Where do you build?
We build in many different communities and on privately owned lots. Though much of our time is spent in Carroll County we also build in Baltimore, Frederick and Howard Counties. We enjoy challenging and interesting projects and will venture further – we have completed several inspiring projects in Baltimore City and Annapolis.
Will you build on a lot we own or a lot we purchase from someone else?
Yes, we can build on a lot you own or are purchasing. We also have an inventory of a variety of lots to choose from as well as have a list of lots that are a private sale. Just let us know what you are looking for.
Will you take care of having the well drilled and/or septic perc test if needed?
Yes – we work with subcontractors who can facilitate getting your lot ready to build upon and we would actually prefer to be involved in the well process as well placement often influences not only the available house sites but the available optimum house site.
Are you a ‘Turnkey’ builder?
The term ‘turnkey’ refers to a home that only requires you to ‘turn the key’ to move into a complete, clean and finished new home or addition. We handle everything from county permitting and inspections, supervising and scheduling our employees and subcontractors to final site cleanup, grading and seeding as well as interior post-construction cleaning, final well testing and procuring the required residence county Use and Occupancy permit.
Will you build an addition/remodel my home?
We have done a great deal of remodeling – including new additions; in-law suites, sunrooms, garages and finished basements, mostly for folks we have previously built for, however, we are open to all projects. Robin is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) so we are well versed in whole house accessibility, including bath and kitchen remodeling and can help guide your remodeling choices and design with aging parents or any special needs individual. The CAPS designation is an independent certification through the National Association of Home Builders (www.NAHB.org/CAPSinfo) which teaches home design and modification for the unique needs of the older adult and/or those with various accessibility and special needs. If you do not have a working set of blueprint plans, we can refer you to a couple different professionals.
What is your typical timeline for a custom home and how often do you take on new clients?
From your first meeting to the final walkthrough, Robin is a ‘hands on’ builder who oversees every aspect of building your home. In order to give every client our complete focus and personal attention, we have to avoid overloading our schedule. We may sometimes delay taking on new clients, or have to adjust a timeline, but we always provide consistent communication throughout the process. We encourage you to reach out to us (link to Contact) and let us know what your needs are regarding timelines.
Can we afford a ‘Robin Ford’ home?
Yes, we build homes ranging in price from $ 399,900 to over $ 1,500,000.
Is there a price point at which you typically build?
No, Robin is experienced and proficient in many different types of house styles and genres, builds in a variety of locations, as well as a variety of materials and finishes – all meeting his high workmanship standards.
How do we finance a custom home with you?
Through a Construction to Permanent Loan obtained through the lender of your choice: You only pay on the construction loan and only on the amount of the loan that has been distributed through the construction period (about six months) in the form of scheduled ‘draws’ administered by the lender. After we finish the house and get the Use and Occupancy Permit from the county you then convert the construction loan to a permanent loan. No second settlement is required.
How long does it take to build a custom home?
About 6 – 7 months depending upon the size and scope of the home and time of year.
How can we see a home you’ve built?
We can walk you through our homes in progress as they are in varying stages of completion. After your initial meeting with Robin to assess your home building needs and wishes, we can also schedule a walk-through of a finished or nearly finished home, courtesy of past happy clients.
