Q: Should I buy land before contacting a builder, or talk to a builder before I buy land?
A: As a custom home builder, our business model is such that we generally work with clients who already own land and we build on their lot. However, it can be advantageous to contact a builder while you’re still researching land, as he can help you get a better idea of the kind of land you’ll want to build on. Ultimately though, the land you end up with will dictate much about your home’s design. So while it may be obvious that we can’t start building a home until you have a place to build it, what might not be so obvious—but is just as important to know—that we really can’t design a home either until we know exactly what kind of building conditions we’ll have.
All that to say that generally, you will want to own land before you start talking to a builder about design and pricing. If you’re interested, we can work with you and one of our lending partners to bundle your loan for the land and your construction loan, so feel free to contact us if that’s what you’d like to do. Also, if you don’t have a Realtor yet, feel free to contact us and we’ll connect you with one of our preferred real estate agents who can help you find land.
Q: Does it cost more to build a custom home than a pre-built home?
A: It doesn’t have to. As long as you’re making a true apples-to-apples comparison, there’s no good reason why a custom home would have to cost any more than a pre-built home. If you want venetian plaster for a wall covering, we can do that. If you want a simple coat of hand-troweled texture and paint, we can do that too. When we say custom, you should think “a home that’s made just for me.”
Q: Can I do some of the work on my home myself to save money?
A:Many people overestimate the way costs are calculated when building a home, so they think that if they take a small portion of the work off the General Contractor’s plate, big bucks can be saved. In truth, there’s really very little savings to be had by the kinds of tasks a home owner can bring to the table. Plus, it’s also important to remember that we as a builder are liable to build everything properly, and put a warranty on all of our work, so if we make a mistake, we fix it, at our cost. Whereas, if a home owner makes even a very small mistake, any of the intended costs savings could be lost, and the home owner would be liable to fix the mistake.
Q: Do you have a model home or showroom I can drop by?
A: Since we are a custom builder, we don’t have a model home for you to drop by, and we don’t have a showroom of products. The main reason we don’t have a model home is simple: we don’t build spec homes; only homes for clients we’ve gone under contract with. However, we have a great office of Clements Ferry Road that you can make an appointment so we can show you some of the houses we’ve built in the past, just contact us at your convenience.
Q. What if I have a vision of the home I want but don’t know where to start?
A. We’re proud to offer an architect we work with directly on all of our homes. Don’t be afraid to bring in samples of homes you like, certain fixtures and colors that are appealing to you and your overall ideas to help us create the home of your dreams.
Q: How long does it take to build a custom home?
A: The timeline for building a custom home can vary based on factors such as design complexity, permitting, weather conditions, and material availability. On average, a custom home takes between 9 to 12 months from groundbreaking to completion. However, larger or more intricate designs may take longer. We prioritize quality and transparency throughout the process, keeping you informed at every stage.
Q: Can I modify my home design during construction?
A: While we strive to finalize all design decisions before construction begins, we understand that sometimes adjustments are needed. Small changes may be possible, depending on the stage of construction, but major design modifications could impact the timeline and cost. We work closely with our clients to ensure all preferences are addressed early in the process to minimize disruptions.
Q: What features can I include to make my home more energy-efficient?
A: Coastal Cottages integrates energy-efficient building practices into every home. We offer features such as high-performance insulation, impact-rated windows, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and smart home technology to help reduce energy consumption and enhance comfort. Our team can also guide you through solar panel options, tankless water heaters, and other sustainable solutions to optimize your home’s efficiency.
Q: Do you only build in Charleston, or do you service other areas?
A: While Charleston is our primary service area, we also build in surrounding Lowcountry communities, including Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Kiawah Island, and beyond. If you’re unsure whether your location falls within our range, feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to discuss your project.
Q: What sets Coastal Cottages apart from other custom home builders?
A: Coastal Cottages is built on a foundation of integrity, craftsmanship, and personalized service. With over 40 years of industry experience, we bring an unmatched level of expertise to every project. Our hands-on approach ensures that each home is thoughtfully designed and built to reflect our client’s unique vision while embracing the charm and functionality of coastal living. From our attention to detail and quality materials to our seamless, client-focused process, we go above and beyond to create exceptional homes that stand the test of time.
...We have worked with John and the team at Coastal Cottages on multiple projects. John is extremely direct and transparent throughout the experience. I really appreciate the companies honesty, commitment to quality, and customer service.