Congratulations on taking the exciting step toward homeownership with Gerstad Builders! Whether this is your first home purchase or you’re moving into your dream space, we know this process can feel both thrilling and overwhelming. You have chosen a builder with over 30 years of experience creating quality homes throughout Illinois and Wisconsin, and we are committed to making your journey as smooth and transparent as possible.

Building a new home is different from buying an existing one, and we want you to know exactly what to expect every step of the way. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about embarking on the homebuying journey with Gerstad Builders:

Your Dream Home Partner: Gerstad Builders

As a production builder, Gerstad Builders specializes in efficient, cost-effective construction using standardized plans and proven systems. While we provide extensive personalization opportunities, we are not a custom builder! We’ve perfected the art of efficient homebuilding while giving you plenty of room to make your space truly yours.

Our residences start as a carefully designed blank canvas with essential, durable features that allow you to add what matters most. We understand every buyer has different tastes and preferences, which is why we provide multiple ways to personalize your space.

Your Gerstad Home, Your Way

Standard Selections: During your design center appointment, you’ll choose from our curated list of standard features or upgrades and finishes that we’ve perfected over decades of construction.

Modification Requests: Bring your specific vision to life by submitting up to nine personalization requests per home. These additional costs exist because they exceed our standard appointments.

Our design team will work with you to ensure any modification requests align beautifully with your home’s structure. We’ll help you explore all your options so you can move forward with choices you’ll love for years to come.

From Deposit to Ownership

Your homebuilding experience involves several key milestones:

• Agreement to Purchase: After choosing your homesite, model and elevation, our team will prepare your agreement and collect your deposit to officially begin construction planning.
• Price Out & Selections: This is where you will review the features included during scheduled appointments and make design center choices. This stage finalizes any options or non-standard requests.
• Going to Contract: We finalize structural and major elements, order blueprints and assign your production slot. At this time, we will finalize your selections and get ready to build!
• Pre-Construction Meeting: This is our final planning session with you, production teams and office representatives. It completes your construction packet and will be your final planning session to perfect every detail before construction begisn without additional fees.
• During Construction: You’ll receive regular updates and attend a pre-drywall walkthrough during construction to see your progress and receive tentative closing timeframes.
• Closing: We coordinate your final walkthrough, closing details and provide access to your homeowner portal.
• Post-Closing Support: Your 60-day inspection addresses minor issues that appear after moving in. Your 11-month inspection handles any functional defects before your builder’s warranty expires.

All appointments occur during business hours from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday. The Gerstad Builders team will keep in touch throughout the process! Your timely response will help us stay on track to get you into your new home on time.

Let’s Build Something Great

Gerstad Builders has refined our systems over decades to deliver functional, beautiful homes that truly belong to their buyers. Thank you for selecting Gerstad Builders for this exciting experience.

Ready to start your homebuying journey? Contact our team today online or at 815-385-4495 to explore available communities in Illinois and Wisconsin. You can also schedule a model home visit to see our beautiful homes in person!