FAQs

What do I need to do to start the building process?

Set Budget
Whether you will be paying cash or working with a lender, establishing a budget early is very wise. You may want to use an online mortgage calculator, or your computer may include financial software that has a simple version. By using the mortgage calculator, this allows you to enter your desired monthly payment, estimated interest rate, and desired financing time table, calculating the principle amount of your loan. Once you have established your desired monthly payment, it would certainly be beneficial to contact a lending agency to get pre qualified at your budget amount. Compare loan programs from two or more sources. If you own the lot, you may arrange for construction and mortgage financing. By doing this, you can set down with your builder, and discuss your square footage budget.  Of course your square footage budget will vary, according to interior and exterior finishes.

Decide on a location
The feasibility of the site for the style of your home is an important issue. Our home building experience studying a lot, evaluating a set of plans, and determining how the two might fit together can provide you with options you might overlook. Also, keep in mind the cost difference between raw land (with no utilities or road) and a finished lot (road installed and utilities available) is usually significant. 

Decide on a plan
There are three ways to handle the plan stage of building. (1) You may choose to hire an architect whose professional experience and expertise can assist you during the design phase. Depending on the terms of your contract or the relationship between the builder and the architect, the architect may remain involved throughout construction. Architects can tend to be costly, but the professionalism and expertise may be worth the money. (2) You may choose to purchase your plans from a designer, through a book or off the internet. This may be the most cost effective way, but often you are forced to choose a plan that might not be exactly what you are looking for. Most stock design firms charge additional fees to modify plans from their original design. Also, on many occasions, the plans are over drawn due to the broad range of clients a plans may be serving. Too much information on a plan can lead to confusion in the field among sub contractors. We have worked with many online designers in the past.  We have had great success working with Don Gardner and Frank Betz designed plans.  For more information,you may visit www.dongardner.com or www.frankbetz.com. (3) One of the most popular and cost effective methods of design, is design build. The design build approach brings together design and construction expertise, usually resulting in greater continuity of service. At Cummings Construction, we are proud to offer custom design services as well as plan modifications services.  Please contact us for more information on our custom design build options or to schedule your free, no obligation, design consultation.  The joining of design and construction can save you time and money. 

How long will it take to complete my home?

Depending on the style, size, and finishes, new construction may take anywhere from 3 months to more than a year. Be sure to discuss your time table up front with us, making sure we are aware of any target dates you may have.  We try to keep things moving as quick as possible without rushing and sacrificing the quality you expect and deserve. 

How much will my home cost?

This is a very tricky questions.  The exact price of your home can be determined only after the design and all your selections are complete and finalized. We can assist you with a rough budget from the beginning, but the numbers change with each choice you make.  Even the lot conditions, soils, etc. can impact the cost of your home.  Prior to construction, your contract cost will be set and finalized.  The price will only change with signed and approved (by Client and Builder) Change Orders or overages in allowances.    

What is a Change Order?

A change order consist of any changes or additions you may make to the project once the contract has been signed.  Ex:  Making your bathroom larger, upgrading your shingles, or upgrading to stone veneer versus brick veneer.  Overages/underage in materials, labor, or any other expenses tied directly to the original contract specifications are absorbed by the Builder and do not affect you cost.   

What are Allowances?

Allowances are “place holders” in your contract price to cover such items as cabinets, appliances, flooring, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, etc.  The allowances are preferably based on selections you have made with our vendors.  If you have not met with our vendors we will attempt to accurately budget appropriate allowances based on your specific request for finishes.  However, we recommend that you meet with our vendors prior to signing our construction agreement to assure accurate allowances totals.   

Where do I make my selections?

Cummings Construction has partnered with some of the finest vendors in our area to provide showrooms, catalogs, and products to assist you in your search for you selections and finishes.   

Do you offer any type of warranty?

Yes, Cummings Construction offers a one-year warranty on all of our projects. 

Can I obtain a list of client references?

Yes.  We encourage you to do so.  If you are interviewing multiple builders, we also encourage you to do the same for them as well.  Contact us and we will be happy to email or mail you a list of client references as well as trade references.  We’ll also be happy to provide you with a sample construction agreement and contract specifications upon request.      

How can I get in touch with you to set up a consultation?

You can reach me at my office at 910.814.3232 or email me at designbuild@cummingsconstruction.com. You may also fill out the Contact Us link located on our website.  I truly look forward to hearing from you and assisting you in the construction of your new home.

I’ve heard you are more expensive than other builders, is this true.

No.  When we are asked to price a project, we price it as competitive as possible.  On occasions, we may be more expensive than other builders, but that may be due to a variety of factors.  Allowances included in the construction agreement, differing specifications, or difference in quality just to name a few.  When pricing multiple builders, it is extremely important to make sure all builders are pricing the project the same.  If we are pricing similar projects, we feel very comfortable competing with any builder.        

Where do you build?

Our building radius currently includes Harnett County, Lee County, Cumberland County, Moore County, and Wake County.  However, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you live in an area not mentioned.  We would be happy to view you location and decide whether it’s feasible for us to work in your area or not.