Dream it.

It all begins with an idea. Our model, our model modified or your custom plans, The process can feel overwhelming, but we have the experience to navigate the waters and direct you to your dream.

Finance it

If this is your first time building a new home, you are probably wondering how you will finance the project, pay your builder, his suppliers and acquire a mortgage at the end of the process.  We can help make things easier to understand.

A construction loan is usually a loan that encompasses the lot and the house and is paid out into small chunks called “draws”.  As J & A Builders completes certain phases, the banker or bank’s inspection service will inspect the work to ensure that they are paying for only what is completed or partially completed, and pay out for those items in a “draw”.  The draws traditionally add up to the total amount of the construction loan. So when you borrow, for example, $200,000 to build your new home, you are not really borrowing $200,000 the day you sign the papers. You are signing to borrow up to that amount, and J & A Builders will “draw” on that amount each time we reach a milestone or specific timeframe. Some builders draw on a specific date (say the 1st of every month) and others draw at key milestones. On most of our projects, we draw at the following milestones:

• Completion of Foundation/Sitework

• Completion of Framing

• Completion of Rough-Ins (Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing)

• Completion of Drywall

• Completion of Home

Draws may vary depending on the size and complexity of the home, but four to five draws are typical in the majority of our builds.

Most construction loans are made through local community banks. Your average large national bank such as Bank of America or Chase do not typically engage in construction loans. J & A Builders has great relationships with several local lenders who can help you finance construction. These local lenders will typically offer a two-part approach to your loan. The first part of the loan will be a construction loan, which will allow you to purchase your lot and/or begin construction. This loan is interest only and can, in many circumstances be rolled into the cost of the home. If you are living in your current home or renting a temporary home, you obviously don’t want to have two housing payments. This is why the construction loan is made interest only and can sometimes be rolled into the cost of building the home. That way you’re not making two payments every month for 4-8 months while you build your new home.

 When the home is completed, the construction lender will typically roll-over your loan into a “perm” or permanent loan which is your typical 15 or 30 year fixed rate mortgage. Rates are usually the same and at this time your typical “closing costs” will occur. Many times, the construction loan is opened without any money or minimal money down. However, each and every person’s financial situation is different and J & A Builders and your lender can help guide you through the process.

Build it.

Let the excitement begin! Once a contract has been signed, the financing approved and the permit ready; we break ground. To us, the construction phase is truly an exciting time – it’s the stage that we refer to as the fun part! Why? Because a lot of time has been spent during the pre-construction stages ensuring that everyone involved has crossed their T’s and dotted their I’s, and the only thing left by the time we reach this stage of the game, is to have fun.
• Pull permits and begin construction
• Periodic milestone meetings
• Confirm pre-construction selections
• Complete Construction
• Perform Home Owner Orientation
• Finalize accounting and transfer keys

Construction of a client’s custom home or renovation requires a well-coordinated effort by all parties involved. Therefore, we will effectively facilitate every step of the construction process through our extensive expertise and a series of client milestone and periodic meetings. The client meetings are designed to review progress and confirm prior selections.
Communications, whether by e-mail, fax or telephone, are vital for a successful home building experience. Therefore, J & A Builders also establishes service levels to ensure that client concerns and/or questions are addressed within a day, if not within hours.

Live it.

Whether a vacation home or your forever home, it’s now time to move in and make it yours. Congratulations!