Frequently asked questions

 
 

Because we have been in the construction and real estate business for a combined 50+ years, we’ve heard many of the same questions. So, we thought we would collect the most common ones and answer them here! Don’t see the question you have listed, please contact us!

  • King County and the City of Renton - we are intimately familiar with how things work in those regions, particularly as it relates to codes and permitting.

  • 76 since 1999. We put a lot of focus into each house, and don’t take on too many at one time, ideally no more than three custom homes at once. Plus, we work hard to stagger the timelines so we can provide unparalleled service to each client.

  • No model currently. We have happy homeowners who would be willing to show their homes and could arrange that if you were exploring working with us. You can learn more about our satisfied clients.

  • We are currently estimating 9-12 months due to permitting.

  • Our custom home building estimate includes having Kelly do the design, but we do work with clients who bring their own designer and/or house plans, too.

  • The best way is to collect photos of your design ideas on Pinterest and then send/share the design boards with Kelly! Magazine or catalog cut outs work great, too!

  • Our clients tell us they like the following:

    Working with a husband-wife team - There is strong communication and teamwork, while having a point person for different aspects of the project (Dan for the construction, Kelly for the design).

    Our quality standards - we take pride in providing top quality materials and workmanship in every home.

    Having a designer as part of the team.

    The flexibility that Kelly offers in the process of design - She is willing to work with clients along the way, paying attention to the needs of each customer as they are making selections.

  • Each and every contract is different, depending on the loan from your bank and how they are willing to distribute the funds. Typically, when we create a contract, there are allowances for each portion of the project, for example, appliances is one allowance and cabinets is another. The dollar amount we specify is based on our typical Sierra Homes design. Our goal is to keep you on track for each element, but if you see something you absolutely love and it exceeds your allowance, we add that to the contract as an upgrade. If you choose items under your allowance, there will be a credit.

  • Each situation is different depending on the bank you use. A contract is drawn up based on current market pricing and the client secures a construction loan to pay for the house to be built. The terms of the loan determine the ways the finances are distributed.

  • Each contract has an estimate with an expiration date. If the contract does not start within that time period, there is a chance that the prices will have fluctuated and the estimates will need to be adjusted.

  • Reach out to us and Dan will take a look at your property to determine if that lot is in an area in which Sierra Homes will build. If it is and if you are interested in getting bids, Dan will go through the process of getting bids from each subcontractor and put together an estimate for you.

  • Sierra Homes has access to thousands of architectural drawings from local architects we have worked with for many years. If you would like to have a custom home designed by an architect, we have several we can recommend.

  • That’s great if you have plans completed! That should mean an architect is familiar with what you have envisioned or has seen the land you are building on and has created a design specifically for you. If you don’t have plans, that’s great too! Sierra Homes will meet with you and listen to your wants and needs for your dream home and suggest certain plans. Either way works for us!