We believe every step of the home buying journey should be a joyful experience. Let our experienced team be your guide.  We’ll answer all your questions about the financing process and ensure it’s as simple and stress-free as possible. We’ll work with you every step of the way to ensure you the best financing package possible.

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FAQs

What’s included in the base price of construction?

• The base price of Value Build Homes construction typically covers the foundation (as specified by the series), framing, exterior walls, roof, standard interior finishes, and standard windows and doors. Optional upgrades and customization are not included in the base price. 

Are there unexpected costs I should plan for?

• You should always plan for and budget any unexpected costs when building a new construction home. These costs can arise from site conditions, permit adjustments, or changes in the price of materials. You should also budget for optional upgrades, design changes, and landscaping modifications made during construction.

Does building on my land save money long-term?

• Building on your land can provide long-term financial benefits. By constructing a custom home, you can avoid the premiums associated with existing homes in developed neighborhoods and opt for energy-efficient features to reduce long-term utility costs. A custom home can also increase in resale value over time as the property appreciates in value.

How can I get an accurate cost estimate for my land?

• When working with Value Build Homes, we provide a free land evaluation once your deposit is submitted. During the evaluation, our team will assess the condition of your lot. Based on the assessment, we'll provide a detailed estimate of construction costs, foundation options, and any additional site work needed.

Are customizations or upgrades expensive when building on my land?

• The price of customizations and upgrades depends on the level of changes and materials needed, and can affect the overall cost when building on your land. Value Build Homes offers flexible options across our floor plan collections, allowing you to personalize finishes, layouts, and features that fit your budget and lifestyle. We provide detailed estimates for all upgrades, helping you plan effectively and make informed decisions that balance style, functionality, and cost.

What elevation is the price on the website quoted for?

• The price displayed as "base sales price" is for Elevation A and excludes land and any improvements. For accurate pricing tailored to your specific land and county, please contact us.

How do local impact fees or permit costs vary across North and South Carolina counties?

• The cost of impact fees and permits varies widely by counties in North and South Carolina. In North Carolina, many municipalities do not charge impact fees for new construction; however, permit fees may still apply. In South Carolina, local governments may impose one-time development impact fees, which vary depending on the county, district, and specific infrastructure needs.

Are there hidden costs if my land is heavily wooded or sloped?

• The cost of building on heavily wooded or sloped land depends on your site preparation needs. Clearing trees, grading, and stabilizing slopes can increase expenses beyond standard construction costs. The land evaluation with Value Build Homes helps to identify potential challenges to ensure there are no surprises in the construction plan.

How much do construction materials impact the total cost right now?

• The cost of construction materials will fluctuate depending on the market. On average, materials typically account for 30% to 40% of the total construction cost. Value Build Homes collaborates with trusted suppliers and provides detailed estimates, enabling you to plan your build effectively and make informed decisions that strike a balance between quality and budget.

Can site conditions cause my build cost to increase after signing a contract?

• Site conditions, such as heavily wooded areas, steep slopes, or poor soil, can significantly impact construction costs. At Value Build Homes, we perform a thorough land evaluation before finalizing your contract to identify potential challenges and provide accurate cost estimates.

Can I finance a home through a build-on-your-land builder?

• You can finance your home with most build-on-your-land builders. Value Build Homes works alongside trusted mortgage lenders to offer a range of financing options for homeowners, with the most common being construction-to-permanent loans.

Can I finance the build if I already own the land?

• If you already own land, you can still finance your home. A construction loan is most common, but you can also use a land equity loan to help finance the new build.

What type of loan do I need to build a home on my land?

• Most homeowners opt for a construction loan to build a home on their land. This loan covers the cost of construction and converts into a traditional mortgage once the home is complete. Other options include traditional mortgages, land equity loans, and home equity line of credit (HELOCs).

Can I get a construction loan in North and South Carolina if I already own the land?

• If you already own land, you can obtain a construction loan in both North and South Carolina. Value Build Homes works with experienced lenders to guide you through the loan process, helping you understand requirements, estimate costs, and secure financing that fits your budget and timeline.

What’s the difference between a construction loan and a traditional mortgage?

• Construction loans are short-term, higher-interest loans used to finance a new construction build. The funds are paid out in intervals as construction progresses, and the loan typically converts into a permanent mortgage upon completion. A traditional mortgage, on the other hand, is a long-term loan used to purchase an existing home. With a build-on-your-lot home, many homeowners opt for a construction-to-permanent loan, which starts as a construction loan and converts into a traditional mortgage once the home is complete.

Are there financing options if I haven’t purchased land yet?

• If you haven't purchased land yet, there are still many financing options available. Some lenders offer combined loans that cover both the lot purchase and home construction. At Value Build Homes, we can guide you through these options, help you understand down payment and eligibility requirements, and coordinate with lenders so your financing works seamlessly from land purchase through home completion.

How do I qualify for financing to build on my lot?

• Qualifying for a loan to build on your lot often involves demonstrating sufficient income, a good credit score, and a manageable debt-to-income ratio. Lenders may also require a detailed construction plan and cost estimate for your home. At Value Build Homes, we work closely with you to provide all necessary documentation, connect you with trusted lenders, and ensure that your loan application accurately reflects your project.

Do I make payments during construction?

• With Value Build Homes, if you use a construction-to-permanent loan, payments are typically made in draws based on construction milestones, meaning you will only pay for the work completed during each stage. Our team coordinates with your lender to schedule draws and keep you informed throughout the building process.

What documents do I need to apply for a construction loan in North and South Carolina?

• To apply for a construction loan in North and South Carolina, you'll need to provide documents such as proof of income, credit score, tax returns, and bank statements. Lenders may also require a detailed construction plan, which should include your chosen floor plan, a cost estimate, and specifications.

Are construction loans harder to qualify for than traditional mortgages?

• Generally, construction loans are harder to qualify for than traditional mortgages because they cover the cost of building a home in stages, rather than purchasing an existing property. Lenders will often impose stricter requirements on your finances and the details of your project.

Can I refinance my construction loan after the home is built?

• After construction is complete, you must refinance a construction loan into a permanent mortgage. This allows you to secure a long-term loan with a monthly principal and interest payment.

Is a down payment required for construction loans in North and South Carolina?

• While a down payment is typically required for construction loans in North and South Carolina, the exact amount depends on the type of loan and lender, which can range from 10% to 20% of the total construction cost. At Value Build Homes, we work with trusted lenders to guide you through the down payment requirements and ensure that your financing aligns with your budget.

What happens if my construction costs go over budget?

• If your construction costs exceed budget, Value Build Homes will review the expenses with you and discuss options for managing the overage. To try and avoid these surprises, we provide detailed cost tracking and regular updates throughout the build, helping you stay informed and make decisions that balance your budget and design goals.

How does lending work?

• When working with Value Build Homes, we can refer you to our preferred lenders. They can work with all types of loans, including USDA, VA, and FHA. When building, you are required to have a construction loan. The construction loan covers construction costs and land improvements. Being approved for a construction loan is different than being approved for a purchase loan. A construction loan typically lasts only as long as the home is being built. The purchase loan becomes your permanent loan (for example, a 30-year mortgage). You can use your purchase loan to pay off your construction loan when the home is completed.

What does my credit score need to be?

• While we do not do our own financing, we partner with lenders who can accommodate credit scores as low as the 640s range.