Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the frequently asked questions that people ask.
Can I build my own home?
Yes. It’s not rocket science, but there is a process to follow.
BlueSky Consulting & Construction Services guides owner-builders every step of the way from cocktail napkin sketch to final move-in.
What are the first steps to take in building my own house?
We are so glad you asked! The first steps may not be what you think.
You can only start where you are. It is never too early for a no-obligation initial consultation.
Bringing on an experienced consultant early in the planning process can get you started off on the right path and save time and money.
How much can I save with BlueSky?
Think of it as Retail vs. Wholesale. A Builder will typically charge 20% - 30%.
The Blue Sky Consulting Fee is a flat fee based on square footage that typically comes to 4% - 7%. Calculated savings realized for a recent client was $120,000.
How much does it cost to build a house?
This is a question that we hear often, but impossible to answer. It's like asking “how much does a car cost?”.
There are many variables, such as size and finishes. Part of the BlueSky pre-con phase is a feasibility study that will tell us how much it costs to build a house.
What Role does BlueSky Play?
We provide the construction experience. We have access to needed resources such as suppliers, subcontractors and financial providers. And we pass our builder discounts on to you.
We are your step-by-step guide through the planning and construction process. It's like having a project manager in your back pocket.
Does BlueSky have subcontractors, or can I use my own?
At BlueSky, we can refer you to subcontractors that we and our clients have worked with in the past. But you are in charge and will make the decision. Our role here is to guide you in vetting the subcontractors.
Who pays the bills?
You pay the bills. Your BlueSky Consultant can review the invoices before payment.
You control the money and monitor costs as the project progresses, providing total transparency. BlueSky has no markups or hidden costs.
How do I get a construction loan?
Many banks do not make construction loans for Owner-Builders. We have a relationship with a number of lenders who are happy to make construction loans to our clients because they have witnessed the success of hundreds of our projects.
Do I need a contractor license to build my own house?
No. A contractor license is not needed to build a home in Texas.
However, a lender will require a "builder of record" for the construction loan. That's where we come in.
Won’t it be a full-time job running my own project?
No. On the average, most of our clients spend 2-3 hours a day making calls, paying bills and checking the work on their project.
I’m not handy at all. Does that matter?
No. With the BlueSky process, most of our clients do very little physical work.
They use everyday business tools; phone, computer, and a day planner, to manage their project.
Can I build my own home if I don’t have any building experience?
Yes. 95% of our clients have no building experience at all, and they do just fine because their BlueSky Construction Consultant is there providing advice every step of the way.
When should I start?
As you probably know, the market can be volatile. Whether you are thinking of building in a few years or a few months, it is important to understand what effect waiting has on the cost of your project.
In some areas, these cost factors will be much higher than others. That may influence your decision to start planning and building sooner.
You could pay thousands of dollars more for your home two years from now than if you started the planning and building process now.
Does BlueSky include home plans?
Each owner-builder and each custom home is unique, so we do not provide plans. However, you can take advantage of our relationship with qualified architects and designers.
We will connect you with local professionals who will work very closely with you and your BlueSky consultant as your plans are developed. Your consultant may also make suggestions during the design process to keep you on budget and help you build a better home.
I don’t want a cookie-cutter house. Can I build something totally unique to fit my family’s needs?
Yes! Every family is unique with different wants and needs.
The family home should be designed to meet those individual needs. BlueSky can help you plan the perfect custom home for your family.
With BlueSky, you do it your way!
Take this opportunity to contact our office, meet with your consultant and discuss your proposed project. Go over your budget and let them provide guidance in determining your next steps. This will help you make an informed decision on when to start building.
If you don't see your question here, contact us at 832-990-0200 or use the form at the top of the page. Patrick will be happy to get back with you.
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