Q: How much does it cost per square foot to construct a house?
A: This can vary greatly depending on the design you specify. Tract builders can quote a price per square foot because they build the same or similar house several times, and offer standard features. Each Johnson Custom Home is unique and custom-designed for our homeowners. Therefore, our homeowners determine the final price per square foot of their home, based upon what they decide they want their house to be. Our typical home costs run from $105.00 to $200.00 per sq. ft. We can give a accurate estimate once we have discussed the project.  

Q: What size homes does Johnson Custom Homes design and build?
A: We have completed homes ranging in size from 1,340 sq. ft. to over 5,000 sq. ft. The average home the past year has been between 1,500 and 4800 sq. ft.

Q: Do I have to sign a contract or pay a deposit to start a design plan?
A: No. Your time and genuine interest are all that is required. We are happy to design a basic floor plan for you at no obligation. Should you choose to have Johnson Custom Homes build your home, we will use that floor plan to generate a complete set of drawings for construction. We only ask that you return the floor plan should you choose to use another builder.

Q: Will Johnson Custom Homes build another designer's house plans?
A: Yes; however, we cannot modify or duplicate other plans unless arrangements have been made to purchase the copyright.

Q: Do we need an architect?
A: Typically not, unless you are building a particularly large or complicated home.(> 5,000 sq. ft)

Q: What if I don't like the design you prepare for me, or it's not quite right?
A: We will revise your plan as many times as needed until you are completely satisfied.

Q: How long does it take to design a custom home?
A: Usually the first draft floor plan takes only a couple of days. The final plans will take us 3 to 5 days to complete based on our work load. 

Q: Will you design a home if I haven't selected a lot or building site yet?
A: We prefer not to.  If you've decided that you would like us to design and build a house for you, but you haven't already purchased property, we are happy to assist you in finding a lot in a location you desire.

Q: Do you have available lots?
A: Yes and no. Recently, as we have purchased lots and/or land, they are gone very fast. We do list what is available on this site. If a customer has found a lot they like, we will purchase that lot for them and construct their home as a package deal. This requires a Contract that has a non-refundable deposit clause. 

Q: I have decided I want you to build me a home. What's my next step?
A: Assuming you have already purchased your property, or are interested in property we have available, just call call us and we'll schedule a meeting to discuss your project.

Q:  How long will it take to build my house?
A: It depends. The first part of building a house is design and permitting. The time-frame for this can vary widely depending complexity of the design, engineering, environmental considerations and the building jurisdiction you are in. The second part is the actual construction process, and this averages between 4 to 6 months depending on 1) your time-frame in product selection, 2) the weather, 3) the size and content of the home itself.

Q: How does financing work?
A: Typically, custom homes are a blend of savings, proceeds from the sale of a previous home and/or a construction loan. If you need assistance in securing financing, we can help you with bank contacts.

Q: When can we expect construction to begin after we sign the contract?
A: I schedule work on a first come-first served basis, as of the date a contract is signed, so this can change at any time, but I am usually about 2 or 3 months out on new construction starts.

Q: Can I make changes or upgrade materials during construction?
A: Yes. We welcome your ideas and input throughout the construction process, and we remain flexible and willing to accommodate changes. Depending upon the nature of the change, we might issue Change Order forms that both parties are required to sign. 

Q: During the construction process, do you provide progress reports to the homebuyer?
A: Weekly progress reports will be posted on this website, and you can always call us.

Q: Can we perform some of the work ourselves?
A: Yes. We can provide instruction on installation techniques, and we provide scheduling information well in advance.

Q: Is it necessary to have an outside company do a home inspection? 
A: It is not necessary to have an outside inspection upon completion of your new home. The house undergoes various inspections throughout construction, and it must meet and pass all Washington State and Local Building Codes before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.

Q: What is involved in 'Closing' on our Custom Built Home?
A: Closing on your new home, is the last step in the residential construction process. As your builder, we will set the date and time for your closing, inform you of the exact amount of money to bring and explain the settlement documents. At your closing, you'll sign the documents and pay your balance and any closing costs. You'll need to bring a cashier's or certified check for this purpose. Lastly, you'll get the keys to your new custom built home.

Q: I want to be my own general contractor. Can I get a bid from you on a specific part of the job?
A: Sometimes a customer acts as his/her own general contractor and hires out specific tasks to subcontractors. We have worked this way on a bid basis or on an hourly basis.

Q: I need help getting started. Can I hire you as a consultant to help me get my plans and permits and then put it out to bid to other contractors?
A: We have offered consulting services in the past.

Q: Do you do remodels and additions?
A: Yes. However, we are primarily a custom home builder.

Q: What counties do we build in?
A: In Western Washington we have built in Lewis, Thurston, Grays Harbor, Mason and Pierce Counties. In Eastern Washington we have built in Grant County.

                                                                   - Johnson Custom Homes -