1What’s your price per square foot?
Unfortunately, the figure is unique to each house since no two custom homes (or the lots they’re built on) are identical. If you’re looking at a custom builder’s display, a better question might be, “What’s the base price of this particular house, excluding the lot?”
2Is your price negotiable?
No. While each builder uniquely calculates where he plans to make his profit margin, it’s rare to experience a discount in builder services. Choosing products and installers wisely in usually the best avenue for overall project savings.
3Can I buy my plans from a magazine or website?
If your local municipality doesn’t require sealed architectural drawings, these kinds of plans should be acceptable. However, this is very rare. We have found that general nation-wide-accepted plans have a large amount of unneeded construction and additional cost that do not fit our location.
4How long will it take you to build my house?
This depends on the size and scope of your project. Most homes in our market can be built in 8-12 months. However, the quality of up-front planning, along with unknown variables such as weather conditions and labor/material challenges, will be huge factors in the actual timeline.
5I’m not sure what I can afford. Can you give me a rough idea of what my house is going to cost?
Yes. Until the actual bids come in for the unique elements of your lot and house design, it’s very difficult to determine an exact cost in today’s market. However, we can still help you get your basic finances in order with the lending institution of your choice.
6Do you have a preferred lender?
Some builders do have preferred lenders. Feel free to shop for your own lender and compare its program to those being offered by your builder’s preferred lenders.
7When the house is done, can we consolidate everything into one loan?
Yes. This loan process is sometimes referred to as a one-time close. The loan for your existing home and/or your building lot is eventually combined with the loan for your new home. The previous loans are then paid off by your new home’s lender. Consult with your lender to see if he can offer this option.
8Should I have someone look at my existing/tentative site before I choose/purchase house plans?
Absolutely! If there are unique elements about your site that are not communicated early in the process, you’ll be wasting lots of time and money.
9Will my house have the same bells and whistles as your display?
Probably not. Most people want to see what’s available/popular when they visit a display home. Be sure to ask the builder for a list of the upgrades with current pricing.
10How much should I spend on options/upgrades over and above the base price?
A rule of thumb used in the industry is to spend no more than 20% of the total price in options and upgrades.
11A rule of thumb used in the industry is to spend no more than 20% of the total price in options and upgrades.
Your local taxing district should be able to give you a ballpark idea based on the taxable value of your finished house in conjunction with the value of the land. Your lender may also be able to give you an estimate.
12Is a third party warranty necessary?
The answer depends on how long you plan to stay in the house and if you’re willing to take the risk of structural problems upon completion. Warranties offer peace of mind. Plus, a warranty is a great resale tool if it’s still in effect when you’re ready to sell.
13Can I tour any of the homes you’ve built?
Yes! The type and plan may always vary but we do have completed or under construction homes that are available to tour.
14Are the workers building my house on your payroll?
Most custom builders rely on quality trade partners versus employees. If your builder has reasonable quality control measures and a good on-site management presence, you will see no difference between employees and trade partners on the job site.
15I don’t have a lot yet. Do you have inventory lots?
Please contact our new construction sales manager, Dina Merry 314-717-9655 for current lot availability. We have established relationships with agents that often will bring us properties prior to hitting the open market.
We also keep a lot/property list of potential lots for sale.
16When is the best time to build?
We build year-round, but starting your project in spring or fall often provides more favorable weather conditions for smoother construction progress.
17When do most people buy or build?
Spring and summer are the most popular times to buy land or start building, but Benchmark has projects underway throughout the year at various stages—so you can begin whenever it works best for you.
18What adds the most value to a custom home?
Kitchens, primary suites, and energy-efficient features are among the top areas for ROI.
19What are the most requested upgrades?
Popular upgrades include:
Gourmet kitchens
Finished basements
Low-voltage systems (smart home tech, security, audio)
Luxurious outdoor living spaces
20Can I add a basement or bonus room?
Yes. If your lot’s topography and zoning allow, we can design additional spaces like basements, bonus rooms, or custom flex areas tailored to your lifestyle.
21What maintenance do I need to handle?
Routine tasks like filter changes, gutter cleaning, and surface care are recommended to keep your home in top shape. You will receive a comprehensive maintenance guide at closing to help you stay on track. You will receive a full maintenance guide at closing.
22Is my home energy efficient?
Yes. Many Benchmark homes achieve green certifications at the silver or gold level, reflecting our commitment to energy efficiency and sustainable building practices.
