Home Buyer Questions
We understand that you have many questions before deciding on the home that is perfect for you. We hope this will be of help while considering your home investment choices. Choose from a topic of interest from the list below. Don’t see a question you’d like answered? Let us know!
|
How do I choose a lot?
Think about your lifestyle and ask yourself the following; is the location centrally located for my family’s needs? Is the subdivision attractive and well maintained and do I like driving through there? When I pull up to my lot, do I like the surrounding homes or other attractions? Is the price right? Will the orientation to the sun work for me in winter and summer? Is there a homeowners association and what is the yearly cost? Are items included with the HOA fees such as irrigation water? Are there other amenities such as a pool and park? How do building department fees and taxes compare to other nearby cities. Are there any other possible red flags about the lot that could present a problem such as; is it located in a flood plain or near a sewer treatment plant or near a high traffic area or school? Are there any issues that would prevent us from building the size home we are considering? Have you driven by at night to get a feel for the neighborhood? Once you eliminate all potential red flag issues and feel comfortable with the lot and it works with your budget, you are good to go forward.
|
Will Image Homes Build on My Lot?
Absolutely, you've found the perfect location … let us help you pick the perfect house. With our BUILD ON YOUR LOT PROGRAM you can choose from any one of our portfolio designs and customize the home to suite your families needs or we can custom design a home just for you. If you are looking for a lot, we maintain relationships with many local Realtors and Developers giving us access to the most current lot availability in the marketplace. So whether you own or need a lot, IMAGE HOMES is the best place to start the custom home building process.
|
Should I choose a home plan first or a lot first?
That depends on if the community is more important to you or the house design you wish to live in is and the current lot availability in those communities. Your IMAGE HOMES representative can help you best with the process, however, it is usually easier to choose which model you like first and then move to lot selection. Nevertheless, if you have your heart set on a particular lot and area, you should consider moving quickly to secure it.
|
How many plan designs do you have?
IMAGE HOMES is proud to offer over 30 current inventory floor plans for our customers to choose from. Many of our plans offer additional exterior elevations for additional choices for our customers. We have access to literally thousands of plans through our network of designers.
|
How quickly can I move into my new home?
Actual construction of the home takes just 90 days or less plus an additional 14 days on average for the design, selection and loan approval process and building department submittal period. Homes over 3,000 square feet may take longer, depending on the size of the home, custom amenities and weather conditions and current labor and material demand.
|
What's included in the sales price?
Each of our attractive home designs have specific included features based on extensive market research and local preferences. Please feel free to contact an IMAGE HOMES representative in order get the information you are looking for. All homes include generous standard allowances including; appliances, flooring, landscaping, other finishes and even a lot allowance based on your budget.
|
Can I customize any of the IMAGE HOMES stock portfolio floor plans?
One of the things that make’s IMAGE HOMES unique from most other Builders is that we encourage you to personalize and make your home uniquely yours!! Make your plan larger or smaller, move walls, make rooms larger or smaller, etc. We have lots of great ideas and multiple options for each of our floor plans, just ask us!
|
Where do you build?
IMAGE HOMES maintains good relationships with all developers throughout the Treasure Valley. If you have a particular development you are interested in, IMAGE HOMES will contact the developer and send them a current introduction/resume package. Most developers openly welcome quality builders to their subdivisions as long as the designs meet their qualifications.
|
Can I walk through an IMAGE HOMES floor plan?
Many of our customers are kind enough to open their homes to potential homeowners. Also, the floor plan you are looking for may be under construction at one of our sites or you can tour one of our completed homes.
|
What if we already have our own plans?
That’s great! IMAGE HOMES will present a complete and competitive bid package to you after meeting with you and getting all the specifics just as we would with one of our own designs. What’s great is; your home gets built with the same high quality and fast-track schedule we offer with our own plans plus our generous warranty package.
|
Can I finance my land in my home loan?
Most certainly! Most lenders, including our partner lenders, allow and encourage land/home packages. This dispels the misconception that you must own your land outright to build your new home on it! We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about your property.
|
Is it a good idea to know our buying power before looking for a new home?
In order for you to make a sound buying decision, one of the first things you need to know is how much home you can afford. Your Lender can assist you in finding out how much buying power you have.
|
How do I find the cost of the available options you offer?
IMAGE HOMES will package a personalized price quote to show you exact costs on options you want to include in your new home!
|
Do you use name brand products?
We use tried and true name-brand products that have historically shown superior performance for our Homeowners. Some of the names include; Moen, Kohler, Mohawk, Shaw, Armstrong, Formica, Wilson Art, Kitchen Aid, Sherwin Williams, Tyvek, Masonite, Milgard, Broan, Owens Corning, Wayne Dalton, James Hardie, Weyerhaeuser, GAF Roofing, Kwikset, Schlage, and the list goes on.
|
What architectural interior designs styles do you specialize in and will I be able to customize my home?
At IMAGE HOMES, we look forward to any and all interior design challenges. We love any style from metro-modern to old world and traditional to transitional. We offer several programs to match your budget that allows you to work closely with any one of our interior design specialists or color coordinators. Your new home will be built according to your personality and style. Personalized choices include floor plan, elevation, siding, brick or stone work, windows, cabinetry, countertops, wall colors, faucets, flooring, plus many more choices! And you won’t be on your own. Your Design Consultant will guide you through the process. You’ll find top brand names and lots of samples to help make building your dream home a pleasant experience.
|
Do you warrant your new homes?
Absolutely! IMAGE HOMES follows the Limited Warranty and Performance Standards prescribed by the State of Idaho Contractors Board. We also offer to our Buyers several different optional extended warranty programs.
|
Is IMAGE HOMES registered to build in Idaho?
Yes, IMAGE HOMES is registered (RTC-20953) as a contractor to build your home in Idaho. All homebuilders are required to be registered with the Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licensing (IBOL) in order to build homes here in Idaho. All licensing and contractor questions can be addressed at the IBOL web site: www.ibol.idaho.gov
|
Do you offer financing?
IMAGE HOMES is not a mortgage lender; however, we do have established relationships with both banks and mortgage brokers which allow us to assist our customers in arranging financing. They strive to assure that their rates and fees are competitive and our customers are always given the option of providing their own financing.
|
When does construction begin?
Although we share your excitement in starting your new home, there are several requirements that must be satisfied prior to commencing the construction phase. The most basic of these requirements are the following:
1. Drafting and receiving final customer approval of building design plans.
2. Sub-division architectural approval, if applicable.
3. Satisfaction of local government approval for building permits and septic tank, if applicable.
4. Close the construction loan or collect a 20% down payment from cash customers and start construction.
|
Can I build my new home if I have a home to sell?
That is based on your good credit. A great number of our customers do so. Most lending institutions have no problem with doing loans for the new home as long as the customer financially qualifies to do so. Typically during the construction process the customer is only making interest payments for the amount of work completed on their new home so they are not making two house payments during the construction phase of their loan. Many of our customers only want to move once so they'll put their existing home up for sale when the new one is nearing completion! Check with your Lender for more information.
|
Will IMAGE HOMES remodel a home we are selling or our current home if we decide not to build a home?
Yes. IMAGE HOMES offers remodeling services to those who are interested in renovating or updating their current home. We will meet you at your home to discuss your ideas and provide you with a free job estimate.
|
Can you supply a list of references that I can contact?
Absolutely, at your request we will provide you with a list of homeowner references. In fact, we encourage prospective clients to contact several of our homeowners for feedback on their personal experiences with us. We are very proud of our quality craftsmanship, our attention to detail and building personal relationships during the construction process, which we maintain through warranty and beyond. But don’t just take our word for it, ask our clients!
|
What sets IMAGE HOMES apart from other Builders?
In the Treasure Valley, we realize that Homebuyers have many highly qualified builders to choose from. That’s why IMAGE HOMES works hard to show Buyers the difference between IMAGE HOMES and our competitors. For one thing, we are a true custom builder. In an era with potentially unlimited selection options, we will not restrict our customers to have to settle on only two or three color or material selections or something with which they are not completely satisfied. We will make every effort to find the best solution to any need or request a buyer may have. When you build with IMAGE HOMES, you are getting a unique design that stands apart from other designs. We build each home using the same quality materials and subcontractors regardless of the size or cost of the home. Every home is built according to the specifications, budgets, tastes and lifestyles of each client so each one is uniquely different. In addition, our dedication does not end with construction; we continue to provide our customers with top-notch service during your warranty. Our creativity and passion is second to none and our goal is complete customer satisfaction.
|
What is the cost per square foot of an IMAGE HOME?
This is the most commonly asked question and the most difficult to accurately answer. Until we have had the opportunity to meet with you and determine the scope of the project, no builder could give you an accurate answer. Many factors affect your cost per square foot, such as the cost associated with the amenities you choose, the amount of covered porch area you’re considering, the community requirements, the topography of your lot, the need for a water well and/or septic system, the distance of your home from the street, whether or not you want a pool, outdoor kitchen, and the list goes on. We take the time up front to get to know you and understand your lifestyle. With this in mind and the budgetary goals identified, we walk you through the process and deliver a fixed price sheet that identifies all the components of cost associated with your project.
|
What price range does IMAGE HOMES build in?
IMAGE HOMES does not build in any particular price range. In fact we try to accommodate any budget big or small! Our ultimate goal is to work within your budget to build your dream home.
|
How much does it cost to bid my project?
IMAGE HOMES will meet, consult and bid your project free of charge with no strings attached. Our competitive bid will include detailed specifications that outline the materials and methods to be used to construct or remodel your home. There is nothing to lose by having IMAGE HOMES bid your project. In fact, you gain the peace of mind that you have researched and found the best builder for you.
|
Is it more expensive to build a custom home?
It is not necessarily more expensive to build a custom home. First of all, you control the amount of money spent and how it is allocated which allows you to build a home that meets your needs and specifications. Another thing to consider is your utility expenses. One benefit to building with IMAGE HOMES is we like to think green. We build our homes to be as energy efficient as possible by using Energy Star appliances, 2 x 6 wall framing and high R-value insulation, double pane low-e vinyl windows and much more. This means big savings in your homes operating costs.
|
Can I make changes during construction?
Yes. The process of making modifications during construction is quite common and is called a “Change Order”. This is the nature of true custom building. Modifications can be in the form of additional work or deleted items. If items are deleted, this shows up on the change order as a credit back to the homeowner. When the change order is written up for extra work, the additional amount must be approved by the homeowner before the extra work takes place.
|
How do I make my selections?
IMAGE HOMES has simplified the process by having standard selections at our suppliers’ showrooms. It is important to note that you are not limited to these standards, this is merely a starting point used to streamline the process. With the assistance of our decorating consultant and/or an IMAGE HOMES representative, you will comfortably make your final selections for your home.
|
Can I schedule a tour an IMAGE HOME?
Yes. We would love the opportunity to walk you through a finished home or a home under construction. In fact this is the best way for us to showcase our quality craftsmanship and features from all stages. Call us @ 208.284.2181 or Email us at: ericimagehomes@gmail.com to make an appointment to tour one of our homes.
|
I have never experienced the building process of a custom home. What can I expect from IMAGE HOMES?
Most people might think of building a custom home as overwhelming. However, it is not as difficult as you might think. We have simplified the process of what’s involved in building a custom home. You’ll see why building a true custom home is easy, unique, exciting and a fast process. Our goal is to remove the stress of building a home by providing you personal service so that you are informed and all your questions are answered.
As an IMAGE HOME’S client, you will receive personal attention from the beginning to end and beyond. We will make sure that you are not only satisfied with your home, but that you are well taken care of in all aspects of home ownership. This does not stop with the closing of the home, but we extend our attention long after you have moved into your home. Just ask our previous clients …
|
Do you offer basements, bonus rooms and RV garages?
Absolutely, most of our plans can be adjusted to allow for any of the additions mentioned.
|
May I hire a home inspector to check my new home?
Absolutely, we're not only proud of the quality and workmanship we put in every home, we're confident that your home inspector will tell you that you've bought a well constructed home upon completion of the inspection.
|
How will I be involved during construction?
You can be involved as much as you want or leave it up to us. Some homebuyers prefer to have weekly meetings or more and others prefer to have questions answered by email or phone. We will have a prepared list of questions along the way, some can be answered at our weekly meeting and some can be answered by email. We are happy to walk the home with you anytime and are available to answer any questions that you might have.
|
Does IMAGE HOMES build with energy efficiency in mind?
Absolutely we do. Because of better windows, more efficient heating and cooling equipment, better control of air infiltration, using thicker exterior walls and greater use of insulation, new homes consume one third to one half as much energy as homes built prior to 1980. IMAGE HOMES builds Energy Star Certified homes and offers conventionally built homes as well. As more green and energy saving technology becomes available to builders and the new home market here in Idaho, IMAGE HOMES will be utilizing those new products in an effort to build a better home with energy savings and the environment in mind.
|
|
