FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can we make changes during the construction process? Show Answer
  Absolutely. Our process is designed to be flexible to meet your needs and desires throughout your entire building experience. All your concerns, adjustments and changes our invited and addressing them in a timely fashion is a high priority for us.
• How do we know what we are going to get before we begin construction? Show Answer
  It is through a very thorough pre-construction process that we are able to lay out a comprehensive plan for your building project. Everything is documented in great detail. Once these specifications are complete, they are included in our contract documents. Our team and our subcontractors have the complete plan in hand and follow it faithfully. This enables us to consistently meet your every expectation.
• Who will manage my project? Show Answer
  Erich Schaefer, President of Schaefer Custom Homes, never takes his hand off your custom home project from beginning to end. He is intimately involved every step of the way. And if you have even the slightest concern, he is there to take your call.
  
  In addition to this, one of our Project Managers with extensive experience and background will also be watching over every detail. Our Project Managers are assigned to no more than two projects at one time, to insure that your project gets the attention that you deserve.
• How often do we have someone on site? Show Answer
  We provide continuous, vigilant oversight and supervision to make sure every detail is handled according to plan. Any issues that come up are given immediate attention.
• How long does it take to design and build a custom home? Show Answer
  Of course the answer depends upon the scope and complexity of your project. Generally speaking it takes 6 to 12 months to develop the architectural and design plan and obtain a building permit. Once work begins, the quality custom homes we build take anywhere from 9 to 24 months to complete.
• How much does it cost to design and build a custom home? Show Answer
  The short answer is approximately $450-$600 per square foot. Our custom homes customarily have budgets ranging from $1.5 to $4 million. Of course, size, design, structural considerations, building site challenges all impact your construction budget. We use a complex algorithm to compute the cost of your new home. All of our prices are based on the following variables:
  
  - Square footage of your home
  - Level of finishes selected
  - The complexity of the foundation
  - Special considerations
• How much does a luxury remodel cost? Show Answer
  Here again, we use a complex algorithm to compute the total budget for your remodel. All of our prices are based on the variables mentioned directly above.
• Once the contract is signed, when can we get started? Show Answer
  The first question we usually get from our clients after they sign the contract is, “When will our team start the project?” We know you’re very excited to get started, so are we. Because there is a sizable amount of planning and organization that must happen first, a good estimate would be 6 to 8 weeks between signing the contract and getting started.
• How do we implement the latest in building science and technology? Show Answer
  Schaefer Custom Homes has a reputation in San Luis Obispo County for our ability to execute highly technical builds. We also have a comprehensive knowledge base of current product and building trends. This enables us to bring the latest technological advancements into your home. Additionally, we are able to utilize advanced project management techniques to keep the project on schedule and on budget with a centralized software system that enable us to ochestrate the complexity of subcontractor schedules and building material deliveries.
• How do we make sure that all of our specifications get included in the scope of work? Show Answer
  We use a cloud-based project management platform to manage our projects. The totality of the work-scope is laid out down to the last detail. Every minute building element is listed with virtually thousands of SKU’s. Every last specification is imported into our software platform at the start of your project. That makes it possible for all of the information to be shared directly with the subcontractors and material suppliers. If any changes are made, these same individuals are immediately notified thus updating their scope of work to match the latest project updates. This also allows you, the owner, to have realtime access to the building schedule, materials and budget. By using technology in this way, we are able to greatly improve our efficiency and accuracy while creating a pleasant building experience for you, free from stress and anxiety. You always know where we are in the process, what’s coming next as we move through the various building stages.
• Does Schaefer Custom Homes use subcontractors? Show Answer
  Over the last 30 years, we have developed relationships with the top suppliers, vendors and subcontractors in the area. As a result, we have put together an amazing, award winning group of Schaefer Preferred Building Partners. We send your project specs out to many of these trusted subcontractors, each one hand picked with your project in mind. Each one shares our client care philosophy and high standard of excellence. That enables us to orchestrate the best talent and the best prices to deliver seamless quality and workmanship at every stage of your project. We would be happy to provide recommendations and references for these preferred partners.
• May we contact your past clients? Show Answer
  We welcome and encourage you to speak with our client-family. Upon request, we will provide you with their names and contact information. Ask them the tough questions.
  Why did they choose Schaefer Custom Homes? The biggest compliment we get from our homeowners is how much they enjoyed the building experience and how, if they had to do it all over again, they would be delighted to do so. We feel the same way about them.
  
  To learn more, you can visit our video library where you can watch client testimonials and video home tours.