Most Frequently Asked Questions When Building a New Home

When you decide to build your dream home, it can feel like an overwhelming process. You’re juggling a million questions and sifting through hundreds of decisions… But, when you choose Gemcraft Homes for the construction process, all of that becomes a little bit easier. 

We've built over 8,200 homes in 225+ communities in the Mid-Atlantic region, so there's no question we haven't heard! We'd like to share the most common questions we get asked about building a new home. Whether you're just getting started or have already decided to move forward, hopefully, this blog post gives some useful insights into the journey ahead!

What is the total cost of building a home?

When talking about homebuilding costs, there are three main components to consider:

• The cost of construction
• The land on which you'll build
• The interest rate on your loan

The construction cost will vary depending on the size of your home and the features it has. The price per square foot will also be affected by any upgrades or special design requests.

On top of that, if you're building on your lot, you'll need to factor in the cost of land and any associated fees. Clearing the land, preparing it for construction, and obtaining building permits can all influence the overall cost.

Finally, you'll need to think about financing your home. Gemcraft Homes offers a variety of loan options, including VA, FHA, and conventional loans. Your interest rate will depend on your credit score and chosen loan type. Interest rates have risen quite a bit in the last year, but now is still a good time to buy and lock in a low rate.

With that said, we have homes starting in the low $200s and ranging up to the high $800s — so there’s something for everyone!

How long will it take to build my home?

The average timeframe for building a home with Gemcraft Homes is 6-9 months. This timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the design, weather conditions, and how quickly you can make decisions and approvals.

Here's a breakdown of our 8-step process. It will give you a better understanding of the steps involved, and how they may affect the timeline.

Keep in mind, we also offer quick move-in homes if you’re on a tight schedule.

What amenities does each community have?

With 27 communities across 5 states, Gemcraft Homes offers plenty of amenities to make your life easier. Each community is unique in its design and offerings, with some featuring:

• Indoor and outdoor pools
• Clubhouses
• Walking trails, playgrounds, and green spaces
• Fitness centers and sports courts
• Boat docks and marinas
• And much more!

Our master-planned communities are located in highly desirable cities; close to great schools, top employers, medical centers, and plenty of entertainment options. 

Amenities can vary widely, so explore the communities here or reach out to one of our sales professionals for more information about the specific amenities in the places you're considering.

What type of warranty do you offer on your homes?

One of the big benefits of buying a new construction home is that you don't have to worry about the cost of repairs and upgrades. Since everything is brand new, there's little to do beyond regular maintenance and upkeep.

But we want you to feel secure knowing your dream home is covered against unexpected repairs or replacements. That's why Gemcraft Homes offers a 10-year warranty through Professional Warranty Services Corporation. Learn more about the specifics of that warranty here.

How much personalization can I do to my home?

Building a home from scratch means you get to choose every detail and design element. And that's what makes Gemcraft Homes special – from interior to exterior, you get to decide on the many of materials, finishes, and features that make your home unique.

At our in-person Design Centers, you'll find dozens of options to fit your style, budget, and needs. And our design professionals can help you make stylish and functional choices every step of the way.

No matter what you choose, all Gemcraft Homes come with high-quality construction standards that meet or exceed local building codes and industry standards.

Take a virtual tour of our most popular floor plans to see what a finished home looks like and get an idea of the possibilities you have when building with Gemcraft Homes.

Are there any incentives or discounts available?

Who knew you could save money on building a dream home with special offers? Gemcraft Homes has several of those available, like move-in ready incentives and Military and first responder discounts. Our specials change regularly, so keep an eye on this page to stay in the know.

Are energy-efficient features included?

Homes today are more energy-efficient than ever before! By building with Gemcraft Homes, you can be sure you're getting a home that's comfortable year-round, with lower utility bills and fewer maintenance costs in the long run.

Not only that, we offer smart home features to make your life that much easier and control energy use.

What are the options for financing a Gemcraft Home?

A new home is an investment that needs to be financed properly to keep your costs as low as possible. Gemcraft Homes works with preferred lenders to help you find the perfect loan type for your situation. They offer a variety of loan types, competitive rates and terms, and special builder incentives. Learn more about financing your new home here.

Building your dream home is an exciting journey, and our team of passionate professionals is here to help you along the way. If you have any questions or would like more information about building a Gemcraft Home, don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!