×

Home Buyer’s Corner

New home buyers may feel like all of the information provided to them can be a bit daunting. A lot of buyers may already be slightly familiar with the real estate market, or how to buy an already-built home, but few buyers are well-versed in the steps to creating a beautiful, custom home from scratch. Luckily, the steps to creating the new home of your dreams are pretty simple, and Lingenfelter Custom Homes wants your entire home buying experience to be seamless from start to finish.

First, a potential home buyer should choose their location and lot. If this is something that you need help with, the specialists at Lingenfelter are more than happy to introduce you to several communities that have lush, vacant lots. If this is something you would like to handle yourself, simply find a lot and community that you are interested in, and let us know. We will take care of the rest.

Next, it is time for a floor plan selection. If you are interested in aiding with the design of your new home and have some drawings and/or ideas to bring to the table, great! If this is something you need help with, we are more than happy to help you figure out the floor plan of your new home. Good things to begin to think about are how many bedrooms you will need, and amenities that you simply cannot live without.

After the floor plan and lot are selected and finalized, LCH will start moving forward with your project. It’s time to think colors and materials!

Construction will begin soon after all of the customization plans are finalized and all permits are in place. We will provide you with a strict construction schedule that we will adhere to, so that you can move into your new home as soon as possible.

After a walk through with your complete approval, you are now ready to move into your new, custom built home.

FAQ

How do I begin building a new home? What does the process entail?

Lingenfelter Custom Homes wants your entire home building experience to be seamless from start to finish, so we’ve provided an overview of how the process will work. First, if you don’t already have land in mind, you can pick a lot in one of our developments, or we can help you find independent land in the area. Second, you will work with our team to create a floorplan and design finishes. Third, construction will begin after the plans are finalized and all permits are in place. We will provide you with a detailed construction schedule, so that you’ll know what to expect. Fourth, you will receive the certificate of occupancy from the city or municipality that we are building in, the bank will set a closing date with the escrow company, you will sign all documents, and then the loan will close. After all of that is complete, you may take possession of your new home!

How long does it take to build a custom home?

It depends on the size and type of home, as well as the time of year and zoning restrictions for the location you plan to build. It is possible to complete some homes from start to finish in five months, while very large homes may take over a year to complete.

I feel like I might be too busy to be involved in the process of building a new home.  How much time does it take?

Once everything has been spec’d for the job, some clients have limited involvement, while others regularly visit the site and interact with the builder several times a week.

Do you have your own lots for sale?

Yes, we currently have three communities with available lots to choose from.

How do we select a floor plan?

You’ll work with our team to create a unique floor plan. This part of the process can seem daunting, but our specialists make it easy.  We’ll cover all of the basics (bedrooms, bathrooms, living spaces) and combine them with your special requests (media room, oversized closets, chef-worthy kitchen) to create the perfect space for your family.  You can be as hands-on in this process as you’d like, or you can just provide general ideas and we’ll create options for you to choose from.

Can you build from the floor plans I already have, or personal plans I’ve drafted?

Yes, as long as the floor plans match the building codes and zoning restrictions for the land you’ve purchased.  We can help modify existing plans to meet the requirements, if necessary.

Do we get to select our own building materials and appliances?

Of course! We will work with you to select the best appliances and building materials for your needs that fit within your budget.

What if I’m an investor, and not a homebuyer?

We work with investors, as well, to develop real estate communities.

Can you help me finance my new home?

Yes, our financial specialists can help connect you with a mortgage broker, and walk you through the application process.

Which is better, a cost-plus or fixed-fee contract?

This answer depends on each homebuyer’s specific needs or desires. Many new homebuyers are more comfortable with fixed-fee contracts because they feel more comfortable with set pricing. Homebuyers think there may be more risk with cost-plus contracts, however there a few factors to consider. We have to build in contingencies for unexpected costs that may occur (due to dirt, weather, etc.), and a change order will be required for any change of scope (meaning there is more paperwork if the home buyer regularly requests design and product changes).

A cost-plus contract allows home buyers to easily make changes along the way because change orders will not be necessary. Also, cost-plus contracts allow the homebuyer to see the actual costs and knows exactly what margin they are paying for the home.

Should we expect extra costs once construction begins?

Before construction begins, we will agree on a contract so you have a full scope of the work. However, if you make changes at any time, extra costs may incur.

Once all of the decisions have been finalized, do we need to visit the construction site?

We highly recommend that you regularly visit the site, especially in the framing stage. Changes are easier to make in this stage, and are much more expensive once the framing is complete.

Is there a warranty on a custom home?

We have an option to add on a warranty through a third party.

We Love Our Customers!

Adam built our dream home in Flower Mound, Texas, and we could not be happier. More than other builders, he understood what was important to us and made sure to tailor a solution accordingly. We loved Adam's fixed pricing model and not having to guess what our pricing would be throughout the build process for different items/labor. Most importantly, the house is stunning. Grateful. One side note: City of Flower Mound is a massive pain to work with. Absurdly slow on permits, sticklers about every little thing, and it will be extremely frustrating at times. Be aware.


Adam is a true professional. I’m a senior citizen that requires a little more detail on answers and Adam never hesitated to take all the time necessary to explain any and everything to do with my home build. I can’t express how much I appreciate his patience and honesty.


Adam was extremely helpful with helping me understand the home building process. I can’t say enough about his professionalism and patience!


I send all my clients looking for high end build jobs to Adam. He never fails to impress every time. I love the quality of his work. Communication is VERY good.


Great Company , GREAT name. The custom builder I recommend in the entire Southern United States. If its Lingenfelter built its built with care and quality in any section of America . God Bless You All and stay safe in these trying times.


Adam is probably one of the best builders I have had the pleasure of working with. He is currently building a home for me and I would honestly say that his best quality is how honest he is. Before we even started the process, he made sure to give us all the information whether it was good news or bad news. He has been very responsive and the quality of his homes have been exactly what we expected which was luxurious. I would honestly recommend Adam to anyone wanting to build a custom home or buy one of his new build homes. Great guy and great company with a quality product!


The Lingenfelter Custom Homes team exudes excellence! It is clear that this company takes pride in their brand. They provide their home owners with fantastic customer service, vendors of quality and integrity, and a home that will last a lifetime.


This is a great company to work with. From the subcontractors to the owner of the company, they only have one goal in mind which is to provide excellent workmanship, attention to detail and quality customer service.


Adam, Brooke, Brooklyn, and Lisa are a top-notch team and a builder of Fine Custom Homes. Very professional and detailed oriented.j


Lingenfelter Custom Homes is a great company to work with - have enjoyed our partnership!