Chandler Homes | Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 - What do I do first?

First you need to select a lot or land to build on. Here are some things to consider before you purchase your home site. Determine your budget for a lot/land. If you are wanting to be in the country you may want to consider a few things. First, you need to know the proximity of your property to public utilities. If water is not available then a water well will have to be drilled and can run in the tens of thousands of dollars. The same goes for electricity and the cost to get power to the property. Sewer is rarely available in the country as well and in this case an aerobic sewer system or a conventional sewer system must installed and is dependent upon the soil at the home site. Although a sewer system is much cheaper than a water well it is still important to consider these scenarios and how they will affect your budget. You will also want to consider the amount of work that will be required to get the land ready for a slab. Lot clearing and dirt hauling can be avoided or reduced if you select property which lends itself to building. At the top of the list for many families is the school district they want their children attend. Some want to have the privacy of the country but also want to be close to schools, hospitals, family, etc., and this will help you narrow down your selections. The length of the drive from the road to your home is also important to consider. The cost to pave the drive with concrete, asphalt, crushed lime stone, etc. can cut into your budget more than you want if the home site is too far from the road. Selecting a city lot is not as difficult, but prices can drastically change from one neighborhood to the next. However, school district, lot size, homeowner association restrictions/dues, and property taxes are very important and must be considered when managing your budget. There are also many other things that can affect your decision, but this is a good place to start.

Q2 - How are payments made, and when are they made?

Again, these terms are broken down in the contract based on progress with a completion date included. Typically we take a commencement payment of approximately 5% of the contract for materials, and the rest of the payments are determined beforehand per the contract. As stages of your home are completed, predetermined payments are made based on percentage of completion, with final payment due upon completion (before move in).

Q3 - How many of your customers come from repeat business, or from referrals from existing or previous customers?

We are very blessed to say that many of our customers come to us or are referred to us from customers we've performed for in the past. As you will see when you check our references, there is a reason for such a loyal client base.

Q4 - What is the price per square foot? What affects Price?

This can be compared to buying a car. It’s all in what goes into your home.

The price of your home will be greatly affected by the following: flooring, counter tops, fixtures (plumbing and electrical), appliance package, condition of the lot, proximity to utilities, cabinets, number of bathrooms, staining trim rather than painting, landscaping, exterior varnish (brick, rock, siding), etc.

Q5 - How or where do I go to get started with house plans? What if I have plans already?

If you don’t have house plans, we can help through the designing process. Gwen Chandler, Keith Chandler’s mother, has been designing houses for decades and has showcased many of her designs in the Tyler Area Parade of Homes. She would love to get to know you and hear your ideas. As a team, Chandler Homes will help you customize a home for your wants and needs. Gwen’s beautiful designs are award winning and can be found in neighborhoods and on country roads all across the great state of Texas. Give her a call today!

Already have plans? Perfect! We have built many homes designed by a third party. With a simple plan check to ensure accuracy and structural frame integrity, we will be ready to get started.

Q6 - What about materials?

Important materials are specified in the contract. All materials are covered, however, as substitutions are sometimes unavoidable (lots of bricks run out, for example, colors of materials are sometimes no longer made), we make it clear that an equal substitution will be made upon your approval. For items such as lighting fixtures or doorknobs that you have not chosen when the contract is signed, an allowance is determined in the contract to cover the cost of such items.

Q7 - What is a change order? Can Changes be made during construction?

A change order is a written statement signed by the customer authorizing the contractor to do additional work not included in the original contract. The change order should be signed before the additional work is started, but often it is not in order to keep the project moving. The amount specified is due when the project is completed. A change order also may be written when a contractor comes across any unforeseen damage or problem.

Absolutely! Keith Chandler, owner at Chandler Homes, encourages customers to voice their thoughts and opinions throughout the building process, and, if possible, we will be glad to incorporate these ideas into your home. Keith will often have a few ideas for you too, especially those which add character and the wow factor you want. Remember, Chandler Homes is working for you, and we will go the extra mile to give you the home you have always wanted. Always keeping in mind that it is more cost effective to make changes sooner rather than later.

TYLER HOME BUILDING FAQ