FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here are the most common questions we get about custom homebuilding

Your Questions, Answered.

Where does Sims build?

We build homes in Houston and throughout its surrounding areas, including the Memorial Villages, Tanglewood, River Oaks, The Woodlands, West University, Bellaire, Sugar Land, and Fort Bend County. For the right project, we also travel 1-2 hours outside the Greater Houston area.

What is the cost of building a custom home?

This completely depends on the architectural design and desired finishes of the home. The most cost-efficient design for a home is a two-story stacked home with modest finishes. To achieve the most bang for your buck, you will want to build your team (Architect, Builder, and Interior Designer) very early in the process. All three partners will collaborate to ensure a home design that fits your family’s aesthetic, lifestyle, AND your desired budget.

What is the first step of the homebuilding process?

We recommend that you find your lot first. This allows us and the rest of your homebuilding team to make sure that your dream home is taking advantage of the best aspects of your lot. Not sure how to find a lot? Give us a call; we’d love to help.

For more information about the building process, download our free Essential Guide to Building Your Custom Home.

Who should I bring on first: the builder or the architect?

The short answer is: both! If you have an architect already in mind, awesome!! We’d love to work with them. If not, let us help you find an architect that fits the vision you have for your custom home. Learn more in this blog post.

Does sims have an in-house architect?

We do not have an in-house architect. Each of our homeowners has a unique vision or wish list for their custom home, so we work with a variety of highly talented architects who can help meet your specific needs and goals. Feel free to reach out to our team if you’re looking for architect referrals. There’s a good chance we can connect you with just the right fit.

What is the difference between semi-custom and truly custom homebuilders?

A semi-custom homebuilding company offers a variety of floor plans with slight customization options if desired. Finish selections like lighting, countertops, tile, flooring, etc. are also limited to what is in their specific showroom or design center. Because upgrades and change orders inevitably slow down a project, semi-custom homebuilding companies make some upgrades and change orders cost-prohibitive.

A custom home is designed and built from scratch. The design is original to you and your lot, and every inch of the home is built to your needs, tastes, and desires. Collaboration between yourself, your custom builder, architect, and interior designer results in a truly one-of-a-kind home. Finish selection options are not limited, although your builder should always guide you toward materials that stay within your desired budget.

How long does it take to build a custom home?

Depending on the size and complexity of the home, a general rule of thumb is 10 months to 2 years to build a truly custom home. It might be possible to complete a semi-custom home project in 6-8 months (with a great team and good luck) but for a fully customized home, it’s safe to assume that the build will require at least 10 months. Another thing to keep in mind is that the architectural design and pre-construction phases prior to construction generally take a combined 3 to 9 months before breaking ground. Click here to read more.

How long does it take to renovate a custom home?

Every custom home renovation is a one-of-a-kind project with its own unique challenges and variables. That means it will have its own schedule, with construction taking between 3 months and 9 months. Extensive whole-house renovations and additions can even take up to a year or so. An experienced custom builder will be able to look at your home and your desired project scope, then give you a reliable idea of how long your planned renovation should take. They will know which factors to consider, and where to build in some margin to allow time to cope with the inevitable surprises that come with any large-scale renovation project. Click here to read more.

What kind of renovation projects does Sims Luxury Builders specialize in?

Historically, we’ve taken on large-scale home renovations and additions. The difference between small-scale and large-scale refers to the scope and complexity of the project. While some remodelers specialize in single-room renovations, we excel at complex custom construction that affects several spaces of the home.  Typically, our renovations affect both the interior and exterior of the home and involve many moving parts, coordination between multiple trades, and thoughtful problem-solving throughout.

What kind of warranty does sims offer?

Our warranty covers all material and workmanship for 1 year. Plumbing, electrical & HVAC are warrantied for 2 years, and structural components carry a 10-year warranty. To learn more about builder warranties, visit this blog post.


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