Custom Home Builder FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Custom Home Builder FAQ

Dreams 2 Reality has the answers

Here are some of the questions we hear most often. If you have any other questions, please contact us. We have the answers.

Can I afford a custom home?

For years, the big myth promoted by real estate agents and speculative builders has been that a custom home is more expensive than a spec house. Actually, the opposite can be true! A custom home doesn’t carry the burden of a big real estate commission. Nor does it share the “interest carry” fee of builders’ homes that are finished, ready to be sold, and incur interest charges for each day they are unoccupied.

You may be pleasantly surprised at how inexpensive a custom home can be. Even more so at the difference it makes having a quality home designed and built not only with your budget in mind, but that’s also unique to your lifestyle! We work diligently with all of our customers to ensure they get the most out of whatever budget they have.

How long does it take to build a custom home?

From the time we start, the average project time is between 6-8 months. Factors such as home size, plan complexity, and the scope of your lot can also affect the build time. We will review all of these factors with you before we start so you can have a better idea of your project’s specific timeline.

How can I be assured that I'm getting the best price on my custom home?

Our Mission at Dreams 2 Reality is “to work with our clients to provide a home of exceptional quality and enduring value.” Over the past 25 years, we have established a working relationship with the very best vendors and subcontractors in our area to ensure just that. These long-standing relationships give us the opportunity to provide you with professional work at a fair price.

By truly understanding each client’s wish list, breaking down costs, and working with our trusted vendors and subcontractors, we do everything we can to ensure that each customer’s home is a sound investment for many years to come.

How can I be assured there will be no cost over-runs on the construction of my new home?

On all of our projects, we provide a complete “line item” cost breakdown of every feature in your home so you know exactly where your money is going. Unless you decide to make changes from your original plans and specifications, you should have no problem building within your allotted cost.

We even carry this one step further by reviewing the cost breakdown with you on a regular basis throughout the building process, giving you check points and opportunities to make changes as needed along the way. If you’re running a little over budget, we’ll suggest areas that can be adjusted to save money. If you’re under budget, we’ll review areas where you might want to upgrade your allowance (such as flooring, light fixtures, etc.). This way, you know exactly where you stand at all times during the construction of your new home.

What if I need help with my selections?

We are happy to refer anyone wanting guidance on their custom selections to an interior designer. We’re also ready to help with selections in-house or defer to any of our longtime vendors that stay up to date on current design trends. No matter the method, we’ll get you the guidance you need!

Do you use the same subcontractors on every job?

Most of Dreams 2 Reality subcontractors have been used for over 20 years. This way, we can be sure that the crews working on your home understand the high-level quality that is expected.

Should I talk with a builder or find plans first?

We can work with both scenarios! Most homeowners are working with a budget that needs to accommodate the home construction itself along with the lot, site improvements, etc.

While we won’t be able to give you an exact cost without a blueprint and set of specifications, we are typically able to give you a cost range (usually expressed as dollars per square foot) based on your concept, our past experience, and the lot you intend to build on. This ballpark cost range can help you refine your expectations for house size and amenities before you invest time and money in a blueprint.