"Our experience with Suj and So Cal Builders & design was very pleasant. They executed a high quality upgrade to our prior home before we sold/upgraded. We did not want anyone else to renovate our new house. Every step of the remodel was handled in a timely manner. And, honestly, Suj is quite humorous; he creates a very nice environment to be around for his team and clientele."
"The KN Remodeling team did an excellent job at our home completely remodeling 3 bathrooms, painting our entire home and rebuilding a huge planter outside. We trusted them in our home while we are out of town almost the entire time. We hired them back to do additional work in our home that they did quickly and expertly. The team was professional, very friendly, worked quickly, quietly, cleanly, and I would highly recommend them."
"We hired McCormick Home Builders to remodel our living room, and we are beyond pleased with the result. The team was professional, worked efficiently, and Aris design ideas made a huge difference. The room feels so much brighter and more spacious. This was the best decision we made for our home, and we were already planning our next remodel with them."
"Everything was amazing, I was provided with all the information I wished to receive in the first and second meeting. The work was 10/10 so was the communication and the timing. Highly recommend"
"After meeting with several contractors, we settled on MVP Builders. They replaced the worn out roof on our home with a beautiful new one! After David showed us a variety of products to choose from, he and MIke made sure the job was completed to our satisfaction. They were very professional and friendly and made sure we were happy with the job... and we are! Thank you MVP Builders!"
"They build outdoor structures, an accessory structure that was a gym, a structure for gathering/seating, walls and hardscape, planting and irrigation. They do it all."
RSF Construction Inc. is a leader in providing our customers with the highest quality service in an honest, efficient, and professional way. Our pledge is to create successful relationships with our customers, employees and community by building trust, treating every project with the utmost integrity and exceeding expectations. We look forward to working with you!
"My experience with LA Expert Builders was awesome. I went with them on my bathroom remodel and they did a high quality work, did everything as I requested, as they promised and all that at very reasonable costs. Nir and his crew were great to work with, always on time, clean, polite and professional. I really like how my bathroom turned out, it's very beautiful! Thank you LA Expert Builders!"
"I received 6 quotes on a room addition and the best quality-price ratio came from Manchen Construction. I checked their reliability and they have many excellent recommendations so it was easy decision to go with them. Chen and his crew were great to work with. They were hard workers, clean, polite and respectful to my home. The project was finished on time and Chen kept costs within my budget. The outcome is phenomenal and I am satisfied with quality materials they used and also with their work. I highly recommend Manchen Construction and will work with this company on future projects!"
Custom Home Builders questions, answered by experts
A custom home is one that you design from the ground up, allowing you to customize everything from the square footage to the interior layout to all of the materials used. A spec home is one that a builder has designed and gotten approvals for. Spec homes may give you some limited options for the layout and materials, but most of the build is pre-set. Custom homes cost more and take longer to build.
A construction-to-permanent loan is the most common type of mortgage used to finance a house teardown and rebuild. These loans include financing for construction costs and convert to a long-term mortgage once construction is complete. Check the terms of the loan closely before beginning work—there are often restrictions requiring you to use licensed contractors for all work.
Modular homes are a type of prefab home. Specifically, manufacturers first build modular homes in sections and then deliver them to the job site. The modules, or sections, are usually at least 70% finished before they arrive on your property.
In comparison, prefab homes arrive in panels or segments, and workers assemble them on-site. Generally speaking, modular homes tend to be more durable, and their consistent construction standards may mean you’ll have an easier time getting conventional home loans.
Yes, you can finance new construction, though the process often requires a different type of loan than one for an existing property. There are several financing options available:
Construction-to-Permanent Loan: This is a common option where a single loan covers the building costs and then converts into a traditional mortgage once construction is complete and you move in.
Construction Loan (Stand-Alone): This type of loan provides funding only for the duration of the construction project. Once the house is built, you will need to pay the loan in full, typically by securing a separate, standard mortgage.
Builder Financing: Some custom homebuilders offer their own financing options, which may only require a down payment to begin the building process.
Bridge Loan: This can be a useful short-term loan to fund your new construction while you are in the process of selling your old home.
Home Equity Options: If you are building a second home, you might be able to use a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or a cash-out refinance on your current property.
It's also important to be aware that some lenders may have restrictions on financing for DIY house builds, so be sure to verify that you can secure financing before starting your project.
Start by researching local contractors with experience in cottage construction. Ask for references, check licensing and insurance, and review completed projects. Compare multiple bids, making sure each includes the same scope of work. A good contractor will communicate clearly, provide a detailed contract, and ensure all work meets code and safety standards.
The Fillmore, CA homeowners’ guide to custom home building
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
When building a home, going custom gives you the freedom to create your dream house. Learn about the cost to build a custom home and the factors to consider.
The cost to rebuild a house after a disaster or demolition depends on the house size, features, and more. Learn what affects the cost to rebuild a house.
Building your dream home starts with hiring a builder. Here is how to find a builder who understands your needs and preferences for your brand-new home.
