Frequently asked questions

I’m considering a custom home. What do I do now?

Congratulations! Buying and building a home is an exciting time. The first step is to request a consultation by filling out this form with important details we will need to assist you. A Welcome Homes representative will contact you shortly with the next steps.

Do you build homes in the area I’m interested in?

If you are considering a neighborhood in the New York tri-state area, please contact us to explore your options.

I already have a plot of land and am looking for a builder. Can you help?

Yes! We can build a new home on a lot you already own. Please contact us for more information.

Will the lot be included in the costs?

Our premium homes start at $595,000 to build + cost of land + cost of land prep = guaranteed, all-in price. Land prep includes grading, excavation, construction and installation of septic tanks and filtration systems, and other utilities.

Are the costs negotiable?

Unfortunately, the price is not negotiable. Welcome Homes always strives to deliver the best value and price to our customers without compromising quality.

What are my financing options?

You may pay with cash or apply for a construction loan. A construction loan is a short-term loan used to finance the cost of the land and construction. The loan is interest-only during the build phase. Once construction is complete and a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is issued, the loan converts to a traditional mortgage of your choice.

For more information on securing financing, please visit our How it works page.

How does a construction loan work?

The initial payment of a construction loan is used to purchase the land and begin the foundation. A series of 4 additional payments known as “tranches” will be disbursed by the bank based on achieving construction milestones. During construction, interest-only payments are due monthly on the total amount disbursed by the bank to date.

Do I get the mortgage loan through Welcome Homes?

Welcome Homes does not provide financing directly. We have partnered with Citizens Bank to offer the best possible pricing to our customers. We recommend using our preferred lender, as we have an established relationship and have streamlined the entire process.

Can I work with my preferred bank, or do I have to use yours?

You are under no obligation to work with our partner, Citizens Bank. If you have a bank you prefer to work with, you may certainly do so. They must be able to support construction loans.

What will I need to apply for a loan?

A variety of factors are considered, including your past and present financial situation, credit score, credit history, assets, the size of the loan you request, income, and the down payment percentage.

What will be the down payment?

It depends on your credit score. We’ve typically seen our customers put anywhere from 10-30% as a down payment.

What traditional mortgages are available?

Please contact your lender for the latest rates. Typically mortgages are a 15-year fixed, 30-year fixed, 5/1 ARM, 7/1 ARM, 10/1 ARM (Adjustable Rate Mortgage).

How can I trust my privacy is protected?

Welcome Homes is not privy to your private financial information. You will work directly with either your preferred lender or Citizens Bank. Feel free to review the Citizens security and privacy details here.

What is your 100% price guarantee?

When you partner with Welcome Homes, we guarantee there will be no hidden costs. If there is a change in labor fees, materials, or something unexpected, we cover additional costs.

What if I want an appliance, light fixture, knob, or another item that is not currently available as an option?

Our homes are beautifully designed with high-quality finishes and products from brands you know and trust. Every aspect of our home was value-engineered to provide our customers with the pricing. Unfortunately, we are unable to take specific requests. View our extensive list of available products in our online studio.

What are the dimensions of rooms, lights, appliances, etc.?

Feel free to visit our models page for more information.

Is a driveway included in the price?

Depending on customer preferences, the driveway is a variable cost and will be included in the land prep cost.

Is a back deck included in the price?

The Oasis model includes a 16' x 14' 6" deck made with Ipe, a Brazilian hardwood.

Is landscaping included in the price?

We will grade (level the surface) the plot and clear away shrubs and trees in close proximity to the footprint of the home. When complete, we seed the ground for grass and place hay down so the seeds do not wash away. In the future, we plan on adding premium landscaping packages with more customizable options.

How tall are the ceilings in the home?

The main floors have 10-foot ceilings.

Can I get a sample of the floor tiles?

If you would like to see samples of any finishes, including the floor tiles, email our support team at hello@welcomehomes.com to coordinate a visit to our sales center.

Can I change my selections, or are they final?

You have the ability to make some cost-modifying changes up until financing is completed. A Welcome Homes representative will ensure you know the final date to make allowed changes. Any changes made after financing is final will be at your cost.

What is Welcome Homes’ role in closing?

We help you finalize the documents you will need at closing. If you do not have a real estate attorney, we can find you one. Our purpose is to make the closing process as seamless as possible.

What will I need at closing?

Welcome Homes will discuss everything you will need so you are prepared for the closing. If you have specific questions, please contact us at hello@welcomehomes.com.

Who is the builder?

Welcome Building Corporation is the primary builder. We partner with the leading general contractors in your area to complete your new home.

What is the total coverage warranty?

Welcome Homes offers a total coverage warranty on every home. For more details about the warranty, click here.

Is there a warranty on the appliances?

Every appliance brand in your custom home has its own product registration, warranty, and contact information. For more information, read here.

Can I visit the construction site?

Absolutely! We want you to be able to see how your home is built. Our service team can help you schedule a site visit. Please note, this must be scheduled ahead of time for site safety and insurance liability reasons. We cannot permit you to walk the construction site or your home if you show up unannounced. Additionally, during construction, site visits will not be possible due to limited accessibility, safety constraints, or weather. Our customer experience team can talk you through this and coordinate with our field team to schedule your site visit.

What happens if there is a delay due to weather or another event?

Unfortunately, there are things out of our control during the construction process, including weather delays. We would issue a formal notice about the delay and provide an updated completion date if this were to happen.