate. For semi-custom homes or those utilizing a pre-made plan, you can expect to start at around $450,000 and go up to $700,000. When you work with us for your new home construction, you're working with a luxury home builder who guarantees the pinnacle of style and quality, and a partner who goes the extra mile to bring your dream home to life.

Should I Get Pre-Approved For Financing Before Starting A Design?

Definitely. Not obtaining an up-front pre-approval is a common mistake that can potentially cause delays down the road. Understanding your financial reach before you start the design process is essential to a streamlined process. You don't want to design your dream home only to find out you're not approved for what it will cost to build. We encourage all prospective clients to obtain pre-approval before contacting us so that we know what we are able to do in terms of design. This allows us to better serve you and prevents you from experiencing a discouraging let-down after the process has begun.

Frequently Asked Questions About Deck Construction

What Are The Different Types Of Decks?

There are many styles of residential decks and the style you choose should depend on your taste, its intended purpose, and your current house structure. Wraparound decks are large, multi-sided decks that cover more than one side of the house. Multi-tier decks, or multi-level decks, have stairs leading to different levels and are great for two or three story homes. Free standing decks are not attached to the house and are usually used for garden areas or for overlooking a pool. Finally, pool decks are the surfaces that surround your pool and can elevate the style of your pool area with luxury features such as heat and slip resistance.

Will You Help Me Design My Deck?

Definitely! We are experts in deck design and can help you create the perfect new deck based on your home's style and the intended purpose of the deck. Whether you're starting from scratch or have some sketches you want us to offer input on, we exist to be your deck construction partner during all phases of your project.

What Are The Types Of Materials Used In Deck Construction

Modern advancements in deck building technology offer truly beneficial features without sacrificing beauty and style. While it is still an option to build with wood, there are better options today that prevent the downsides of wood, such as cracking, warping, hot surfaces and fading. Composite materials and PVC can imitate the look and feel of real wood, while giving you a longer-lasting, higher quality product. And with cooling technologies built in, you'll never have to worry about burning your feet on a hot summer day.

What Does A Deck Construction Project Cost With BHR?

We specialize in luxury deck construction utilizing high-quality materials and our typical deck construction costs start at $20,000 and go up to $40,000 and beyond for larger, premium deck projects.

What Permits Are Required For Deck Construction?

Building permits and zoning permits will almost certainly be required before undergoing a deck construction project. In addition, it is wise to check with your HOA before doing anything to ensure you are allowed to build a deck in your community. There may also be restrictions on the types of materials used in deck construction depending on your local regulations, so it is important to ask this question upfront.

Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Loans

What Types Of Financing Are Available For Construction Projects?

There are several ways to obtain financing for your construction project. Personal loans can be used for new construction projects, but typically come with a high interest rate. Construction loans are special type of a loan that can convert to a mortgage payment upon completion of a new home construction project. You could also take out a home equity loan if you have an existing house, which utilizes the equity you have to finance a new addition. You should explore all options to ensure you are getting the load term and interest rate that best suits your needs.

Should I Get Pre-Approved For Financing Before Talking To A Builder?

Generally speaking, yes, it is better for you and the builder to know what your budget is before getting too deep into discussions about the project. It's not bad to have initial consultations with a builder or designer before getting pre-approval, as long as the purpose of the consultation is to answer early-phase questions and interview the designer or builder to gauge their skills. That said, detailed discussions about the design or the build should not be had without first knowing that your financial approval can accommodate the design you're planning to build.

What Factors Influence My Qualification For A Construction Loan?

A construction loan officer will take into account your credit score, your income, and the builder's credentials when making a decision on your loan. They will also require a down payment, typically around 20-25% of the loan's value, and they will probably require you to provide detailed construction plans in the form of blueprints, timelines, and the total project budget.

How Do I Select The Right Construction Loan Officer?

It's a good practice to interview several construction loan officers before selecting one to ensure you're getting the best deal you can. Compare the interest rates offered from each. It always helps in negotiations to have competitive offers that you can leverage to negotiate a better rate. Be sure to ask about all the fees associated with the loan and make sure there are no hidden costs. Understand the draw schedule, which is the timeline on which the funds will be dispersed to you. Construction loans typically stagger the releases in correlation with phases of the project, so you won't get all the money upfront. Finally, consider the organization's reputation and history.

How Can BHR Help Me Get A Construction Loan?

A builder's role in the construction loan approval process consists of providing accurate drawings, budgets, and timelines. BHR will work with you and your loan officer to provide the necessary documents and information that will allow the officer to make a clear and accurate decision on your behalf. It is important to make sure the builder you work with is easy to communicate with, because delays in obtaining these pieces of information from the builder will delay your loan approval. BHR Construction communicates professionally and maintains organized records of all documents and drawings, and is a partner you can rely on during your loan approval process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Construction

Do You Offer Design Consultations?

Yes, BHR Construction is a full service design and building commercial construction partner. We have in-house design capabilities or we can refer you to one of our design partners. The benefit to working with a builder who is involved in the design process is that you'll avoid potential issues during construction because the design will be created with feasibility in mind. In other words, you won't come across the situation where a designer has created something that is not realistic to build, given the limitations of the project.

Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?

Absolutely! BHR is fully licensed, bonded, and insured for commercial new construction. Our commercial license number is G126133.

What Are Tips For Choosing A Contractor For Commercial Interior Renovations?

Look for a contractor with experience doing the type of renovations your business is planning. Ask the contractor to show you his portfolio of work and look for projects that are similar in scope and type. Always make sure your contractor is licensed and insured, as this can not only weed out contractors without the knowledge to perform your type of work, it can save you from liability if injuries or damages occur on the job. Finally, take your time in selecting a contractor and look for excellent communication. If your prospective builder doesn't want to answer your questions or seems pushy to win the bid, look elsewhere.

What Kinds of Commercial New Construction Do You Specialize In?

We have the capabilities to handle a wide range of commercial new construction such as office buildings, hotels, restaurants, churches, and much more. We will manage all phases of the project from start to finish, including assisting with the design phase if necessary.

What Are The Typical Stages Of A Commercial Interior Renovation?

There are several stages in the process of a commercial interior renovation and each has a purpose to ensure a successful outcome. Planning and design is a critical first step that produces a concept for the builder to work from. Next, it is essential to obtain the proper permits to move forward with the construction. After approvals are obtained, the pre-construction phase begins. This is the step during which the builder is preparing the site, securing the materials needed to complete the project, and formulating a schedule. Once pre-construction is complete, the actual building begins. After the work is done, the builder and business will review the results together.

Do You Work With Subcontractors?

Yes, we have a carefully-selected group of subcontractors that we have experience working with and we vet their credentials to ensure all subs used by BHR are properly licensed. Our subcontractors are an extension of our business and they will have a direct impact on the quality of your project, which is why we take great pride in working only with those that are highly experienced, trusted, and reputable.

How Long Does A Commercial Interior Renovation Take?

Minor renovations, such as painting and flooring, can be completed relatively quickly compared to other jobs. These types of renovations should usually take anywhere from 1-2 months, but that timeline can vary based on the scope of the project. Larger renovation projects such as entire remodels to a lobby, storefront, or office might take up to 4 months, and again, timelines can vary based on the total number of spaces being renovated and the size of the spaces.

Do You Offer a Warranty For Commercial New Construction?

Yes, all of our projects are warrantied according to the terms in the project contract.

How Much Do Commercial Interior Renovations Cost With BHR Construction?

Costs will vary depending on the scope of the project, however, BHR Construction specializes in luxury renovations using top-tier materials that deliver the pinnacle of visual appeal. While we price our luxury renovation services very competitively, we do not undertake low-budget renovation projects.

How Long Do Typical Commercial Exterior Projects Take?

Small renovations to the exterior of a commercial building can, in some cases, be done in as little as a few months. Larger renovations and new construction can take up to a year or more, depending on the scope of the project. Regardless of the scope, BHR can help reduce the overall timeline to completion by assisting with the proper permits and pre-construction planning. By doing the proper preparation, we help you avoid preventable delays to the project.

Frequently Asked Questions About Floorplan Designs

Does BHR Offer Floorplan Design Services?

Yes, we are more than a builder, we are a full service design and build partner you can rely on to bring your luxury construction project to life. We offer in-house design services in addition to having partnerships with 3rd party designers and architects. Whether you work with us directly for the design or with one of our referral partners, it is a great benefit to have a builder who is involved in the design process. Doing so ensures the design is technically feasible to build and prevents re-design down the road that can halt progress and be an expensive fix. We love engaging with our clients early and often in the design process, so give us a call to schedule an initial consult today.

What Are The Benefits Of Custom Floorplans?

The main benefit to choosing to build from a fully custom floorplan is the level of control you have over the final outcome. Fully custom plans allow you to choose everything, from the foundation to the roof, giving you the ability to make sure every detail is exactly what you want. You'll also be able to tailor your home for functionality, including all the features your family needs for the pinnacle of luxury and comfort. Last but not least, you'll be able to design with your local regulations and HOA constraints in mind, ensuring there will be no future hassles or fines to deal with.

What Is Involved In The Process Of Designing A Floorplan?

Designing a floorplan starts with a design consultation, which we offer at BHR Construction. During this step you will present your ideas to the designer and he or she will work with you to understand your needs. A site inspection will be done to give the designer an understanding of the space and its limitations, if any. Once the designer has a good idea of the scope of the project, drawings will be produced and you will have the opportunity to suggest changes. When the design is finalized, you're ready to hand it off to the builder to get started.

Does BHR Build From Existing Floorplans?

Absolutely. We partner with America's Best House Plans to offer you a huge selection of pre-made floorplans at reduced prices. These floorplans are designed with luxury in mind, no matter what your architectural taste is. Alternatively, if you already have a floorplan that you've designed or purchased, we are ready to get your project started right away.

What Are The Benefits Of Building From A Pre-Existing Floorplan?

Pre-existing plans allow you to cut out a large portion of the early phases of a construction process - the design phase. Building from a pre-existing plan is much faster than designing from scratch, and is one of the main reasons people choose to go this route. Another advantage is that if you choose a plan that the builder has built before, he has real-world experience building your exact home which can bring efficiencies to the process and eliminate unforeseen problems or delays.

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