1. What building options do you offer home buyers who want to build a new house?

We offer home buyers three options for building a new home:

• First, we can build on a lot that you own.
• Second, you can build on one of Langbeen Builder’s lots that is not under construction, such as South Shore Landing.
• Third, you can purchase a new home on a Langbeen lot that is currently under construction; you can find these homes in our Listings Section.

2. If I want to build on my own land, what is the process?

We would have an initial meeting to not only find out information such as, building timeframe, lot location, lot clearing, septic system status, home plan, and any general requirements,including number of bedrooms and bathrooms, fireplace, gas or electric, but also to see if Langbeen Builders would be a good fit for you and your project.

We will also do a site visit to review the lot. Sometimes there is some research/groundwork that needs to be done before we can generate a proposal. If this is the case, then we will enter into a service agreement that requires a deposit. The deposit will be used for septic evaluations, surveying, estimating, engineering, or other activities needed to get the lot and plan ready for construction.

Based on our findings, we would work up an estimate to build the home. In addition, if you don’t have a home plan, then we can help you find a plan that fits your needs. We offer numerous plans which can be found in our Plans Section and many of the plans have Virtual Tours. If the estimate is approved, then we would draw up a Construction and Sales agreement. However, if you choose not to move forward with the agreement, then we will credit you back any remaining amount of the service agreement deposit.

3. If I want to build on one of Langbeen’s lots, what is the process?

As with building on a client’s lot, we set up an initial meeting to find out information such as, square footage, bedrooms and baths, gas or electric, one story or two stories, home plan, and any other “must have” requests. Based on the findings, we would work up an estimate to build the home. If the estimate is approved, we would draw up an Offer to Purchase agreement. After signing an Offer to Purchase agreement, we take a builder’s deposit to secure any work that has been performed at the home site. If you make changes or have additions to the original scope of work, we will provide a change order with cost information and once approved, you will make payments directly to us for the changes.

4. If I want to purchase a new home that is currently under construction, what is the process?

After signing an Offer to Purchase agreement, we take a builder’s deposit to secure any work that has been performed at the home site. Depending on the stage of construction, we will set up a selections meeting to review the exterior and interior selections that have been currently made as well as those exterior and interior selections that can still be made by you. Those selections could include but are not limited to siding color, shingle color, flooring, interior doors, granite countertops, cabinets, tile, and faucets.

5. If Langbeen Builders is building on my land, how are payments made to the company?

If you’re building on your land, you’re probably going to need a construction loan unless you plan to pay in cash. A construction loan pays a series of advances called “draws” versus receiving the entire balance of a loan at one time. The lender disburses these small lump sum payments after each completed phase of construction. Generally, there is a five- to seven-draw schedule which includes draws at foundation, rough framing, drywall installation, rough-in plumbing/electrical/HVAC, trim installation, and finish work stages.

6. If I am building on one of Langbeen’s lots, how are payments made to Langbeen Builders?

If you are building on one Langbeen’s lots (currently under construction or on a vacant lot), we take a builders’ deposit to secure the initial work. The balance is due at closing. However, if you make changes or have additions to the original scope of work, then we will provide a change order with cost information and once approved, you will make payments directly to us for the changes.

7. Does Langbeen Builders have a preferred lender?

No, not in the sense that there’s any financial incentives for you or us; however, we do have preferred lenders that we’ve used many times over the years which we can recommend on request.

8. Does Langbeen Builders work with realtors?

Yes, we’re happy to work with your realtor. While we do our best to create the best experience possible for you, having your own dedicated point person is another source for guiding you through the building process and can allow you to ask questions you may not feel comfortable discussing with us. We would like to be made aware of the realtor at one of our initial meetings. We offer a 2.5 percent commission to your buyer’s/client’s agent.

9. What kind of pricing does Langbeen Builders offer?

All of our contracts are fixed price as we believe this practice is the best way to protect you and holds us accountable to the costs versus a cost plus contract. In addition, a fixed price contract allows you to feel secure throughout the building process knowing that unforeseen material or labor costs won’t break your budget.

As part of our building process, we keep very detailed estimates for each project that get as specific as knowing costs for specific nuts and bolts. This approach allows us to keep track of cost increases as well as predict future price increases over the course of construction. We order materials as soon as the contract is signed, and the deposit is received. We don’t enter a contract until we’ve secured what’s needed to start the build. This practice prevents us from waiting months during the pre-construction process and minimizes price fluctuations.

10. Do we use an escalation clause for construction materials?

We only use an escalation clause when we’re not able to receive the deposit we need to continue work and must wait for financing.

11. How long does it take to build a standard Langbeen home?

It generally takes six to eight months to build a Langbeen home.

12. How will my Langbeen home be built?

For detailed information on how your Langbeen home will be built, please visit our Building 101 section on our website.

13. How do we communicate with Langbeen Builders and view the selections for the build?

We use a client portal that not only allows you to make selections, but it enables easy, quick communication back and forth with us on the building of your home. Once the Offer to Purchase is signed, you will receive an email invitation with a link to the portal.

14. What are the standard features that come with a Langbeen home?

We provide you with a specifications sheet that details all the standard offerings in the home. We also have a list commonly requested changes to the homes, such as alternative bathroom faucets, light fixtures, and electrical outlets, which you can choose from and add to the home.

15. Can I make any upgrades, selections, or requests in addition to the standard selections?

Yes, while we work hard to build standard selections, we offer some pre-determined changes you can choose from, giving you the opportunity to customize your new home. We’re also able to accommodate some changes that fall outside of these variations. However, we cannot guarantee that we’ll be able to implement all requested changes. If the home is already under construction, we can make some alterations depending on the home’s construction stage. For example, if all the rough-in work is complete, you cannot switch from electric to gas service; however, if we have not bought or installed the kitchen faucet, you can modify that selection.

For some helpful tips on “what you should think about” before the rough-ins are started, consider reading The Rough-ins Why Are They Important as well as the following: Plumbing Rough-in, Electrical Rough-in, and HVAC Rough-in.

16. Do you supply any appliances with the home?

Yes, we supply appliances that are outlined in the specifications sheet. Other than those we do not supply any additional appliances.

In addition, Langbeen Builders will not install a garbage disposal in the kitchen sink when the home is on a septic system in order to prolong cleaning of the septic system.

17. What walkthroughs can I expect during the building process?

We offer two walkthroughs: the electrical and final. When we are at the electrical rough-in stage, we will do an electrical walkthrough with you. This walkthrough is your opportunity to see exactly where we plan on installing all the electrical outlets as well as it’s your chance to make any additions such as, extra garage outlets, generator outlet, RV outlet, recessed lights, and under the counter kitchen lights . . .

And, your final walkthrough will take place at least a week before the closing date so that we have time to make any needed touch ups.

18. Does the home come with a builder’s warranty ?

Yes, we provide a one-year builder’s warranty that covers the home’s materials and workmanship, including roofing, siding, foundation, floors, carpentry, doors, windows, paint, garage doors, HVAC, and plumbing . . .