Here are some frequently asked questions.
Do you build plans that are not in your plan portfolio?
Yes, we do. Fax or email in your plan and we can bid it for you.
I have picked out a plan and a lot, what do I need to do now to proceed?
Get pre qualified at a lender to see if you qualify for the cost of the home you would like. Working with local lenders is
always recommended, because they are familiar with Alaska’s documentation process. Their underwriters understand our local
document process and make the closing process smooth.
Do you have a basic square footage price for a home?
No we do not. Cost for square footage changes due to foundations, roof lines, ceiling heights, size of kitchens,
number of plumbing fixtures, finish materials, etc. You can get a general idea by looking at similar plans from our portfolio and
compare apples to oranges that way.
I have picked out a plan and like it, but I would like to make a few changes. Do you allow changes to your plans?
Yes and it is usually an easy process since we do all of computer-aided drafting in house so you are not paying for changes
to our plans. Fax or email in your requests.
What is a Five-Star Plus home?
A "Five-Star Plus" home is a home that was built in accordance with Alaska
Housing Finance Corporations (AHFC) guidelines and has been certified by
inspection and testing to meet a higher standard. A certified energy rater
performs a blower door depressurization test and completes an analysis with
AKWARM software as approved by AHFC (this is known as a BEES rating).
A Five -Star Plus rating is the highest available at this time and means the
home will use less energy than the average house of the same size and
general location.
Why are there allowances and not set prices for water wells and septic systems?
The water wells and septic's systems installed are two variables that cannot be controlled by the builder. Conditions of the lot chosen by the buyer may require special considerations depending on soil conditions and water availability in the area. It is always a good idea to research other wells and septic's surrounding the lot you are interested in if at all possible. A person can go into DEC and ask for the surrounding well and septic reports filed for that subdivision or area. Things you will be looking for are well depths, well logs, soil logs, water tables, and types of septic systems installed. All of these factors will give you an idea of what you might be dealing with in a worst case scenario. Wells are drilled at approximately $40 per linear foot in the Valley.
I have land and would like a house built. Do you build on lots outside of your inventory listed?
Yes we do for the Valley area, which includes Wasilla, Palmer and the outlying areas. We do not go into the Municipality of Anchorage.
Why buy a home that has a Heat Recovery Ventilator?
Because homes are being built so airtight these days, a system is needed to
ventilate the entire house and HRV’s provide an energy efficient way to bring in fresh filtered air while removing stale air.
A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) brings in fresh air from the outside, preheats the incoming air during the winter and pre cools
the incoming air during the summer. It can provide clean fresh air every day while helping to keep energy costs low. The American
Lung Association recommends HRV's and sealing of air leaks to protect your health while conserving energy. Here is a great link
to educate yourself of why a HRV is so necessary in the new air tight, GREEN homes. Learn why you don’t want to build without
one.
http://healthandenergy.com/heat_recovery_ventilators.htm
Green Building is a design and construction practice that promotes the economic health and well-being
of your family, the community, and the environment. A smart step toward personal economic rewards, Green Building also has
positive social and environmental ramifications that assert your commitment to the future and the way we live for years to come.
“David Johnston, GreenBuilding.com”
How long does is take to build a new home?
We give ourselves 120 days from start of excavation. This is a good general rule of thumb to follow for homes that are under 2500
square feet and do not have a lot of custom features. Custom features would include extensive tile work, custom millwork, a lot
of paint color changes, custom cabinetry, etc. Smaller square footage homes are usually completed within 100 days.
What Is An Energy Rating?
In September of 1991, the state of Alaska adopted the "Building Energy Efficiency Standard." This standard was adopted to establish
acceptable and appropriate energy standards for buildings based upon practical and cost-effective measures that reduce energy consumption.
This standard permits flexibility in compliance with the standards by allowing alternative methods of meeting the requirements of the
Standard. The most commonly used method for meeting the requirements of the "Building Energy Efficiency Standard" (BEES) is known as the
energy rated method. This method currently requires achieving a rating of "4 star plus" or higher. Energy ratings must be done by an
energy rater certified by Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC). The energy rating can be used to qualify the buyer for energy
efficient mortgage programs and to add value to the home's appraisal. An energy rating can also be used in existing homes to evaluate and
compare the cost of living in different homes and to qualify for energy mortgage programs. This helps the buyer purchase the very best
home they can afford. The average home owner spends more on energy costs than any other household expense except the monthly mortgage
payment. (BEES Rating: This rating is used for newly constructed homes only. The rating shows compliance with the Alaska Building
Energy Efficiency Standard. It is used to qualify buyers for energy efficiency mortgage programs to add value to a home's appraisal.
The BEES rating is part of the PUR 101 AHFC form.) “Steve Wisdom
of www.wisdomandassociates.com”
What should I be aware of when looking at lots?
Utilities: Always look for and ask about utilities in the area. Are gas and electric to the lot and not “in the area”?
“In the area” could mean utilities are not to the lot and could cost you thousands of dollars to get those services to the lot.
Always call Enstar and M.E.A. to find out where their nearest tie-ins and transformers come from if it is not readily apparent
or you are going over 100’ from their source to your new home site (the average distance the utility companies budget for
each site). Also be aware just because you see power lines on your lot, it does not mean there is a transformer to hook up to.
Wells and Septic's: Be aware of well depths for the area. The average well depth for the Valley is 160 feet. Currently wells are
drilled at approximately $40 per linear foot. That does not include the well cap of $100 and the pump necessary for the well depth
(on average around $1200 for a 100’-120’ well). Soil conditions can affect the septic systems installed in the area. Is there a
water table close to the surface that would require a lift station? Are the soils tight or do they drain too fast requiring sand
liners or deeper beds? Research can be done at the Wasilla DEC office at 1700 E. Bogard Road (North Fork Building B).
Covenants/Zoning: What am I required to comply too? Request covenants and read through to find out details on minimum square
footage of home, attached or detached garages, paving requirements, siding requirements, landscaping requirements to name a
few details that you need to know.