1. What kind of home builder is Gerstad Builders?
Gerstad Builders is a production home builder that offers personalization. We use proven floorplans, trade partners, and systems to deliver consistent quality and pricing, while still allowing buyers to personalize finishes and features to fit their lifestyle.
2. How much can I personalize my home?
You can personalize your home through standard design selections and upgrades, product and finish changes, and select custom option requests. Structural or blueprint-level changes are part of our Custom Home Program, which follows a more detailed review process and fee structure.
3. What’s the difference between a custom home and a custom option?
Custom Options are surface-level changes such as materials, finishes, and brands. Custom Homes involve structural or design changes that alter the plan. Custom home requests require a $5,000 design and evaluation fee and must align with our building systems and process.
4. When do I need to make my selections?
Selections must be made early in the process and before construction begins. Delays can impact your timeline, result in missed opportunities, or trigger change order fees.
5. Can I make changes after construction starts?
Changes after construction begins are limited and may not be approved. They typically require a minimum $500 change order fee per item and become less feasible as construction progresses.
6. What is the homebuilding process from start to finish?
Your experience follows a structured process: Agreement to purchase, selections and pricing, contract finalization, pre-construction meeting, construction and walkthroughs, closing, and post-close warranty service.
7. How long does it take to build a new home?
The timeline varies based on the stage of the home at purchase, permit timelines, weather, and decision timing. Your closing timeframe becomes more defined as construction progresses and is typically finalized about one month before closing.
8. What does the warranty cover?
Your home includes a 1-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, including structural components, roof leaks, and key systems like doors, windows, electrical, and cabinetry.
9. What is not covered under the warranty?
Items not covered include normal wear and tear, cosmetic issues after move-in, material characteristics such as wood movement or concrete cracking, and homeowner maintenance items.
10. How do I request warranty service after closing?
Warranty requests are handled at the 60-day and 11-month inspections. All non-emergency requests must be submitted through the homeowner portal with clear descriptions and photos when possible.