FAQs

How do I select a builder?

Selecting the right builder is a process. You must do research! Look for custom home builders online, call your city’s local building department and ask for references on the builder, talk to your neighbors and drive around in your area to see the projects going up.  

You may also pay attention to how long a company has been in the business for - it’s worth your due diligence to assess the builder’s reputation and ensure they are the right custom home builder for you! 

How do I select a lot?

To select a lot, you must first decide on where you would like to live. Some things you may want to consider include school systems, taxes, communities, surrounding amenities, geographical location, and logistics. Here at Chiuchiarelli Builders, we will help you find and procure land if necessary!

Once you find a lot, and prior to purchasing the lot, the first step is to evaluate your site.  We are happy to come out and do a free home site evaluation. Either Rick Chiuchiarelli or our wonderful staff will meet you at the site to answer questions like how your home will be positioned on the lot, what trees will need to be cleared, and what utilities are available. 

Who designs the home?

We at Chiuchiarelli Builders have our in-house, professional design team to work with you in order to meet your needs and make your custom dream home a reality.  

We want YOUR input!  We take pride in building your custom home, and feel the best person to understand your needs and wants for your new home is you! 

How long does it take to design a custom home?

The length of the design process all depends on how much information you have at the onset, and how many set ideas you have for your custom home. Generally, the process can take anywhere from two weeks to several weeks. 

How do you start the process of designing and building a custom home?

All you have to do is contact Chiuchiarelli Builders and make an appointment. We will set you up with our design team, and you will be on your way to building your custom home! 

When will we get pricing on our custom-designed home?

We at Chiuchiarelli Builders will customize a price to fit all of your needs, based on location and desired amenities. Generally, we can give you a set price after a design meeting, during which we will find out what it is you are looking for in a custom home.

If you have a pre-built or a certain home plan you are interested in, we do have set pricing on those, and should be able to give you a price sooner. 

Who will we be talking to throughout the construction process?

At all times, you will have access to Rick, Vince, and Connie Chiuchiarelli - we are the owners, builders, superintendent and field manager. We oversee and construct your custom home, and will be able to answer any questions you may have during that process.

You will also have the opportunity to work with certified designer Stephanie Chiuchiarelli, graduate of the Mercyhurst College of Design, to discuss your design selections. Stephanie will be working with you throughout your selection process.

Additionally, we have an in-house building designer with many years of experience who will be designing your home drawings to your custom specifications. 

How do we contact a lending institution for financing our new home?

We recommend getting pre-approved for financing your new, custom home. We deal with many local and national lending institutions in the area, and are more than happy to help you get the information and contacts you need from these lenders.

After a contract has been signed and submitted to the lending institution, you will be able to finalize your loan application. The warranty period on a new home is 1 year from your move-in date. 

At what point do we sign a contract?

Here at Chiuchiarelli Builders, we want to make sure you are satisfied and getting everything you want in your custom home. After all your questions have been answered and the home we design for you meets all of your needs and wants, we sign a contract and begin the construction process. 

How long is the building process?

Because your home is a custom project, completion time varies based on a variety of factors - including design time and your personal input and decisions. This is your custom project- you are allowed to change your mind and have new ideas!

We at Chiuchiarelli Builders will meet with you at all stages of the process and discuss the possibilities for incorporating your ideas.

As a general rule of thumb, the custom building process takes about 6 - 8 months from groundbreaking.