When the custom home builder contract work is completed, your custom home builder contractor is required to give you a written invoice. This must include:

• The name and physical address of the custom home builder contractor
• A list of all work performed, including the warranty
• An itemized list of all merchandise purchased or included
• The total custom home builder project cost, including the amount charged for labor, if any

Before the custom home builder contractor leaves, confirm any warranties offered by the custom home builder contractor in Santa Clara County, including the larger cities of San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Mountain View, and Milpitas. The written warranty document must detail the following:

• Your responsibility in the case of a problem with the building project and what you need to do in order to redeem the warranty.
• If the custom home builder contractor warranty coverage is transferrable to the new owner in the event that you sell the home or building in which the contractor has designed and built.

Custom home builder contractors in Santa Clara County, including the larger cities of San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Mountain View, and Milpitas, provide all types of custom home projects. Following is a list of the most popular requests.

Custom green homes
Green homes are built using a process that is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout the building's life-cycle. This "green" process includes design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition. The purpose of a "green" home is to reduce the overall impact of the home on the human health and natural environment.

Custom modular homes
These are buildings used for commercial purposes that are portable and cost-effective. Modular buildings are pre-constructed in a factory or other manufacturing site and then transported to the assembly site.

Custom A-frame homes
A-frame houses feature steeply-angled sides that usually begin at or near the foundation line and meet at the top, creating a home that looks like the letter A.

Custom Luxury homes
Luxury homes are high-end homes in affluent communities. The high-end status is determined by location, property entry, architecture, decor, decadent amenities, entertainment capability, grounds, etc.

Custom log homes
Log homes are structurally identical to log cabins because they are made from logs that have not been milled into conventional lumber.

Custom vacation homes
This is a home that is used seasonally as a vacation residence rather than being lived in year round.

Split-level custom homes
A split-level home is similar to a ranch home. It features three levels of living space on a floor plan that makes economical use of the building lot.

Chalet-style custom homes
Reminiscent of homes on alpine ski slopes, chalet style homes are rustic homes based on Swiss alpine cottages. They have a rectangular shape, big lofts, large windows, and steep gabled roofs.

Below are key custom home building terms and descriptions that will help you navigate your way through your custom home construction project.

architects
When designing a new home or business project, the architect is in charge of creating a draft of the actual design of the home, addition, remodeling, or building project.

Also known as: architect jobs, architect, shop architects, interior architects

blueprint
A blueprint is a paper reproduction of an architectural design. Usually these paper drawings are on white paper with blue lines but it is a generic term for any detailed architectural design.

Also known as: the blueprint, blueprints, half pipe blueprints, hosue blue prints, blue print maker

change order
A written order to the contractor that details changes to the specified work quantities or modifications that are in the original contract.

Also known as: construction change order form, change order request form, change order form template

custom bathroom renovations
This is a reference to improving a home by remodeling a bathroom in order to make it more modern and up to date.

custom home designs
Custom home designs are designs for home that are modern and unique.

Also known as: custom home plans, home designs, custom designed homes, luxury home designs, custom design homes, small home designs, new custom homes, custom home construction, contemporary home designs

custom home floor plans
These are not stock floor plans that have been modified by a builder by making simple changes such as adding or changing a doorway. These are, rather, unique plans that have been drawn up by an architect or professional designer after they have meet with the client and viewed the property where the home will be built in order to more effectively design a home specifically constructed for the client.

designers
Designers have expertise in certain areas of home remodeling and decor, such as kitchens or bathrooms.

dry wall construction
This is a type of construction in which the interior wall finish is applied in a dry condition. This is generally in the form of sheet materials or wood paneling.

Also known as: construction dry wall, dry wall, drywall contractors, dry stone wall construction, drywall installation, drywall contractors

generalcontractors
General contractors manage all aspects of a project. This includes hiring and supervising subcontractors, obtaining materials and building permits, and scheduling inspections.

Also known as: certified general contractors, association of general contractors

home design-build services
This is a reference to a project delivery system used in the construction industry. In this method, the design and construction services are contracted by a single contractor or business known as the design-build contractor to build a home.

home floor plans
This is the blueprint or design for a home that is typically drawn up by an architect.

Also known as: luxury home floor plans, log home floor plans, ranch home floor plans, small home floor plans, home floor plans free, modular home floor plans

licensedarchitects
Architects who have met the standards for licensing by the California Architects Board are licensed. This includes completion of the two state-run intern development programs known as CIDP and IDP; completion of the Architect Registration Examination; and completion of the oral examination known as the CSE.

specialty contractors
Specialty contractors install particular aspects of a project such as the plumbing or electrical work.

standard bid
The traditional cost that is associated with the materials and labor needed to construct the project.

Subcontractor
Any constructor who contracts to perform parts of the work of a project that the original contractor contacted to do.

Also known as: subcontractor agreement template, subcontractor agreement, subcontractor agreement form, sample subcontractor agreement, subcontractor agreement, subcontractor agreement construction, subcontractors insurance, insurance for subcontractors

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified custom home builder contractor?
A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a custom home builder with confidence by offering a list of top-rated local companies who have passed the country's most in-depth rating process. Only custom home builder contractors rated Highest in Quality earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can't pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. So you'll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified custom home builder contractor.

Q: How long will it take to build my new custom built home?
A: Building times vary based on lot conditions, the complexity of the home, location and many factors that arise at times. Most custom home builder contractors are able to complete the majority of homes in a timely manner. Typically, it takes 3-6 months to build a new home once the footing is poured.

Q: Is it possible to use a specific custom home builder contractor yet retain competitive prices?
A: The answer is yes because typically contractors agree to provide a complete custom home construction project on a guaranteed maximum basis. They will agree to charge a set amount for a project and no more, assuming the scope does not change. If the costs are less than originally estimated, savings are passed on to the client on a pre-agreed basis.

Q: Once my home is under construction, can I make changes?
A: Chances that are made during the construction process can have a negative impact on the construction of your home. It is strongly encouraged that you design your home exactly how you want it at the point of sale. However, change orders may be accepted on a case by case basis during the actual construction. Be aware that these change orders may increase the overall cost of your home considerably.

Q: Why do so many people have home construction nightmares?
A: If you analyze most home construction nightmares, you will find a single common theme: the client was seduced by the lowest bid. If you are shopping for a television and you accurately compare the same model, size, and features, not much will go wrong if you buy the less expensive television. However, this is not the case when comparing construction builders. Every builder builds differently. For this reason, you should always do your homework and make sure you research any custom home builder contractor before you sign the final contract.

Q: What effect does the weather have on my home's building materials?
A: Most every home that is being built is rained on or snowed on during construction. These weather conditions will not affect the quality or strength of your home.

Q: How long will my construction project take to complete?
A: That depends on the job. When you meet with your contractor, they should be able to fairly accurately determine an estimated end date.

Q: Do custom home builder contractors operate a clean worksite?
A: It is a good idea to check the work of a design/build contractor before hiring to see if, in fact, they operate clean worksite. Check to see if they use floor protectors and put plastic sheets for dust containment. Note if there is a line item in the contract that includes jobsite setup, cleanup, and portable facilities.

Q: What are the benefits of owning my own home?
A: The benefits include paying toward your own home rather than paying for someone else's home ownership. Over time, houses usually increase in value, thus increasing your net worth. If your new home is financed, then the finance charges are tax deductible.

Q: How can I minimize the problems associated with a custom home construction project?
A: The first step is to recognize that all construction problems can be reduced to issues of communication or money. Money is an issue regardless of your budget or wealth. Before the project begins, know what your contractor is charging you for overhead, markup, profit, and extras. Get a list of hourly rates. Know how his subcontractors charge him. Understand fully who pays if something goes wrong. Understand your warranties and guarantees. Write everything down in the contract. Regarding communication, never trust verbal communication on a construction project. Document every conversation that involves something being done to your custom built home.

Q: How do I know that a custom home builder contractor is not marking up your credit allowances?
A: A quality custom home construction firm will have open and transparent paperwork. They should be able to show you receipts for what has been purchased, including contractor discounts.

Q: Are estimates of custom home construction companies negotiable?
A: Generally they are not. A quality custom home builder contractor will give a fair estimate based on current market prices for your community. They may be able to work with you in lowering the overall cost by using different materials or coming up with a more efficient design.

Q: What is involved in preparing a site for building my custom home?
A: In order to be prepared for your home to be built on site, you will need to research any environmental and building ordinances and codes that may apply, clear the home site of trees and other debris, design septic/sewer issues, install a driveway and culvert, determine whether your lot has any shrink/swell soil conditions, and excavate if you are building a basement home.