Custom Home FAQs
General
What does it mean to be an off-site home builder?
We will build on a homesite you already own or help in your search to acquire a homesite to build on.
Where do you build?
Throughout the Jacksonville Metro area - Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beaches, Ponte Vedra, Ponte Vedra Beach, Palm Valley, St. Augustine, Fernandina Beach and St. Johns County. If you own a homesite somewhere other than these locations, fill out our contact us form or give us a call, so we can determine if we can help!
What should my expectations be on the cost of a new luxury custom home?
Our custom homes range between $1 million to $6 million and up.
Do you have homes available now?
Please check our Available Inventory page to see any current homes available now and homes under construction.
What are customers saying about Collins Builders?
Financing
What lender programs are available to me?
There’s a plethora of loan options available to our clients through our preferred lenders. Contact one of our lenders today to find out which program is best for your specific needs.
What is construction to perm financing?
A Construction-to-Permanent mortgage (CP loan) is a three-stage mortgage that allows you to finance the construction of your new home. Read more: Understanding the CP process PDF
What if I am a cash buyer?
Collins Builders has performed many cash transactions throughout the years and we have a seamless process to protect our clients during the transaction. Contact us today for more information on a cash purchase.
Who are your preferred lenders?
We have two preferred lenders that have worked hard to earn our client’s business over many years. These seasoned construction to perm specialists are:
Ian B. MacDonald with Regions Mortgage: ian.macdonald@regions.com (904) 626-0353
John Robinson with VyStar Credit Union: Robinsonj2@vystarcu.org (904) 866-3069
Contact our representatives today to get started on your loan!
Why should I use one of your preferred lenders?
Both our teams have a long-standing relationship with flawless communication. They make the process smooth and easy for our clients and will be sure to get you to closing on time. *Fees apply if choosing an alternative lender
Sales Process
Should I talk to a builder before purchasing a homesite?
Yes! We will assist you in developing your homesite. Our team will evaluate your property and provide a homesite assessment.
What if I already own a homesite?
If you own a homesite already, we can help you determine area costs and building costs.
How do I determine my budget?
You need to get pre-qualified by a lender. See more information on Financing FAQs.
What is the cost per square foot?
The cost per square foot depends on number of stories, the architectural style and interior selections and design.
After I decide to build with Collins Builders, what is the next step in the process?
Upon execution of your Architectural Design contract, our in-house design team or designer will begin.
In-house Architectural Design
Should I reach out to an architectural firm to provide me with a floor plan?
What are the benefits of having an in-house architectural plan designer?
You will receive your custom floor plan back sooner and spend less money on creating your plan with an in-house architect. We can stay aware of your budget while designing your plan, whereas an architectural firm cannot do the same. Being in-house means better communication between the sales team, the architect and the interior designer, which makes for a smoother process for our customers.
How long does it take to get my architectural plans back?
Collins Builders offers in-house architectural design to save you time and money. You can expect your custom floor plans to be created in 4-6 months, on average.
If I choose a floor plan from your website, can I customize it to my needs?
Absolutely. We can add/take out bedrooms or bathrooms, extend or compress room sizes, switch around room locations, change square footage and more. As long as you like the structural design of the floor plan, we can customize to your needs.
In-house Interior Design
How does it benefit me to have an in-house Interior Designer?
Our expert designer is on-hand to help you with every detail of your new home. With 20+ years of experience, you will be working side-by-side with a true professional to turn your dream home into a reality. Not only are we up to date on current styles and trends, we will take your lifestyle, interests, and needs into account while helping you design your masterpiece. Having an in-house interior designer means better communication between the sales, architectural and design processes to ensure everything runs smoothly for our customers.
How do I prepare for my Design Center appointment?
Collins Builders’ Pinterest page is a great place to start! You can preview our previous home projects, what’s trending now and get ideas for your dream home.
How can I be sure you have all the features and fixtures I want in my new home?
Our team will create a very detailed, project-specific specification manual for you, which includes all of the features and products that will be included for your custom project. Of course, additional opportunities to personalize finishes and selection details will be available during your interior design appointments with out in-house interior designer.
Construction Process
How long does the construction process take?
Timing depends on the size and detail of the project, but homes are typically completed between 12 months and 24 months from commencement of construction. You will be given a timeline of what to expect when your home starts to be built.
Who will be building my home?
We have a team of skilled project managers and a construction manager that will oversee the entire home building process. Each project manager has only 2 or 3 homes that they manage at a time. This is to ensure a high level of customer service, an appropriate amount of communication with customers and daily supervision of your new home down to every last detail.
Do I have to contact someone to see my home during the construction process?
Yes, for safety reasons we ask that you schedule an appointment so that we can be available and ensure that the site is safe.
What happens after completion of my new home?
You will receive homeowner documents and your new keys after your final walkthrough and orientation. From there, you will be easily transitioned to our warranty department.
Warranty
How long does my warranty last?
We offer a three-part warranty – 1 year workmanship, 2 year systems and 10 year structural.
What does my warranty cover?
Collins Builders provides a three-part warranty (one year workmanship, 2 year distribution systems and ten year structural), which is administered by 2-10.com. A copy of this warranty will be provided prior to contract, as well as part of your warranty package at the completion of your project.
Why should I go through the warranty number instead of reaching out to my project manager?
Going through the Collins Builders’ warranty email ensures tracking of your submitted request and that a response from our warranty department will happen within a 48-hour period. Please email warranty@collinsbuilders.net.
Great homes start with good conversation and a shared vision.
Let us help you build your dream home.