Question 1

How much will my home cost?

Accepted Answer

That depends on your answers to the following:How big a home do you need to meet your wants/needs?What materials do you want to use?How difficult is your lot to develop?Once we have our initial meeting with you, we can give you a ballpark idea of what your home will cost.As we refine your selections and the home plans we also refine your costs.Before a contract is signed, you will be provided with plans and specifications that describe the project and the materials to be used.Our custom homes have ranged in price from $400,000 to over $3,000,000.Cost per sq. ft. for a truly custom home in northern Virginia typically ranges from $270/sq. ft. to $350/sq. ft. The swings in cost are normally driven by size of home,complexity of construction and level of finishing. Be careful when using costs per sq. ft. to compare builders or plan a budget. True cost per sq. ft. should be based on the finished top two floors only (a finished basement should not be included in this cost). Remember that land purchase and land development are not included in the standard cost per sq. ft. analysis.

Question 2

Who typically seeks your expertise in building homes?

Accepted Answer

Our typical client is a first time custom home client that has a busy schedule and comes to us with no idea of how to make their dream into a reality. They are willing to pay a reasonable price for good quality and want to be treated fairly and kept abreast of what is going on with their home.

Question 3

What types of homes do you build?

Accepted Answer

If you can dream it – we can build it!Our expertise extends to crafting homes ranging from 1300 sq. ft to 20,000 sq. ft.Whether you desire contemporary designs or traditional center hall colonials on estate lots, we have the skills to bring your dream home to life.Our experience covers a spectrum, from building on 6,000 sq. ft in-fill lots to 18-acre estate lots.Clients often choose us for our commitment to tailoring homes to their needs rather than following market trends.

Question 4

What if the property has an existing house that needs to be removed?

Accepted Answer

We can handle all the paperwork, obtain the approvals and remove the existing home.Many older homes have hazardous material in the structure and the federal, state and local laws may require the identification and removal of these substances be done in a prescribed manner by licensed experts. We have those crews and can do it all.If an existing well or septic field needs to be abandoned, we can take care of that as well.Sometimes the old utilities can be reused depending on age, location and size. We research all this and report back to you so you can decide what to do.

Question 5

We can’t find any home plans we really like. How can you come up with a plan we will like?

Accepted Answer

We design, or oversee the design for most of what we build.Our years of experience have taught us how to skillfully interview clients, listening to their answers to come up with a plan that will fill their design needs.We design with your budget in mind and look for ways to build efficiently to keep the costs in line.We have a number of In-House home plans that we created that often are a wonderful starting point to create the perfect new plan for you.We are Custom homebuilders so we expect unique requests and have the willingness and skill to meet even the most unusual requests.

Question 6

How is communication handled if questions or concerns arise during the home construction process?

Accepted Answer

Communication is crucial during home construction.Our field staff is accessible via email even in the field.Additionally, you&#8217;ll have direct access to the email addresses and personal phone numbers of the company principals.We strive to respond to any questions within 24 hours whenever possible.You&#8217;ll also have your superintendent&#8217;s number and a 24-hour emergency contact for added peace of mind.

Question 7

Do you practice Green building standards?

Accepted Answer

We are totally committed to being environmentally responsible in all our projects and invite you to visit our “Green Building” section to learn more.

Question 8

How long will it take to complete my home?

Accepted Answer

That depends again on how you answer the following questions:How big is the home?What materials do you want to use?How difficult is the lot to develop?time of the year will it be starting and finishing?Are you going to make your selections on time?In general, the following schedule would apply:Once the contract is signed, our average time to modify a plan to be ready to submit for building permit approval is 3 weeks provided all civil engineering is complete.Permit approval ranges between 1 and 3 months.From permit issue we will start in 2 to 3 weeks.Once we start actual construction, it usually takes 1.2 to 1.5 months per 1,000 finished sq. feet on top 2 floors;

Question 9

What areas do you service?

Accepted Answer

We are not locked into any particular lots or area and have traveled but our core market is located in Northern Virginia focusing on Fairfax and Loudoun Counties.Most of our clients in the last two decades have been in McLean, Vienna, Falls Church, Great Falls, Ashburn, and from Leesburg to Bluemont.

Question 10

How much of the project will you oversee?

Accepted Answer

We do it all from the beginning to the end including finding a lot, evaluating the lot, designing the home (or working with your designer), specifying the materials, pricing the project, obtaining the building permit, and building the home. We can provide you assistance through the entire process.

Question 11

We’ve never built a custom home before. How can we possibly make all the decisions?

Accepted Answer

Most of our customers have never built a home before, so we know how to simplify a complicated process, guiding you every step of the way.Once our customers move in they consistently tell us that everything was a lot more fun and a lot simpler than they had anticipated.Once you tell us what your tastes are, we will suggest materials for everything in the home but you make the final decision.

Question 12

Who will we be dealing with?

Accepted Answer

Each step of the construction process is handled by an expert in that particular area. From designing the home, picking out your finishing materials, to the construction of your home someone will be there to guide you along the way. Your entire experience will be overseen by the principle partner, Shawn Foley and he is always a phone call away if you need him.

Question 13

We’ve heard all homes go over budget and that “change orders” are to blame. How can we be assured this will not happen to us?

Accepted Answer

Change orders are not a bad thing. In fact they are a good thing, because they allow you, the homeowner, to change your mind about a material, design, system etc. while construction is on-going.Our contract will include a price to build the home as drawn and specified so that you have an understanding of what you are getting for the price.If you don’t surprise us with a drastic deviation from your original decisions, then you will stay within your budget.We give you a guaranteed price for your home and we will deliver for that price unless you choose to change it or some unforeseen condition is discovered such as bad ground, etc.When you choose to make a change once construction starts (change order) we contractually guarantee that you will be charged the same rate that you paid for the rest of the home.We do not discourage or penalize our clients for making changes in a timely fashion.Our customers have an average of 20 to 30 change orders.Most of our customers (even with 20 to 30 changes) stay within 2% to 3% of the initial contract price.

Question 14

How do we know you will do what you say you are going to do?

Accepted Answer

Call our references!Our best spokespeople are our previous clients. We can supply you with an extensive list of references for custom home construction or remodeling going back decades.Our previous clients already went through what you are contemplating and have proven to be very generous of their time to answer questions. So, ask them anything.

Question 15

How much will a remodeling project cost?

Accepted Answer

The overall cost depends on several factors. Some costs we consider “fixed”, meaning that it cannot be changed, while other costs are decision driven and can fluctuate based on the client’s wishes.What is the level of finishing detail (hardwood vs. carpet and tile vs. marble)?Are there any hazardous materials or presence of mold in the home (example of fixed cost)?Once we have our initial meeting with you, we can give you a ballpark idea of what your home will cost.There is no way to give a reliable cost per square foot for a remodeling project because every job is unique. However, if the scope of work is mainly in adding space it will be less expensive than interior remodeling.The more existing structural elements such as windows, doors, stairs, etc. we are able to keep in the new plan the less expensive it will be.In the past few years our remodeling projects have ranged from $80,000 for a simple kitchen to over $2 million dollars for remodel of an entire home.

Question 16

Can we stay in the home while you do the remodeling?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no. The final answer depends on the size and scope of the project and the temperament of our clients.If the job is properly designed and staged the disruption can be minimized. Still there may be times, when it is best not to be in the home due to noise, fumes, access to power, heat, etc.When additions are constructed, we do everything we can to complete as much of addition as possible before we break through to the home.Some projects are too massive to safely or economically keep the family in the home. In other cases, the family may be able to stay in the home until certain phases are so invasive that we will need access to the entire home to get the job done efficiently.We are skilled in blocking the remodeled portion section of the home with the occupied area to keep the dust and disruption down to a minimum.This is an important aspect of the project for some clients and we can have a discussion of what and when certain things will be done and if the family should stay in the home or not.

Question 17

We’ve never done a remodeling job before. How can we possibly figure out what we can do and how can we make all the decisions?

Accepted Answer

Many of our clients have never done either a small or large remodeling project before, so we know how to simplify a complicated process by going step by step.Once we finish the project our customers consistently tell us that everything was a lot more fun, went more efficiently and the whole process was a lot simpler than they had anticipated.Once you tell us what you want to accomplish with the existing home we will suggest different ways to accomplish your goals as well as the finishes that might be appropriate for your tastes, the neighborhood and your budget.

Question 18

We’ve heard all remodeling projects go over budget and that “change orders” are to blame. How can we be assured this will not happen to us?

Accepted Answer

Change orders are not a bad thing. In fact they are a good thing, because they allow you the homeowner to change your mind about a material, design, system etc. while construction is on-going.Our contract will include a price to build the home as drawn and specified so that you have an understanding of what you are getting for the price.If you don’t surprise us with a drastic deviation from your original decisions, then you will stay within your budget.We give you a guaranteed price for your home and we will deliver for that price unless you choose to change it or some unforeseen condition is discovered such as bad ground, etc.When you choose to make a change once construction starts (change order) we contractually guarantee that you will be charged the same rate that you paid for the rest of the home.We do not discourage or penalize our clients for making changes in a timely fashion.Our customers have an average of 20 to 30 change orders.Most of our customers (even with 20 to 30 changes) stay within 2% to 3% of the initial contract price.

Question 19

How long does it take?

Accepted Answer

How big is the project?What is the level of finishing detail?How much do we have to tear out before we start and how much do we have to replace?Do you plan on staying in the home for all or part of the remodeling?What is our access to the remodeling area?Are you going to make your selections on time?General Timing:If Foley Construction is designing the project we can typically complete the design and costing work in under 3 months. Simpler projects can take only a couple of weeks while more complex projects will take longer. If civil engineering (land development) is needed this can add time to the overall design process.If you are using a designer or architect for your project, we recommend you get a written commitment as to how long it will take to perform the aforementioned tasks. If the start date is important to you, then the design time should be resolved up front to insure your project’s success.Permit times vary depending on the state, county and overall scope of work. Simple projects can get a permit in as little as 1 day while more complex projects which require grading plans can take 2 to 3 months.The length of the remodel is all dependent on the scope of work. We have completed some projects in a matter of weeks while others take a year. Our most typical remodel projects (range in cost between $250k-$500k) take between 3 and 6 months.

Question 20

Who usually turns to you for remodeling projects?

Accepted Answer

Our typical client is a first time remodeling client or a client who has experienced a remodel that went badly because they selected a less experienced company the first time. Most of our remodeling clients have busy schedules and come to us with a general idea of what they want, but no idea on how to make it happen. They are willing to pay a reasonable price for good quality and want to be treated fairly and kept abreast of what is going on with their home.

Question 21

What types of remodeling projects do you specialize in

Accepted Answer

For remodeling enthusiasts, we specialize in extensive renovation projects that breathe new life into your spaces.Whether you&#8217;re looking to transform existing areas or add new elements, we excel in making your home uniquely yours.Our remodeling projects span a diverse range – from contemporary updates to traditional transformations.Regardless of the scale, from minor renovations to complete overhauls, our services are tailored to suit your needs.Clients opt for our remodeling expertise because we prioritize your preferences over market trends, ensuring your home is a perfect reflection of your style and requirements.

Question 22

How do you handle questions or issues that may arise during the remodeling process?

Accepted Answer

Effective communication is key during remodeling projects.Our field staff remains reachable by email even in the field.You&#8217;ll also have direct access to the email addresses and personal phone numbers of the company principals.We commit to addressing any questions within 24 hours whenever feasible.Additionally, you&#8217;ll be provided with your superintendent&#8217;s number and a 24-hour emergency contact for any urgent concerns.

Question 23

Are you a green builder?

Accepted Answer

We are totally committed to being environmentally responsible in all our projects and are Green Certified builders. Please go to the “green” section of our web site for more information.

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