Building a custom home comes with a lot of questions, and that’s a good thing. The more you understand about the process, the more confident you’ll feel about the decisions ahead. Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most often.
How does the custom home building process work?
It starts with a conversation. We’ll talk about what you’re looking for, where you are in the process, and what your timeline looks like. From there, we help you work through land evaluation, design, budgeting, and permitting before construction ever begins. Once we break ground, ARoy Builders manages every phase of the build from foundation to final walkthrough. You’ll have a clear picture of what’s happening and what’s coming next throughout the entire project.
Do I need to own land before I contact you?
No. Some of our clients come to us with land already purchased, and others are still searching. If you haven’t found your lot yet, we can help you evaluate parcels based on soil conditions, grading, access, zoning, and how your future home will sit on the property. Getting your builder involved early in the land decision can save you from costly surprises down the road.
What areas of New Hampshire do you build in?
ARoy Builders serves Southern NH, the Seacoast, and the Lakes Region. If you’re not sure whether your town falls within our service area, just reach out and we’ll let you know.
How long does it take to build a custom home?
Most custom homes take between 6 and 12 months to build, depending on the size, complexity, and time of year. That timeline generally doesn’t include the design and permitting phase, which can add a couple months on the front end. We’ll give you a realistic schedule before construction begins and keep you updated along the way so there are no surprises.
How much does it cost to build a custom home?
Every home is different, so there’s no single answer. The cost depends on the size of the home, the level of finishes, site conditions, and your specific design choices. What we can tell you is that ARoy Builders uses lump sum pricing, which means you’ll receive one clear number for the entire project before we start. Allowances for items like cabinetry, appliances, and finishes are built into that price and clearly explained in your contract, so you’ll understand exactly what’s included and how your selections affect the bottom line.
What is the cost per square foot to build a custom home?
Most people ask this question because they want a quick way to estimate what their new home might cost. That makes sense, but a single cost-per-square-foot number can actually be misleading when you’re building a custom home.
Every room in your home has a different cost per square foot. A bathroom requires tile, waterproofing, moisture-resistant drywall and paint. A garage needs fire-rated drywall, taller walls, and a concrete slab. A living room might have hardwood floors, standard drywall and a tall vaulted ceiling. If you added the same 100 square feet to each of those rooms, the cost would be different every time. Even the direction you add space matters. Making a room longer might just mean more of the same materials, but making it wider can change the structural requirements, which can mean more expensive framing.
That’s why we don’t use a cost-per-square-foot estimate, and we’d encourage you to be cautious about comparing builders based on that number alone. The better questions to ask are how a builder prices their work, what’s included in that price, how they communicate throughout the project, and what kind of experience you can expect from start to finish. Those are the things that determine whether you’re getting real value from your investment.
We price your home based on your actual design, your specific finishes, and your site conditions so the number you receive reflects what your home will actually cost to build.
What is lump sum pricing?
Lump sum pricing means we quote your entire project as a single price that covers every phase of construction. Allowances for specific items like cabinetry, trim, appliances, and other finishes are included within that number and clearly outlined in your contract documents. This gives you a clear picture of your total investment from the start, so you can plan with confidence.
What makes ARoy Builders different from other custom home builders?
ARoy Builders was founded by a second-generation carpenter and general contractor who personally built dozens of homes before becoming a GC. That hands-on background shapes everything we do, from the materials we choose to how we manage your project. We follow a “slightly over-built” philosophy, meaning your home will exceed code, not just meet it. We also plant trees through various charities and organizations with every home we build, source materials locally whenever possible, and back every project with a one-year warranty and a personal 6-month check-in after you move in.
Will I be able to make changes during construction?
Yes, within reason. Changes happen on almost every custom home project, and we handle them openly. If you want to adjust something during the build, we’ll talk through how it affects the budget and timeline so you can make an informed decision. No surprises, no pressure.
How involved will I be during the build?
As involved as you want to be. Some clients like frequent site visits and regular photo updates. Others prefer to check in at key milestones and trust the process. Either way, you’ll always know where things stand. Communication is one of the most consistent things our clients praise about working with us, and we take that seriously.
Do you handle the design, or do I need to hire an architect?
ARoy Builders partners with experienced local design professionals who understand how to turn your priorities into a plan that works. You don’t need to show up with blueprints in hand. We’ll help connect you with a local architect and we work as a team to create a home built around your lifestyle, your routines, and how your family actually lives day to day.
What happens after the home is finished?
Our relationship doesn’t end at the final walkthrough. Every home we build comes with a one-year warranty. We also schedule a personal 6-month check-in after you move in to see how everything is holding up and address anything that needs attention. Building a home is a big investment, and we want you to feel supported long after you’ve settled in.
Is ARoy Builders insured?
Yes. ARoy Builders carries full liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, and workers’ compensation coverage. We’re happy to provide documentation if you or your lender need it.
What does “eco-conscious building” mean at ARoy Builders?
It means we think about the environmental impact of every home we build and look for ways to reduce it. We plant trees through various charities and organizations with each project, source materials locally whenever possible, and focus on reducing waste throughout the build. We also hold a Certified Green Professional designation through the National Association of Home Builders. If you’re interested in solar panels, energy-efficient systems, or backup battery storage, we have experience with all of those and can walk you through your options.
How do I get started?
Just reach out. Tell us a little about the home you have in mind, and we’ll set up a time to talk. There’s no commitment and no pressure. The first step is simply a conversation. Click Here to Get in Touch
