“FAQ”

The benefits of building a new custom home can be as unending as what your imagination can dream up.  It will be your home, built with your lifestyle in mind.  From square footage and room layout and sizes to trim molding, tile and paint colors, detailing and personalizing every inch will be your decision. Timely, thoughtful and deliberate decisions can easily be made as a result of the reliable resourcefulness of Hann Builders.  Always looking after your best interest, Hann Builders is excels at managing all your design and building needs so you can relax and enjoy this special time.

The custom home building or remodeling process is extensive, exciting and the most important and intimate investment you are making at the time. You don’t want just any ‘ol “Chuck in truck” to build your home.  It is important to select a builder you feel is trustworthy and you are very comfortable with. While value and competitive pricing are also major considerations, these aspects should not detract from other credentials your new builder should have including:  years of experience and positive referrals; membership to the local builders association; continuing education; a stellar customer service record; a commitment to consistently deliver durable energy efficient quality construction; proven systems and procedures; open communications and award recognition. It is also a good idea to tour existing homes constructed by the builder to observe their craftsmanship.

Hann Builders will build on your lot in the established “close – in” neighborhoods of Houston, The Woodlands, Spring, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond and other areas on a case by case basis.  (Close in neighborhoods include but are not limited to:  The Memorial Villages, Memorial Park / Camp Logan, Tanglewood, Briar Grove, River Oaks, Afton Oaks and surrounding areas, The Galleria Area, The Houston Heights, West University Place, Southside Place, Bellaire and Meyerland)

The advantages of building a custom home are exponential when you collaborate with a design build firm like Hann Builders versus selecting your builder once your construction drawings are complete.  By creating your dream home design together with your builder, construction costs can be estimated as the plans develop instead of being a disheartening surprise once your dream home is already designed.  Our comprehensive knowledge of construction costs allows for effective adjustments to be made at timely points in the initial plan process ultimately saving time and money both in design and construction. Additionally, because Hann Builders is working hand in hand with your designer, we can orchestrate and coordinate the engineering and permitting necessary to begin construction consolidating the process to improve their communications and delivery time

We begin with an in depth conversation and interview about what you need and want in your new custom home.  A Hann Builder representative very carefully and thoughtfully listens to understand your project goals and will inquire about a number of features.  General pricing information is often discussed during this initial consultation. If all goes well and you are comfortable taking the next step, we will enter into a simple Professional Service Agreement, outlining professional services consisting of architectural design, specification development and detailed budgets, with the hopeful intention of signing a contract for construction once the construction drawings and specifications and allowances are refined to your satisfaction.  Raising the bar for a successful collaborative effort, Hann Builders understands how to best support their clients to ensure a home built with architectural and professional integrity.

Absolutely!  We are capable of building any architectural style home anywhere in our market area.   However; If you are still in the midst of planning your new home, please consider collaborating with Hann Builders as soon as possible.  We can suggest potential value engineering ideas, provide construction cost and preliminary budget information and help coordinate pre-construction selections.

With Hann Builders commitment to the pursuit of excellence, each area of the building experience is enhanced.  Steering each client through the most comprehensive, effective and efficient structured system for designing and building custom homes, Hann Builders detailed and personalized service ensures thorough construction drawings and specifications, an enjoyable selection process and project management yielding stunning results built on time and on budget.   We know personal attention matters.  Stephen Hann and his entire team are available to support their clients and their project from start to finish. Distinguishing each of our projects with unsurpassed craftsmanship and subtle sophistication while integrating durable and energy efficient materials, the Hann Builders team shares the common goal of not only building homes for generations, but relationships for a lifetime. Keep life simple….let Hann Builders be your one “Go To” expert resource for all your new home planning and construction needs.

There are many variables that can change the schedule of designing and building a home that it is very difficult to give a time frame that would cover all projects. Typically, it can take 3 to 6 months for the design, engineering and permitting stage and 9 to 18 months for the construction of the home. Hann Builders’ team will coordinate your selections and assist with the construction loan closing while the plans are being engineered and permitted.  The Project and Purchasing Managers are also proactively planning for construction to commence during this time. When you are prepared and really know what you need and want in your new home, it is very possible to reduce the amount of time it takes to design and build a home.  The opposite is true as well.  The design process can take much longer depending on how frequent design meetings take place, how quickly decisions are made and how many revisions the plans go through before they are approved for construction drawings.  Construction can also be delayed by untimely decisions and delivery of selection information. Hann Builders and our team of experts will prioritize keeping each process moving along at an appropriate pace to meet scheduling objectives.

Design fees are set by the architectural designer and are generally based on the square footage of the covered area of the designed home.  Please note the covered area includes all framed spaces that may not be air-conditioned but are under the roof such as the garage or covered porches.

The cost to build a custom home varies as much as different model cars cost per pound.   Without a detailed conversation, it is impossible to estimate the construction costs of a custom home.  Even the size and types of finishes does include important details you may want included.   There are so many options that can increase or decrease construction costs, energy efficiency or overall durability.  It is our job to guide you through these options so you can make the most informed decisions.  Once we have a good idea of what type of home you which to build, we can give you a better idea of a price range.  The beauty of the design build process is that once we have a clearly defined plan, we can actually give you a solid preliminary budget that is all inclusive.  We are not going to leave out your flatwork, landscaping or fencing and we excel at value engineering a project to meet any budget.

From smaller remodeling projects to renovations with complete new additions or completely “gutting” a home or building a brand new custom home, Hann Builders construction will integrate durable energy efficient construction along with today’s modern amenities with classic elegance, timeless character and comfortable charm. We have worked on projects as small as 2000 square feet and as large as 17,000 square feet.  Our homes have been built with all levels of construction materials and finishes.  Our experience allows us to find solutions for budgets of all sizes.

With longtime loyal trade partners who know they can rely on Hann Builders for continued business and through affiliations like Custom Builders USA, Hann Builders purchasing and negotiating power matches that of a higher volume builder. Hann Builders also has its own Purchasing Manager who is very familiar custom home construction and with historical job costs making him more successful with bid negotiations and material procurement.

A Cost Plus contract is beneficial when the scope of the project cannot be properly documented before the commencement of construction.  This construction agreement includes a contract price based on the total of all construction costs including but not limited to material, labor, construction management, equipment and utilities.  Additionally, the builder’s fee is also included and collected as a flat percentage of the total construction costs.
Most clients are more comfortable knowing they have a fixed price contract and that aside from allowance accounts within their control, Hann Builders assumes responsibility for all construction costs or contingencies during construction.

If needed, we will recommend retail or private professional lenders to ensure your finance needs are met.

Lending for new home construction is quite different than for other types of loans.   There will be interim construction financing that ultimately becomes part of the permanent mortgage loan. Both the permanent mortgage loan and the interim construction loan need to be addressed prior to construction. The first order of business is to start collecting the loan application information needed.  All lenders will want to see the last two (2) years of tax returns and any current bank statements.  In addition to other specific documentation requested, you will be asked to complete a Uniform Residential Loan Application (form Fannie Mae 1003).  The lender will need copies of your plans, specifications and the construction contract to complete the loan application package and to order the appraisal.  The loan amount will be based on the appraised value of the proposed improvements including the land.  The interim construction loan documents will be drawn and sent to a title company for your closing which must take place prior to the commencement of construction.

Upon acceptance and execution of the construction contract, an initial “Start up Payment” is collected.  A schedule of values is assigned for progress payments and made a part of the contract. Hann Builders is paid as construction progresses. Approximately every 3-5 weeks, a draw request will be submitted to you and the lender. The lender perform site inspections for most draws and upon your approval and according to progress will fund the appropriate amount. If there is no lender, then draw requests are submitted directly to you for payment. The construction contract provides funding to be remitted to Hann Builders within 3 business days of the request.

The selection process is a critical element to building a custom home on schedule.  It is our job to make sure the selection focus is targeted to the items needed in order for the momentum flow of construction to continue.  There are several examples of items where details or initial parts are needed early in construction but the finished product is not installed until much later such as plumbing fixtures and appliances. Hann Builders allots a portion of time with an interior designer for each project.  Accustomed to making selections for new homes, our designers are well prepared to guide you through the vast array of options for every component so your decisions are made with care and on time.

Yes, please contact our office to make arrangements.  We have many home owners that are very proud to show their Hann built homes.

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) , Texas Association of Home Builders (TAB), Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA), NAHB Builder 20, Custom Builders USA

Sometimes we do have a lot or two (2) available for construction however we can better keep our overhead costs to a minimum if we don’t have lot inventory to carry.  Please contact our office directly so we can learn more about your needs and use our vast resources to locate property that will work perfectly for your custom home vision.

Committed to the passionate pursuit of excellence, Hann Builders takes extensive measures to ensure the construction process runs as smoothly as possible. Open communication is emphasized from day one.   From methodical interviews during design and intent listening throughout, we encourage and welcome all forms of communication as it add significant support to the project objectives as well as it can give peace of mind to our clients.  In addition to five (5) stage specific meetings, Hann Builders has weekly scheduled meetings with each client during construction
Systems and procedures are in place to assist with proactive planning and to prevent unwanted surprises.  These systems have taken years to develop and continue to be honed with every project.  There is always something new to learn! New home construction will most often have “bumps in the road” and our experienced professionals are well equipped to address what comes their way.  As veterans in the residential construction industry, we can share solutions to potential situations and with proactive planning, often prevent problems from occurring in the first place.  If something does come up, we use our vast resources and promptly resolve the issue without interrupting the progress of construction. We work diligently to hire qualified subcontractors, which are very specialized in their field.  In many cases, we share a long standing relationship and understanding of how we operate together.

Those who most enjoy the building process tend to have a better understanding of their needs and wants, their realistic budget and have spent time researching and keeping track of the different features they like and dislike.  Inspiration binders will be helpful as you collect magazine clippings, photos or material samples to reference during the design and selection process. While the builder has a vast array of responsibilities as they build your home, there owner also has responsibilities.  To help your builder keep the building process going smoothly, timely selections and timely payment of draw requests are vital.  Consistent, open and honest communication will also help keep the process enjoyable.

Hann Builders offers Aces Home Builders Warranty as well as an option for an insured warranty product.  Click here to view a sample of the Aces Warranty.

1st year – Coverage includes most everything except anything of a cosmetic nature.
2nd year – Coverage is extended for major mechanical systems only – plumbing, hvac and electrical.
Years 3-10 – Coverage is for any latent defects in construction relating to the structural frame or foundation.

According to RemodelorMove.com, the top five reasons given by people who remodel their homes are:

To add space or to reallocate space
To upgrade or modernize
To improve energy efficiency
To make the home more functional – for everyday living, aging in place or for persons with disabilities
To increase the resale value of the home

Once you determine why you want to remodel, think about what you want to change or need to change then make a detailed and prioritized list.  You may need to adjust the overall scope of work once the construction costs are identified.   It is important to keep in mind which projects will increase the value of your home. Hann Builders skilled remodeling professionals will come to your home for an initial review and to make recommendations, suggest value engineering ideas and provide preliminary cost estimates. This process is continually refined until the plans, specifications and budget meet the owner’s satisfaction for a Residential Remodeling Contract agreement.

Dream, be inspired and creative. Take photos, keep magazine clippings, collect selection samples to keep together to create an inspiration book. Bring your builder into the process as soon as possible.  Ask lots of questions and learn from your builder. Most of all, this is an experience of a lifetime…relax and enjoy it.