Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I build with Owner Builder Network?
A: Owner Builder Network® has a distinct reputation and has serviced the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex since February, 2001. With over 1,500 homes built through our program, a list of references will be provided with your free one-on-one consultation.
Top ^
Q: How much money will I save?
A: Thousands! Owner Builder Network® is the pathway for you to pay only materials and labor costs for your construction project. Because you carry the checkbook, you are able to pay for materials and labor directly. Our set fee is based on your home.
Top ^
Q: Do you offer financing?
A: Yes. We have several banks that we have worked with for a number of years that make financing land, paying off land, putting the construction financing in place and finishing the project off with permanent financing if needed a "relatively pain-free" process! Because these relationships between OBN and our lenders have been forged over the years, the finance process is seamless for our clients.
Top ^
Q: When should I start building my new home?
A: Now is the time to build and take advantage of the low cost of materials and
labor prices. Also, interest rates are still at a record low and will eventually
increase.
Top ^
Q: Where do I start?
A: With a monthly budget in mind and an idea of what you want to build, call us to schedule a FREE one-on-one appointment. Based upon these findings, we can guide you regarding the next steps toward your new home.
Top ^
Q: Can I really build a new home? I can't even hang a picture straight on a wall.
A: Absolutely! Most Owner Builder Network® customers have never built a home before. You will have a "Team of Experts" helping you from start to finish. All that you will need to build is the capability to schedule, make calls, pay bills, and visit the job site.
Top ^
Q: Can I do this with a full-time job and kids?
A: Yes you can. Many of our clients are dual income families and they manage to get their homes built and maintain their sanity! We encourage our prospective clients to call our references. Be sure to ask them any questions that will help you with your decision.
Top ^
Q: How long will it take to build my home?
A: There are many factors that can affect the length of a build job. A few of these factors can be size of the project, weather delays, perfect weather, dealing with the city inspectors, etc. With these factors in mind, on average, OBN clients can expect to be completed with the construction project in a 6 to 9 month time frame once the foundation is poured.
Top ^
Q: Who pays the bills?
A: You do! You control the money, you write the checks. You will monitor costs associated with your project and know exactly where the money is going. Since you control the checkbook, no payments are handed out until the job is done to your satisfaction. OBN provides you with a Job Cost Spreadsheet specific to your project. This spreadsheet allows you to track expenditures as you progress through your project.
Top ^
Q: How often will I need to be at the job site?
A: We get this question often and we always tell prospective clients, "You will be at the job site way more than you need to be but only because you want to be!!" To be perfectly honest, if you were building a home with a builder, you would likely be checking it over then too! If you can be flexible to make and take phone calls when necessary for scheduling and answering any questions subs may have to clarify how you want something done, frequent visits to the job site can be kept to a few times per week. We have discovered over the past 15 years that the majority of our clients actually ENJOY the building process and can't wait to get out to the job site to see what has been done while they were away during the day! OBN Clients appreciate the control that Owner Builder Network® allows them to have and they are "proud as punch" to show off their completed homes!
Top ^
Q: Does my land have to be paid for?
A: No. We can roll the land pay-off into the construction loan.
Top ^
Q: What if I don't own land yet? Do I still need to come in for an appointment?
A: Yes. Owner Builder Network® will help you determine how much to spend on land in relation to your overall home construction budget. We will also be able to answer all of your questions regarding Owner Builder Network®.
Top ^
Q: What if I don't have plans, but plenty of ideas?
A: Owner Builder Network® has designers that will help you customize and design your
new home based upon your dreams and desires. Our designers do a great job listening to you and how you plan to live in the home and designing with that in mind while keeping costs in mind and helping you to know what is and is not within your budget.
Top ^
Q: How do I find subcontractors to build the house?
A: Owner Builder Network® provides a quality list of subcontractors that have a proven track record with us and in many cases have worked with OBN Clients for over 10 years. You, as an OBN Client, have a lot of freedom with OBN regarding subcontractors and who does the work on your new home. Over the years, we have had clients use subcontractors who were not part of the OBN network. This is allowable but not usually necessary. We have also had clients do some of the work on their home themselves. Remember you only have the owner to please and that is YOU!
Top ^
Q: How do I know if my home is being built right?
A: The backbone of Owner Builder Network's quality control is the hiring of licensed and bonded third party inspectors. We recommend our clients hire third party inspectors at key points along the way and these points are detailed throughout your construction manual. The money to pay for these inspections is also part of the budget. The inspector works specifically for you. We also provide you with detailed inspection forms so you have a good idea of what the inspectors are looking for during each inspection. We provide you with a list of inspectors to choose from or you can hire your own qualified inspector.
Top ^