Building Your Dream: An Expert Guide to Custom Home Construction with Greg Grissom

FAQ 1: How much does custom home building cost?

The cost of building a custom home typically starts around $300,000, and that figure is solely for the house itself, excluding land acquisition or financing. As you introduce more luxurious features or expand the footprint, the price naturally increases. Most of my clients find their sweet spot between $300,000 and $700,000.

Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $170 to $250 per square foot for the construction. Once I have a detailed set of plans, I can provide a much more precise estimate. I can even share examples of previously priced homes to give you a ballpark idea of what similar designs cost.

Ultimately, because each home is custom, the final price is highly variable based on your specific choices and design complexity.

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FAQ 2: What is the process for building a custom home?

Our process begins with you reaching out to us. We need to connect and discuss your land—its topography, existing structures, and location. As long as it’s within roughly an hour of Little Rock in central Arkansas, we’re ready to build.

We’ll review your existing plans or help you explore options if you don’t have any, working together to narrow down a design you love. Once we’ve agreed on a plan, I’ll provide a rough cost estimate. After reaching a budget agreement and finalizing your plans, a down payment, typically under $10,000, secures your project.

During the subsequent 30-day bank financing period, which is handled by your lender, we dive into the fine details: selecting every fixture, tile, paint code, door, and window. Once construction starts, you’ll mostly observe the progress, as all decisions would have been made upfront. In 6 to 12 months, your new home will be complete, your construction loan will convert to a mortgage, and you’ll move in.

We often take professional photos before you settle in. If you own your land outright, its value can often cover the 20% equity required by most construction loans, which typically finance up to 80% of the build.

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FAQ 3: How long does it take to build a custom home?

The timeline for building a custom home varies significantly, largely depending on when we break ground and the complexity of the design. A relatively straightforward 2,500 square-foot, single-story home could be completed in about nine months if we start during a dry season, minimizing weather delays during foundation and framing. However, commencing in the rainy spring or around the holidays can easily extend the project to 12 months or more.

Factors like the number of corners, doors, windows, unique custom fixtures, and particularly uneven terrain can add considerable time. For instance, a lot with a 16-foot elevation difference might add an extra month to the schedule. While we generally advise clients to plan for 12 months, larger homes, say 3,500 square feet, could take 15 months.

The most crucial factor is getting the roof on; until the house is waterproof, trades must often work sequentially. Once the roof is installed, multiple teams, like sheetrockers, exterior siding crews, painters, and landscapers, can work simultaneously, accelerating progress exponentially.

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FAQ 4: How to find a good custom home builder?

Finding a truly good custom home builder can be challenging, but I recommend approaching it like an interview. First, observe their responsiveness: how quickly do they answer the phone or return your calls? Then, assess how many questions they ask you about your project.

A skilled builder understands that custom means addressing numerous personal preferences, from paint colors and garage size to yard aesthetics. Look for a builder who operates with well-defined systems and comprehensive checklists. These are crucial for managing the myriad details of a custom build and preventing stress.

They should be able to articulate every fixture, window, and door style before any ground is broken. Aim for a builder who gets back to you within six hours and is visibly organized. Always ask to see their completed projects.

Most importantly, verify their builder’s license, Worker’s Compensation, and general liability insurance. A license signifies that a builder has proven their financial acumen and ability to complete projects on budget. Be wary of prices significantly below the $170-$225 per square foot range for a quality custom build, as unrealistically low bids often lead to unfinished projects or major overruns.

Choosing the cheapest option can be a costly mistake.

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FAQ 5: What are the steps to custom home design?

The custom home design process often starts with clients bringing existing plans, either from a draftsman or purchased online from sites like houseplans.com. If you desire more extensive customization beyond these pre-made options, we can acquire the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) files and modify them to your exact specifications. This does come with an associated cost, but allows for anything from minor adjustments, like enlarging a bathroom or moving a door, to more significant structural changes.

Once your plans are finalized and the down payment—typically around $7,000, which covers our builder’s fee and secures your spot on the schedule—has been made, we initiate the detailed design phase. We’ll guide you through a comprehensive checklist, asking specific questions to finalize material orders. This includes everything from the amount of lumber needed, the number and style of doors, window specifications (color, grids), sink configurations (e.g., 60/40 split vs.

single basin), dishwasher models, stove dimensions, gas versus electric appliances, and even refrigerator sizes. While I can complete this checklist rapidly due to my experience, most clients typically need about two weeks. Ideally, this detailed decision-making process runs concurrently with the bank’s four-week financing approval period, optimizing our timeline.

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FAQ 6: How to choose the right lot for a custom home?

Choosing the right lot is foundational to your custom home. Ideally, I look for a relatively flat, open section of about 100 by 100 feet, with minimal elevation differences (2-3 feet or less). This makes construction simpler and more cost-effective.

You’ll also need to consider city regulations for setbacks: typically, 25 feet from the front road and a minimum of 10 feet from the rear and side property lines for easements. Most homes, including their yards, will comfortably fit within a 75 by 70-foot area on this ideal pad. Beyond the buildable footprint, utility access is critical.

Determine where the nearest electrical transformer box is, as electric companies like Entergy usually extend overhead lines up to 1,000 feet. For underground utilities (water, gas, electrical, sewage), assume a 50-foot distance as a baseline. For waterlines extending beyond 50 feet, budget approximately two dollars per foot.

Sewage lines can be more expensive, especially if cast iron is required, though plastic SDR 26 can offer savings. If city sewage isn’t available, you’ll need a septic tank, which costs around $10,000. Similarly, lots at lower elevations might require a $10,000 grinder pump to pressurize sewage.

Ultimately, while an ideal lot is flat and utility-rich, we can build on almost any terrain; it simply requires careful budgeting for earthwork and utility extensions. Also, consider the home’s orientation and prioritize keeping mature trees, as they significantly enhance property value.

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FAQ 7: What permits are needed for custom home construction?

The permits required for custom home construction largely depend on your building location—whether you are in a county or a city jurisdiction. If you’re building in a rural county area, you might only need permits from the health department for septic systems and the water department. However, if your lot is within city limits, the list of necessary permits expands significantly.

You’ll typically need separate permits for electrical, mechanical (HVAC), plumbing, and a general contractor permit. Furthermore, if your property is part of a homeowners association (HOA), you’ll also need their approval, ensuring your plans adhere to the community’s Bill of Assurance, which you should have received when purchasing the lot. Many cities, like North Little Rock, also mandate a paved driveway, either concrete or asphalt, extending from the street to your garage.

To secure these permits, the work must be performed by licensed professionals: a master electrician, a master plumber, or a general contractor, or sometimes a combination, depending on the specific requirements of your city or county.

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FAQ 8: How to budget for a custom home build?

When budgeting for a custom home, my primary advice is to plan for more than you initially anticipate. Custom homes, like most major investments, come with significant costs. We will provide a robust estimate for the house itself, assuming minimal changes.

However, it’s astonishing how a seemingly minor alteration can increase the project cost by 5% or more. Your budget needs to encompass more than just the construction. You must account for interest payments on your construction loan for potentially a year, a year’s worth of homeowner’s insurance premiums, and various bank fees.

Also, clarify whether your bank offers a one-time or two-time closing. A two-time close means paying closing costs twice: once for the construction loan and again when it converts to your long-term 30-year mortgage. If you foresee making numerous changes due to a highly custom vision, plan for these expenses and the potential for extended construction timelines, which accrue additional interest payments.

Typically, you’ll need at least 20% of the total project cost as a down payment. The value of your land can often count towards this 20%, significantly easing the upfront cash requirement. Your bank’s initial ‘draw’ will then provide the necessary funds to begin foundation work.

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FAQ 9: How to incorporate energy-efficient features into a custom home?

The way we construct homes inherently prioritizes efficiency and airtightness, making it a standard part of our build. This includes using new, high-quality windows, and for brick homes, the brick itself adds substantial thickness to the wall, boosting insulation. Even with 2×4 framing, a brick exterior can result in a 10-inch thick exterior wall.

In a hot climate like Arkansas, I recommend selecting a lighter-colored roof and exterior to minimize heat absorption. For me, true home efficiency is measured by low monthly utility bills. To achieve near self-sufficiency, you could design your home to be all-electric and integrate solar panels with battery storage and a generator.

This setup can dramatically reduce or even eliminate your electric bill. For roughly $20,000 in materials and another $20,000 for installation, most homes can reach this level of self-sufficiency. Optimizing your home for solar means orienting a large roof area to face south.

While new, well-built homes are generally efficient, investing in a higher-efficiency air conditioner is a significant step, especially given high summer cooling costs. Though the upfront cost is more, it leads to lower monthly bills over the unit’s lifespan. From my experience, if you’re considering a substantial investment in energy, allocate that money towards solar rather than geothermal systems.

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FAQ 10: What smart home technology should I include?

In most of the homes I build, people typically start by installing a reliable Wi-Fi router, then choose compatible smart fixtures from retailers like Amazon. There’s a spectrum of opinions on smart home tech; some value the convenience, while others have privacy concerns. From a practical standpoint, I highly recommend investing in a smart thermostat.

It directly controls your air conditioning, which is often the biggest driver of your electric bill. If you’re going solar, a crucial smart feature is a hybrid inverter, costing around $1,500 more than a standard one. This device intelligently manages when to charge your batteries, when to send excess electricity back to the grid for credits, and when to power your home directly.

For lighting, simple programmable switches are very effective. We can easily set exterior lights, for instance, to turn on from 5 PM to 8 PM every evening, automatically. Personally, I prefer hardwired digital programmable switches over wireless internet-dependent devices to minimize radiation exposure.

These switches replace existing ones, allowing you to set schedules and override them manually. For a solar setup, a reliable hybrid inverter like the EG4 6000XP is excellent. Combine that with a customizable programmable thermostat, possibly with geo-fencing that adjusts your home’s temperature as you approach, and a few smart switches.

We can also integrate security camera systems and run dedicated internet wiring if you prefer a wired network over wireless.

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FAQ 11: How to optimize custom home layouts for resale value?

When it comes to custom home layouts, I wouldn’t overly concern myself with resale value unless you’re proposing something truly unconventional. The simple fact is, your brand-new custom home will likely be the newest and most well-built house on the street, which inherently gives it strong appeal. While layout does matter to some extent, the quality of construction has a far greater impact on long-term resale value.

Buyers want to know if the doors will still open smoothly in ten years, if the air conditioner is still efficient, and if the appliances are still functioning. There’s always a market for the most popular layout types—open floor plans, divided plans with a master suite on one side and other bedrooms on the other, or homes with dedicated offices. The key to maximizing bedroom count, and thus value, is ensuring each room has a window, a door, and a closet, which is the legal definition of a bedroom.

Generally, more bedrooms equate to higher value. However, appraisers primarily base home value on square footage. So, while a 2,000-square-foot house with four bedrooms will typically appraise higher than a 2,000-square-foot house with three bedrooms, the overall size remains paramount.

Build the house that perfectly suits your current needs and preferences; its quality and newness will secure its future value.

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FAQ 12: What are popular sustainable custom home materials?

When I talk about ‘sustainable’ materials, I often consider it from the homeowner’s perspective: materials that ensure the home’s longevity, durability, and cost-efficiency. Our priority is to make your home as fireproof, waterproof, and windproof as possible, ensuring low utility bills for years to come. For instance, we always use a concrete foundation because it’s incredibly durable and built to last.

Encasing the home in brick adds a robust, long-lasting, and fire-resistant layer, while metal soffits and fascia further protect against fire and wind damage. These choices make the exterior highly resilient. While many clients might associate ‘sustainable’ with ‘going green’—like choosing specific eco-friendly products or planting numerous trees—my core focus remains on the structural and operational sustainability that directly benefits the homeowner.

This means a well-insulated envelope to keep utility costs down and materials that stand the test of time and elements. Any additional green initiatives are a personal choice we can certainly incorporate.

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FAQ 13: Why do custom home builds go over budget?

Custom home builds typically go over budget for a few primary reasons, and the most common one is client-initiated changes. It’s often underestimated how quickly even minor adjustments can add significant costs, frequently $5,000 or more per change. People don’t always realize that adding just one square foot involves the cost of concrete, flooring, paint, sheetrock, roofing, insulation, lumber, electrical, and all the associated labor, easily costing $100 per square foot.

Another major factor is not having all decisions finalized before ground is broken. If we have to pause construction for two weeks while waiting for a client to decide on a specific sink, that incurs additional interest payments on the construction loan and can stall the entire project. We strive to have everything decided upfront, but sometimes clients have a change of heart, which, while understandable, carries a cost.

Weather delays can also significantly impact timelines and budget, pushing construction into less ideal seasons. Finally, city inspectors can mandate unexpected fixes or additions, even if you or I don’t deem them necessary. For example, if you want a gravel driveway 500 feet off the road but are in a city jurisdiction, they might legally require a concrete driveway, adding $16,000-$20,000 to your expenses.

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FAQ 14: How to avoid common custom home building mistakes?

Avoiding common custom home building mistakes is relatively simple: partner with an experienced, licensed builder who has a proven system and meticulous checklists. We meticulously document past lessons learned, translating them into our current operational checklists. Your role is to make the necessary design and material decisions based on those checklists.

The most critical mistake homeowners often make is interfering with the construction process by directly instructing subcontractors. This immediately disrupts the chain of command, leading to confusion, errors, increased expenses, and potentially work that fails city inspection—all of which the homeowner then has to pay to correct. A skilled builder always keeps the ‘whole picture’ in mind.

We understand the subtle but crucial details, like ensuring a two-inch step from the porch to the house to prevent water intrusion, or adding overhangs above every exterior door to protect them from weathering. These are details that might not be immediately obvious but are vital for the home’s integrity and longevity. Trusting your general contractor’s established system and allowing them to manage the subcontractors is paramount for a seamless, on-budget, and high-quality build.

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FAQ 15: What are the latest custom home design trends?

Considering that home building has existed for millennia, the concept of ‘latest trends’ in custom design can be quite fluid. Instead of chasing fleeting trends, I focus on understanding your unique objectives and lifestyle. We begin by delving into who will live in the house, your daily routines and habits, where you prefer to do laundry, how you manage groceries, your cooking frequency, desired food storage solutions, and how you plan to use various spaces—will you host large family gatherings or is it for a single person?

Do you have pets and desire a built-in dog bath? How do you use your garage, for parking or storage? Do you want a large yard for grandchildren, or a low-maintenance landscape of rock and hardy grass?

These detailed conversations allow me to tailor a home that genuinely reflects your needs. While you can find countless ‘unique features’ on platforms like YouTube and Pinterest, I can help you discern which are truly worthwhile, functional, cleanable, and durable, versus those that might break quickly or become forgotten. For example, I personally favor espresso cabinets with slide-out drawers in the kitchen to keep all small appliances and cookware hidden, ensuring countertops remain clean and uncluttered.

Tell me about your lifestyle, and I’ll translate your specific desires into a truly custom home with features that enhance your everyday living.

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