#3 – Avoiding Budget Surprises

We’ve all heard the horror stories: homeowners getting to the end of construction only to discover they’ve gone way over budget. How does that happen without any warning? It’s a mystery, but unfortunately, many have been through it.

Pro Tip: Get pre-approved with a lender before starting your building journey to ensure you’re ready to build the home you want!

Our Approach to Transparent Pricing

When you contact Sun Coast to explore building a new home or renovating your existing one, Eugene will schedule a meeting at your earliest convenience. For clients interested in building on the North Carolina coast, Eugene often visits your lot before the initial meeting. This way, he can discuss potential cost factors like extra clearing or the need for a specialized septic system that could impact your budget. After all, no one wants to compromise on their dream kitchen just to cover unexpected lot expenses!

If you’re still searching for a lot, Eugene can help with that, too. As a licensed real estate broker, he can search the MLS for options that fit your vision and even assist with selling your current home.

For renovation projects, Eugene will meet you on-site to review your plans. His experience allows him to spot details most people miss, helping you avoid surprises later on. After gathering measurements and notes, Eugene prepares an accurate estimate to give you a clear picture of costs.

House Plans and Contract Pricing

Once you have a lot and a vision for your home, it’s time to move on to the fun part: designing your house plan! Even if you don’t have a pre-drawn plan, there’s no need to worry. Eugene is one of the few builders who draws his own house plans, which is both a unique skill and a big advantage for you as a client. This not only streamlines the process but also helps ensure precision in pricing.

With your house plan and specifications in place, Eugene will calculate your contract price. If Sun Coast carries the construction loan, the lot cost will be included in the contract price. Eugene will walk you through every detail, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and feel confident before signing. Once everything is agreed upon, it’s time to secure your financing.

Pro Tip: Always choose a construction-permanent loan in your own name. With this type of loan, there’s only one closing at the beginning of the project. In the unlikely event of job loss during the build, you’ll still be able to move into your new home. It’s simply safer for you to carry the loan and have a one-time close.

Once you’ve secured your lot, you’ll enter a due diligence period to handle key tasks like obtaining a septic permit if necessary, verifying the lot’s title, and checking for any liens, easements, or encroachments. Make sure to use this time wisely to avoid any surprises later on!