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FAQs

Build your custom home today with confidence and sleep comfortably with financial peace of mind for years to come.

Custom Home Building

We're here to help you figure out everything you need to know to have a successful and stress-free home building process.

What is a custom home?

If you’re looking for a brand new home, but haven’t been able to find the right one to fit your needs, you might want to consider building a custom home. Custom homes are brand new homes that are built and designed to a homeowner’s unique specifications.

How do i build a custom home on my lot?

If you’ve purchased your plot of land to build a custom home, Schumacher Homes makes it simple. There aren’t many things more satisfying than having the freedom to build and design a brand-new home on your very own plot of land, whether you just purchased it, are expanding on an existing lot, or recently inherited acreage from family. But where do you start? Working with us is one of the easiest and painless ways to go without hiring multiple contractors, worrying about site planning, or doing any of the construction yourself.

What advantages do new homes have over used houses?

First of all – no compromises! Every used house on the market is going to have something that’s just “not right” for you, something you have to settle for. With a fully customized home, every square foot is built exactly the way you want it. And includes everything you want, such as messy kitchens, open floor plans, a huge pantry, or spa bathrooms – no compromises like with existing homes. Also, all of our homes are built with the latest energy efficient products that help to save money on your utility bills every month.

What is the new home construction process?

Every custom home build is a little different, depending on location and inspections. Once permits are in place, construction kicks off with site prep and the foundation, which supports the entire home.

 

Next comes framing—this forms the structure for walls, floors, and the roof. Then mechanical systems like plumbing, HVAC, and electrical are roughed in. After inspections, insulation goes in, followed by drywall.

 

Then it’s on to the fun stuff—trim, doors, cabinets, countertops, and paint. Flooring, fixtures, and final touches come last, ending with a full cleaning to get your home move-in ready.

Are your homes fully warrantied?

We offer the best new home warranty in the industry that includes a third party 10-year structural warranty. The guidelines to qualify for this insured warranty are so strict that only 1% of builders nationwide qualify to offer it. And we provide a full two years on the mechanicals.

How long does custom home construction take from start to finish?

The process of building your dream home depends on the size of the home and the location of the build. It typically can take about three to four months for the planning and design process, and then another four to seven months for the building stages. The majority of our homeowners are in their new homes within seven to ten months from start to finish. We have construction and design processes in place that have been tested and refined over the years to ensure work is on time, on budget, and meets the highest quality standards. 

Is it better to build new versus buy an existing home?

Building a custom home can cost more upfront than buying an existing one, but over time, it often pays off. You get a home built with the latest materials, better energy efficiency, and no need for upgrades anytime soon, not to mention the peace of mind that comes with a warranty. The biggest advantage? It’s built for you. You choose the layout, finishes, and features to fit your lifestyle.

 

Older homes or spec builds were made for someone else, and renovations can be more stressful and expensive than they look on TV. And with a builder who has the experience of building of 23,000 custom homes, the process can be a whole lot easier than you might think.

Land and Lot

Not sure where to build your custom home? Whether you already own land or are still searching for the perfect spot, we’re here to help. From finding a homesite to preparing it for construction, our team takes care of the details so your home is perfectly placed and ready to go.

Will Schumacher Homes handle my site work for me to assure it is right for my new home?

We sure will! Unlike some builders who expect you to prepare your site and have it “build ready” before they start, we do all of that for you. Since every lot is different as part of your lot walk and quote, we will estimate the costs involved to get your site ready for your new home, but rest assured – all the work will be handled by us. This is the best way to ensure that your home gets perfectly situated on your land. We can also address any concerns or questions you might have about your lot before the actual building of your home takes place to make it as easy and carefree as possible.

Can you help us find land if we don't already own land?

Don’t worry if you don’t have land yet. Almost half of our customers did not own land before they came to us. We have valuable relationships with the real estate community in each of our building areas, who will be happy to help you find the perfect lot for your home.

What type of land do you build on?

The best part of being an on-your-lot builder is that we build your home on the location of your choice. The location is up to you, in a rural setting, on a family farm, on a lake, in a development- wherever you choose. Whether you currently own a site, are in the process of narrowing down your options, or are just getting started, we can help you!

Visit a Model Home

Curious what a custom home really looks and feels like? With over 40 fully furnished model homes across our locations, you can stop in anytime to tour. It’s the perfect way to get inspired and see the quality of our work up close.

Are your model homes open to the public?

Yes. The best way to get inspired is by visiting one of our 52 model homes, where you can walk through designs, see our build quality up close, and experience what’s possible for your custom home. Our model homes and design studio locations are open to the public every day we're open. You are welcome to walk-in and browse our homes without an appointment in a no-pressure environment. 

Do I need an appointment to tour a model home?

You're welcome to stop by any time during our operating hours, Monday through Saturday. No appointment is necessary!

Home Pricing

Curious about what it costs to build a custom home? We offer detailed, transparent pricing with no surprises, just a clear quote you can take home. Whether you’re just starting out or already have ideas in mind, we’ll walk you through floor plans, features, and design options that fit your lifestyle and your budget.

Is there any cost or obligation to receive a price quote on my new home?

Absolutely not! We’ll be happy to schedule time to sit down with you to discuss your needs and dreams as you begin the process of building your dream home. In fact, this is a great time to really get an idea of just how much home you can invest in while learning about architectural styles and the latest design trends. Our price quotes are the most detailed in the industry and will spell out every item that affects the cost of your new home. No surprises – just a completely transparent quote for you to take home.

How do I find out what my custom home will cost?

With our exclusive pricing system—FrontDoor™, you’ll receive pictures, descriptions, and the itemized prices of everything in your home- all organized, all on paper. Upfront, transparent pricing from day one. We know every dollar counts, that’s why a new home consultant will work within your budget to help create a home that not only meets, but exceeds your expectations. And with itemized quotes, there’s no mystery to our prices and, more importantly, no surprises. 

What's included in the base price?

We provide the most comprehensive list of included features in the industry. With both national buying power and local expertise, we’re able to buy superior products at lower prices and offer them as included features, meaning you pay much less.

The Design Process

Designing your custom home starts with one of our flexible floor plans—but it doesn’t stop there. With countless ways to personalize layouts, exteriors, and features, you can create a home that fits your style and needs. Our design studios and expert team make the process simple, fun, and fully tailored to you.

Do we have to begin with one of your house plans?

Yes, you have to start with one of our house plans. We have over 70 plans to choose from, and each one can be changed or customized to fit your family’s needs. The process begins with one of our house plans, but it ends with the home of your dreams.

How many changes can I make to one of your floor plans?

That’s the beauty of working with a truly custom homebuilder like us – you can literally make as many changes as you want. Want to add square footage, an extra garage, or move a few walls? No problem – we can do that. The number of changes you make is limited only by your desires. 

What types of exterior styles do you offer?

We offer a range of exterior styles—from Modern Farmhouse to French Country to Classic styles and more! We have exteriors that are popular regionally, but can be built anywhere, along with numerous styles that are built all around the country. And you can make almost any exterior style match any of the floor plans we offer. If you have your heart set on a craftsman look with a touch of farmhouse, our team can work with you to design it just the way you want it.

Will you help me choose all the features like flooring, countertops and fixtures for my new home?

You bet – and that’s actually one of the most exciting times in the early planning stages of your home. Each of our locations has a design studio specifically developed to help you make all your choices in one place. No need to run all over town to pick out your features – we have a one-stop shopping experience that you’ll love and makes your life easy.

Do any of our plans offer additional space for my aging mother-in-law or a college student coming back home?

In fact, we have multiple plans designed with a dual owner's suite right in the original floor plan. They have a large second owner's suite that includes its own kitchen and laundry room. In many cases, this room can be attached to the home by a beautiful porch, so it is in essence its very own living space. We even have a couple of models available showing this design for you to tour. And keep in mind – you can take any of our floor plans and add a second suite to it – all you have to do is ask.

Should I create an online MySchumacher account?

Yes! When you create a MySchumacher account, you have access to pick your favorite plans and modify them further with our Customize & Price tool. You can also view a gallery photos you want to save and access documents created for you.

Home Financing

Financing a custom home works differently than buying an existing one, but the process doesn’t have to be complicated. From construction loans to permanent financing, there are options designed specifically for new builds. With the right guidance, you can secure the funding you need and move through the process with confidence and ease.

How do I begin the process while I still have a home to sell?

We’ll be happy to put you in contact with one of our preferred lenders, Schumacher Mortgage, so you can ease into this transition. Building a new home is different than buying an existing one, and our lenders are experts at creating programs designed just for you. They’ll help you with bridge loans and construction loans that save you money and make the process as stress-free as possible.

How does new construction financing work?

When constructing a new home, you’ll typically need both a construction loan and a permanent loan. The construction loan covers the building process, while the permanent loan pays off the construction loan, covering the actual overall cost of the home and land (if you roll land into the loan). Luckily, these loans are typically combined to make for an easy process. Schumacher Homes’ lenders can issue these loans in such a manner as to keep the financial factors of building your new home relatively easy. There’s never been a better time to build with the low interest rate environment and loan products now available for new construction.