You begin by deciding on your basic requirements such as size, style, and function of the home - is it for family dwelling only or will you be working out of your home. Also consider convenience. Is your location easily accessible to transportation, schools, shopping and other amenities. The more realistic and detailed picture you can create, the easier it will be to choose the right home.

Approximately five months depending on the size and complexity of the home you want.

Hansch Builders works with a "team" of trades and suppliers who have been carefully chosen and trained to meet our quality standards. Many builders use different trades and suppliers for each home, because their approach is to contract with the lowest bidder. With this system you never know who is working on your new home.

The benefit to our approach is that we're getting the same "team" of people building ALL our homes. This is Hansch Builders way of ensuring that you get the level of quality you expect.

Home building is a complex, detail-oriented process. Difficulties that arise between a builder and a client usually occur when there is a difference in understanding between the two.

To eliminate miscommunication, Hansch Builders develops highly-detailed plans and specifications for your new home leaving absolutely nothing to chance. The vision of what is being built is exactly the same in your mind, your spouse's mind and our minds.

1. Begin by looking in the neighborhood where you would like to live.
2. Don't overbuild.  Ask yourselves, "Are existing homes near the same value of what you intend to build?"
3. Filled land may be unstable.  Obtain seller's written agreement to bear ALL extraordinary footing, foundation and other related costs.
4. Trees are usually a plus, but will I need to pay someone to clear out lot before building?
5. What are front, rear and side setback requirements for both subdivision and city/county?
6. What are property tax projections -- REALLY?  Get official report from local taxing bodies.
7. How near are schools and what are their ratings?
8. How near is shopping? Grocery store?
9. How close is public transportation?  Is it a factor for resale?
10. Is this a good resale area?  Get several opinions on this.
11. Are utilities all available and into lot line?
12. Will I need a well?  What will my "finished" well costs be?  Find out from neighbors, if possible!
13. Will I need a septic system?  Is there a private or public sewer system?  What are my costs?
14. Are there any easements on our lot possibly in the way of the structure?
15. What are the square foot minimums for different style homes?  (i.e. 2-story, quad, ranch, etc.)
16. Are there any special siding or brick requirements?  City sidewalk, handicap curb cutout?
17. Is there a yearly subdivision fee?  Utility fee?  Flush tax or other types of fees?
18. Is natural gas and electric readily available?  Will I have to pay for extra long runs?  LP tank costs?
19. Any special utility charges, meters, etc.--either municipal or subdivision required?
20. Does my lot slope considerably where my home will be placed?
21. Will I need a culvert?  Curb cut-out?
22. How will the drainage be?  Will I need to take extra waterproofing steps?
23. Is the ground know to be unstable and require extraordinary foundation reinforcing?
24. Will our driveway be on solid ground, or require much fill and reinforcing?
25. Will our lot require hauling dirt in or out?  Added trucking costs?
26. If I am considering a corner lot, what about privacy and added city sidewalk costs?
27. Cul-d-sac lots, which usually cost more, may be worth it for added privacy and child safety?
28. Is there a noise factor, such as highways, trains, etc.  Would that be serious?
29. If a particular lot seems like a bargain, ask seller why?
30. Is this truly our price range?  So as not to jeopardize our family life style and security?
31. Are the lot stakes there?  If not, will I be assured (in writing) they will be when needed?