| Many of our customers come to us asking many different questions about the home building process. We expect and welcome any questions you may have about building a GW Home and would love to hear from you. To save you time we have come up with a quick guide to answer many of the more common questions many people have. Please take some time to read this page and you will find that it will be a useful tool to keep you informed on our processes and again if there is something we have not covered here please feel free to give us a call. |
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Step 1 – Once GW Homes has received a building permit for your home, we prepare the lot, set the foundation, and install the plumbing rough ins for basement fixtures (if applicable).
Step 2 – Framing will begin in this stage as the exterior and interior walls are framed including the installation of the windows and doors. The roof’s trusses are installed or if necessary the roof is stick built. The roof is then prepared for the shingles and shingles are installed. Once the home has been framed the HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical and Multi-Media contractors begin their rough-ins.
Step 3 – The chosen exterior (siding, brick, stone etc…) is applied as the fireplace (in applicable models) is set and the insulation is installed in the walls, ceiling, and crawl space of your home. After Insulation is complete the drywall can be installed and finished.
Step 4 – Once the drywall has been hung, the paint is applied and the fireplace is completed. The various floor coverings are then installed throughout the house. At this point the garage doors, interior doors, molding, casing and staircase railings are installed.
Step 5 – The kitchen will then take shape as the kitchen and bathroom cabinets are installed and the appliances are delivered and set into place. The countertops, plumbing fixtures, door knobs and lighting are all installed.
Step 6 – The driveway and any sidewalks are then completed as the landscaping is planted and the lawn is seeded and strawed. The paint is touched up on the interior of the home and all last minute touch ups are finalized.
Step 7 – The home is now complete and ready for the pre-settlement walk through with you and the construction manager.
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All concerns about the construction of your home should be addressed to the office. From there we will be able to have the Construction Manager properly address your concern. Please do not bring any concerns to the sub-contractors as they will not be able to change the home without authorization from the office or the Construction Manager. Please also remember that the sub-contractors will also be more open to addressing your concerns if the Construction Manager requests a change.
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GW Homes strongly discourages you from supplying any of your own materials. This is out of concern for potentially damaging your items and because of the warranties that we will be providing on that home. We feel that one of the foremost reasons that you have decided to have us build your home is due to our reputation for the quality we deliver and due to our overall warranty of our homes after the sale. It has been our experience that these factors have been greatly compromised when materials are not supplied by our company or one of our subcontractors.
The refrigerator, washer and dryer may be supplied by you after the settlement has taken place. All other appliances if planned for the kitchen must be supplied by GW Homes so that a final occupancy can be issued. As with any other items you will bring into your home, you cannot install any of your own appliances or materials until after settlement. GW Homes can not take responsibility for any theft or damage of materials supplied by anyone but GW Homes or it’s sub-contractors and vendors.
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Yes, however we feel that a major reason you have chosen GW Homes is due to our reputation for quality. We work with our trusted sub-contractors and vendors because we they have proven to be the best in their industry and our reputation with them insures the quality of our homes. If a sub-contractor you suggest is used by GW Homes they will be asked to supply a proposal and be required to produce proof of their liability insurance as well as workman’s compensation as applicable.
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GW Homes uses trusted and reliable subcontractors and vendors who are the best in their industry. By building our relationship with our subcontractors we have been able to maintain a standard of quality in our homes that is strictly followed. If you would like to suggest a subcontractor to GW Homes please feel free to let us know. However, GW Homes reserves the right to choose all sub-contractors as they see fit. Please be aware that if considered to do any work on the home for GW Homes, the subcontractor will be required to supply a proposal and produce proof of their General Liability insurance as well as Workman’s Compensation as applicable. However, this does not guarantee that any work will be awarded to the subcontractor unless otherwise agreed to in your contract with GW Homes, Inc.
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The plans that GW Homes uses are the property of GW Homes Inc and are copyrighted through our architects and draftsmen. Due to these copyrights GW Homes can not give blueprints to our customers. If you desire a layout of your home; GW Homes may or may not be able to provide one to you at an additional cost. Please note that home layouts are not construction blueprints and do not represent the accurateness of construction.
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Consider your lifestyle and the conditions in which you would like to live. How many children and/or pets do you have? Does your family tend to spread out or do you spend evenings together? How often do you have guests over?
If you frequently have get-togethers you might want to think about a screened in porch to complement your open kitchen/dining room to entertain your guests. If you tend to bring your work home for the weekend, a private office will help keep work separated from your home life. These are important things to remember as you design your home and choose your selections.
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Yes, it is necessary to make all the selections choices at the meeting because after the meeting our purchasing department as well as the construction manager will begin to order and schedule items based on your chosen selections. This is to ensure a timely schedule and to make sure you get all the products you selected. After the selection meeting if there are any changes or further requests to finishes or products to the home they can sometimes, depending on the progress of the house, be modified or added. In order to do this an addendum must be created, signed for and paid for before any changes can be made. It is important to note that a standard change order fee is issued at this time.
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A selection meeting should last anywhere between two to six hours depending on the number of options that are available for selection and how well you have prepared for you meeting. The more decisive you can be the faster the process can be.
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Your selections may be limited depending on your budget, however you can expect to choose between a variety of selections including cabinetry, flooring, countertops, appliances, plumbing fixtures, hardware, light fixtures, siding color, roofing shingle color, landscaping upgrades, and much more. Many options will be available to choose from even if you have chosen the “standard” selections. Many color options may be available within the same packages of selections. You should ask your Design Consultant what options are available to you, you might be surprised at how “custom” a “standard” home can be. At the same time please remember that certain finishes and colors may be slightly more expensive than others due to their popularity, availability, or easiness to manufacture.
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Although color selections are based on personal taste, your wood surfaces should complement each other. Try taking an over all look at your kitchen taking into consideration the counter top colors, how large your kitchen is, the appliance colors, how much light (natural and artificial) is in your kitchen, and even the color of your accessories can effect your selections. Remember, you don’t always have to match all colors exactly to have an effective and attractive look to any room.
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The top 5 are as follows:
1. Flooring
2. Cabinets
3. Appliances
4. Fixtures (Lighting, Plumbing & Door Hardware)
5. Countertops
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Choosing selections now means you won’t have to remove and install later and you can use your upgrades immediately after you move in.
Selections are installed by professionals and all product and workmanship will be covered under builder and/or manufacturer warranties.
Choosing upgrades at a later time may incur additional cost including labor, upgrade fees and removal fees.
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Storing items at your new home before the date of settlement is prohibited by GW Homes. GW Homes can not be held responsible for any damage or theft of any items in the home not supplied by GW Homes, it’s sub-contractors or vendors. This includes but is not limited to appliances, vehicles, boats, furniture, decorations, clothing, or any other items for you home. In addition no vehicles, boats, recreational vehicles, or equipment may be stored on the lot.
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The construction of your home is not considered complete until the day of your settlement. It is GW Homes policy that customers not store anything or move into their new home until after settlement. This is for the safety and security for the customers and their property.
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Because of our good relationship with our vendors and sub-contractors GW Homes can usually find selections at a fair and often times a discounted rate. When we get these discounts we transfer them to our customers. This is how we keep our prices as reasonable as possible. Materials found on the internet and in retail stores do not include the price for the installation, shipping, misc labor or the warranty. In order to insure that your home is completely covered by the 2-10 Homebuyers warranty; you must purchase your selections through GW Homes. GW Homes will not warrant selections supplied by another party other than GW Homes or one of it’s sub-contractors.
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GW Homes discourages changing selections after the selection meeting. However if changes must be made you will be required to pay for the selection on a Addendum / Work Change Order, on which a change order fee will be charged. In addition, changing selections after the selection meeting may delay the building schedule in order to allow time for the materials to be ordered, shipped, and sub-contractors scheduled to install the selection. This could in turn delay your settlement date and delay the delivery of your new home. If changing the selection requires the removal of something to replace it you will be charged for the removal and re-installation of the selection.
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Unfortunately, in most cases; we do no have additional samples for our clients to take home. However, if you require samples we may be able to suggest a place where you may find them. We also have the ability to provide you with pictures of your selections taken by our digital camera and have them printed off for you.
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Pre-qualifying for a home loan is necessary when shopping for your home with GW Homes. GW Homes works within your budget to help you determine what kind of home you can afford and what kind of features you can choose to install into your home. By working within your budget we can build you a beautiful home that won’t overburden your pocketbook. We cannot design a new home unless we have a realistic goal to work towards.
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Many mortgage companies offer lock-in periods as early as 120 days prior to closing. It is suggested that you lock in about 30 days before your scheduled Settlement Date. As many lenders offer different plans you should consult with your lender directly. GW Homes is not responsible for locking in rates for any reason. You should not lock in your rate until a GW Homes representative has confirmed and scheduled a date to settle; as doing so without confirmation is At Your Own Risk.
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In view of the fact that the cost of upgrades and additional selections were not figured into the price of the home when writing the contract, payment for upgrades and addenda for your home are due within three days of acceptance of your addendum, as stated on the addendum.
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At the time of your settlement, you will meet with the Service Coordinator and Executive Assistant for the orientation of your home. At this time you will be given all the manuals and product warranty information, some last minute reminders, settlement information you will need at the title company, and important warranty information about your home, all organized in a binder for your easy reference. The Service Coordinator will go over the warranty and service system thoroughly and answer any questions you have about the warranty at that time. Afterward you will meet with the Title Company and the agents for the transfer of property ownership (as applicable). Also at this time the house will be transferred into your name and the keys to your brand new home will be given to you.
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“Acts of God” including but not limited to storms, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornados, and wind blown rain are not factors under the control of GW Homes and are not covered under the 2-10 Homebuyer’s Warranty. As with all non-covered concerns, we will be happy to help answer any questions you may have and suggest a sub-contractor who will be able to help you, however GW Homes will not be responsible for damage to your home due to “Acts of God”.
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Any questions you have regarding warranty and service of your home after it is built should be directed to the service manager. If you are beyond your warranty period the service manager will be able to address your concerns and help you find the best route to take in addressing the situation. You may have additional warranties on certain parts of your home (i.e. windows, appliances, heating and cooling systems, exc.) and you will be directed to contact the manufacture to use those warranties to the extent of their coverage. If your concern is not covered under any additional warranties, GW Homes may be able to suggest possible ways to fix your concern yourself or subcontractors who would be willing to work with you to address the situation. I t should be noted that GW Homes 2-10 Homebuyers Warranty covers all cosmetic defects for one year (to the extent of the warranty), system defects for two years (to the extent of the warranty), and structural defects for 10 years (to the extent of the warranty).
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