217.523.3976
FAQs

Q: What are the most important steps for me to take to successfully plan and build a home?

A: There are several things you will want to do to be prepared to do throughout the planning and home building process.

  • First, you will want to know what type of home will best accommodate your family’s lifestyle needs. This will help you determine not only what type of home you will want to build, but where you will build it as well.

  • Second, pre-qualify for a mortgage. This will put your mind at ease as you learn what you can afford before pricing out the house. By going through the bid process with Ryan Homes and Development, you will see what your actual costs are rather than work off allowances.

  • Third, plan to work closely with us. Be prepared to make decisions about matters ranging from roofing materials and outside wall treatments to flooring, paint and interior window treatments. This will help ensure that construction remains on time and on budget.

  • Finally, stay focused on the type of home you are building for your family. This will greatly facilitate decision making throughout the construction of your new home.

Q: Do I need a plan for my home to begin the process?

A: Yes. We will walk you through the process if you don't have a plan. Your plan will be essential when you pre-qualify for a mortgage. It will also dictate what lot you will want to purchase for your home site. Remember, the plan you ultimately select should accommodate your family's lifestyle and needs.
Q: How can I obtain home construction plans?

A: Ryan Homes and Development has a full library of plans for homes we've built. There are also websites that we can recommend. We can help you narrow your search or provide direction for your plan by listening to your needs and recommending what will work for you in the price range that aligns with your pre-qualified mortgage. Whether you choose a plan selected from our library or select a plan from another source, we will be able to work with you to adjust the plan to make it "your own". We utilize the services of a skilled and experienced draftsman to provide this direction. This process can take as short as a week if you tweak one of our plans or up to a month depending on the nature and number of changes you might propose.
Q: Do I need a lot before I begin to build?

A: Yes. Don't commit to build a home before it's confirmed that the lot you select is the right lot upon which to build your home. Ryan Homes and Development has lots available in its Salem Estates, Salem Estates West and Buckley Ridge subdivisions. If these subdivisions are not located where you would like to build your new home, we can help you locate a lot. Regardless of the lot you select for the site of your new home, we will work with placement of the home to ensure that you get the best view.
Q: What does the bid process entail?

A: The bid is a contractor's projection of the cost to build your new home. This includes "sticks and bricks" (such as concrete, lumber, drywall, etc.) as well as the variables (flooring, cabinets, exterior materials, etc.) that you will select during the construction process. Ryan Homes and Development uses a bid process that is customer-focused and unique for the services we provide:

  • We will walk you through the selection of materials from flooring and kitchen cabinets to provide you with "real" numbers and not more general allowances.
  • We will then take this information to our vendors.
  • Our vendors then receive the bid proposal when we present our bid proposal. This will facilitate product selection changes in those areas where costs are either higher or lower than desired.
Q: Does the bid represent the total, final cost of the home?

A: No. Ryan Homes and Development can do a very good job of projecting the "sticks and bricks" expense. Likewise, the bidding process provides allowances for the many external and internal variables (flooring, cabinets, exterior materials, etc.) that are based on your identified needs and desires. By going through the bidding process, you learn how much everything will cost. However, during the construction process, you may choose to change certain building materials or furnishings, which will then either increase or decrease your actual expenses, depending on your decision.
Q: How much should I expect to pay per square foot to ensure that I am getting a good value for the construction of my new home?

A: Figure on approximately $150 per square foot. That would be a very good estimate. Keep in mind, though, that the final figure for your home could be more or less depending on the decisions you make concerning amenities such as those referred to in the response to the question immediately above.
Q: How long does it normally take to build a home?

A: The length of time varies depending on (1) pre-planning; (2) the amount of customization involved in the build; and (3) weather. It takes about five months to build a 3,000-square-foot home.
Q: What style of homes does Ryan Homes and Development build?

A: Our style is your style. We work with individuals who bring their own plans and we invite customers to choose from our plans. See our gallery page to view a sampling of the many beautiful homes we’ve built based on our plans and those of our customers.
Q: When can my new home be built?

A: We can begin construction of your home any time of the year. During the winter, we take extra steps to protect newly poured foundations from the frost with blankets and a platform with a kerosene heater. Spring and fall construction starts can be slowed somewhat by seasonally wet weather. Summer also offers its challenges (for instance, concrete drying too fast when pouring). So, all times of the year have their pros and cons. Year-round construction, though, can be accommodated here in central Illinois.
Q: Does it matter who the subcontractors are for a home construction project?

A: Yes. You will want subcontractors who are fully committed to high-quality work, detailed craftsmanship and on-time performance when it comes to deadlines. Ryan Homes and Development has worked with its subcontractors for many years. In many instances, our relationships feel like family. Our confidence in our subcontractors is found in our guarantee, warranty and oversight of all work that these partners do on our jobs.
Q: Is there such a thing as a "new home warranty"?

A: Yes. Ryan Homes and Development warranties its work and subcontractors’ work for one year after your move-in date. We will do a walk-through with you prior to you moving and try to complete the items left before you actually move in. After this initial punch list is compiled and completed, we will not do any non-emergency work on your new home until 11 months after your move-in date. At that time, you will provide a list of items that need to be addressed. All of this is offered to provide you with a stress-free building experience even after you move in to your new home.
Q: I've never built before. What's required to make this a positive and enjoyable experience?

A:Select Ryan Homes and Development to build your home and guide you through all steps in the home design and construction process.

  • From start to finish, make decisions that line up with your family’s needs, lifestyle and interests.

  • Communicate with us often regarding “next steps” in the decision-making process.

  • Do your homework by researching design options to ensure that the best decisions are made.

  • Collect pictures for ideas on how to narrow down your design style; this will enable things to move more quickly when it comes time to choose materials.

  • Talk with family members, friends, neighbors or others about what worked well in their home-building experiences.

  • Smile as you think about the final step in the process: Accepting the keys and walking through the front door of your new home on closing day!
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3149 Hedley
Springfield, IL 62704
Phone: 217.523.3976
Fax: 217.523.3990
Sarah & Bryan
Our home is unique and wouldn't have been so if we had used any other builder... working with Mike and Paula we always felt we were treated fairly and had fun building with them too!
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