Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re new to custom home building, you probably have a lot of questions about what to expect. You may also wonder what is special about us. We’re happy to answer any questions you have. So fire away. In the meantime, feel free to read through some of the common questions we get from our clients.

How many years have you been in business?
  • We have been in business since April 2004.
Are you licensed (where required) and insured?
  • We hold an Class "A" contractor's license and a Masters Plumbing license in the state of Virginia. We hold a Responsible Land Disturber certificate. In addition we carry general liability and workers compensation insurance that is comprehensive and appropriate for a builder of our size.
Can you give me references from prior home buyers?
  • Yes, we can provide references from prior homeowners.
Do you build model homes I can tour? If not, can you help me make an appointment to see a home you built for another customer?
  • No, we do not have a model home. With enough notice we will be able to schedule an appointment with a current Snead Builders, Inc. homeowner to view their home.
Do you build only from home plans you supply? Or can I provide my own set of plans?
  • We can build from any plan whether we supply you with one, you select on on-line or have one custom designed.
Who will oversee the construction of my home? Who should I contact with any questions I may have?

  • Every house built by Snead Builders, Inc. is under the watchful eye of Bruce Snead, the owner. Should any questions come up during the process, you may contact Bruce Snead to answer any questions.

How and when can I make changes or upgrades before and during construction?
  • At time of contract, you will be given a Selection and Change Order policy that explains in detail the timelines and cost for selections and change orders.
How often (and when) will I have access to the home during the building process?
  • Your safety is very important to Snead Builders, Inc. While your home is being built it is a construction site and there are potential dangers that may not be visible to you. We encourage you to visit frequently and walk through your home while under construction, but do it safely.
How long will my home take to complete?
  • The largest factor is the weather, especially rain, which tends to slow construction progress. Other factors include the number of changes requested by the homebuyer, the degree of difficulty encountered in initiating those changes, the size of the home and the availability of contractors and materials. Generally speaking, a home can be built in 7 to 10 months from the time construction starts.
What's your process for inspection at key points of construction, at final walk-through,
and to address any matters that need to be corrected or finalized?
  • As part of the process with Snead Builders, Inc., you will receive four different orientations where you meet with your builder to discuss different stages of your home. You will receive a pre-construction meeting before the home is started, a pre-rough-in orientation to go over placements of phone
    and cable outlets and any special upgrades you may have chosen. You will also receive a pre-drywall orientation to verify all upgrades have been put in before drywall is applied to the walls. You will also have a final orientation of the home where we will show you how everything works. The preconstruction
    meeting and final orientation are the most important orientations in the process and normally take around one and a half to two hours to complete. They are loaded with information you will find helpful as you start the next phase of your life in a Snead Builders, Inc. home.
Do you work on smaller projects (other than custom homes)?
  • Absolutely. Often our first contact with a client is through a kitchen, bathroom, or house renovation. Project size is not relevant to us. If you’re committed to an exceptional result at a fair price, then we should talk.
What about budget; how does that work?
  • We’re flexible. Some clients prefer to get one flat rate budget at the beginning of a project so they know in advance what the end cost will be. Others prefer a cost-plus approach that itemizes every expense and clearly states our markup. For smaller or simpler projects, an hourly rate may be preferable. Regardless of the approach, the most important thing to remember is to plan the project down to the detail so there are no surprises along the way. We’ll help you do that.
Can you help me find a site for our home?
  • Yes, we have contacts that we can use to help find a lot for you. So whether you’re looking for quick access to your boat, fertile fields for a garden, or simply a private retreat close to amenities, we’ll help you find the location ideally suited to your needs.
So how do I prepare for planning?
  • The most important aspect of planning is taking your time. It’s much less expensive to make changes during this phase than during building. So consider getting some drawings, 3D renderings or even a scale model if you want to visualize the final result.
Do I need an architect or home designer for my project?
  • Unless you are a design professional, we recommend you hire an architect or a home designer for your project. Architects may have a reputation, style or aesthetic that you are seeking for your home. They understand modern building code and engineering requirements. Home designers range from
    simply offering concept drawings to helping you choose the interior. One isn’t better than the other. Most important is that you feel you can trust the person you’re talking to, and they are really listening to what you want. If you do not have one, we have several we have partnered with that we can
    recommend.
How do I save money on construction?
  • Have a rock solid specification list before you start the building phase and stick to the plan. Occasionally you’ll run across something that you’ll want to change – this hallway needs to be wider, this roof needs a more durable shingle, etc – but in general the best way to stick to a budget is to buy high quality materials and use proper installation techniques. And that’s where we come in.
What’s your stance on us getting other bids?
  • We support it. When you get price differences between different bidders, it provides an opportunity for us to explain how and why we do things the way we do. Discrepancies between bidders is often the result of an inconsistent set of specifications or a lack of specifications entirely.
What’s involved in the custom home building process?
Can I stay in my home while you work?
  • If it’s a smaller renovation, you certainly can stay in your home. For large or whole house renovations, things do go easier if you make alternate living arrangements for the duration of building. It really depends on the scope of the project.
Will I get a contract?
  • Absolutely. Everything we do is in writing. It protects both parties.
What is my warranty?
  • We give a one year workmanship and materials warranty, a five year structural warranty, one year manufacturer appliance warranty, and a yearend settlement warranty.
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