Ask an Expert
Have a question about building your own home? Feel free to email us. Below are some frequently asked questions about new home construction and DirectBuild.
What exactly does DirectBuild do? We offer a turnkey consulting package to people who want to be their own general contractor. We give our clients the program, process, resources and guidance our clients need to successfully build or remodel their home while saving money. Our program includes a step-by-step, detailed guide to navigate the process along with one-on-one support that can’t come from following a manual.
Perhaps you are torn between going it alone or hiring a licensed general contractor. We bridge that gap by allowing you to be in control of your project, yet we assist you with consultations and onsite visits to make sure everything stays on track. In addition, our affiliations with experienced subcontractors and supply houses help you secure labor and materials at discounts ranging from 20-40%. DirectBuild is your solutions provider!
Will obtaining construction financing be difficult? You'll be pleased to know that lenders are much more receptive to owner-builder projects when DirectBuild is on board. Historically it has been difficult for owner-builders to obtain construction financing because many lenders think these loans are too risky. There are some lenders out there who simply will not work with owner-builders unless DirectBuild is on board. We have lender contacts that are now competing for this business, offering flexible terms and very competitive rates. We’d be happy to direct you to the right financial people who can make this process easier.
I want to build my own home if I can find the right piece of land, but I need your help finding land so I know it'll be suitable for the home design I have in mind. Can you help us even though we aren't ready to commit to construction? Yes! We understand there may be questions you want answered before you commit to construction so we offer the DirectBuild ToolPak. The ToolPak is a collection of products and services such as a site consultation,
1-hour consultation with an architect, a feasibility analysis based upon your intended budget, access to our land database and many more resources that will help you get the answers you need. Visit our Get Started page for more details.
What kind of insurance am I required to carry? As an owner-builder, your lender will require a builder’s risk insurance policy that covers you throughout the course of construction.
I want to build green. Can you help? We are proud members of Built Green and are experienced with geothermal heating and cooling, active and passive solar design, zero energy home construction. Our Resources page has some feature articles discussing energy efficient technologies in greater depth.
We don’t have any home plans yet. Can you help us with the design? We work closely with select architectural firms who can provide you with a variety of plans to choose from or help create something completely unique and one-of-a-kind. Based on your vision for your new home, we’ll introduce you to a firm that’s the right fit for your wants and needs – and who will stay within your budget. If you’re interested in custom plans, be prepared to wait six to eight weeks. You’ll also need to secure both the architect’s and engineer’s stamp of approval before you can obtain your building permit.
Will you help me read the plans if I need help? In the pre-construction phase, we’ll redline the plans with you against our detailed checklist to make sure they’re all-inclusive. Looking closely at the plans upfront and making sure nothing is missing will better direct subcontractors and reduce the questions you’ll encounter once you’re in the field. Should you choose a DirectBuild-affiliated architect, they’re already familiar with this process and include checklist details in each home plan.
I’ve heard that getting permits can be a nightmare. What do you do to help in that area? The most important consideration is making sure your plans are complete. If they are, obtaining a building permit is a smooth process. You’ll need three sets of engineer-stamped plans in any building jurisdiction. Because we’ve pulled permits in nearly every city and county along the Front Range, we know how long it takes to get them approved and who the inspectors are in many cases, and will be glad to help.
How do I find the right subcontractors? Should I obtain three bids from each trade and pick the best price?
Many owner-builders waste hours of aggravating time locating subcontractors, only to experience frustrating results and high bids, because they’re one-time customers. With DirectBuild on board, we provide access to the same valued tradesmen we utilize in our custom homebuilding business. You can trust them to get the job done right – with no excuses. They aren’t the cheapest in town, but they are the best at what they do, providing the quality you want in your new home. We provide two bids from each major trade during the budgeting process. The DirectBuild guidebook contains contact information for other preferred subcontractors should you choose to solicit more bids, plus you always have the option to use your own contacts.