— OUR PROCESS
THE FALCON
FRAMEWORK
Building a custom home doesn't have to be overwhelming.
Our 6 step process is the result of iteration after iteration, made from years of first hand experience of what works and what doesn't. We're confident our 6 step process asks the most important questions in the right order, and if followed, is a very effective road map for a successful custom home project.
— OUR PROCESS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We’re based in the MatSu Valley and offer our residential home-building services within an approximate 50-mile radius. This includes Palmer, Wasilla, Big Lake, Huston, Willow, Talkeetna, Anchorage, Eagle River, Chugiak, Peter's Creek, Sutton and Butte areas.
We do not currently offer custom home services in Fairbanks, Glennallen, Kenai, or off the road system.
Most homes that we build cost between $750k - $2.5 million. We work with each client to "value engineer" a home package that best fits their specific needs. As such, home prices vary depending on lot specifics, home design and selections.
That said, a good average for total home costs would be around $300/sf for the house, plus around $150/sf for garages. Because of the "fixed cost" in any house package, smaller homes are often a higher cost per square foot, and larger homes can often be a lower cost per square foot.
At our initial Meet and Greet Meeting (or sometimes over the phone) we use our five-part preliminary budget template to help you understand total costs associated with any hypothetical package. This conversation can help avoid many frustrating disappointments later on, so feel free to schedule a free consultation.
Short answer: From design to move-in often take around 12 months or more.
Long answer: It depends on a variety of factors, including things like:
1. Whether or not you have your own lot already purchased
2. Whether you will be building with cash or getting some type of construction loan
3. The scope of the project
4. The season in which construction begins (Extended timelines in the winter)
5. Prior obligations or commitments on our schedule.
And honestly, this question is best answered during a free consultation meeting. Even if you don't build with us, this meeting may be the best hour you'll ever spend learning about building a custom home.
Falcon can technically purchase the lot as part of the home-building package. However, the main drawback with this is that before Falcon can purchase a lot, the home design, amenities, modifications, and final contract packet need to be finalized and signed, which can take many months to complete. And often, when a client finds a lot they love, time is of the essence to secure it! This means the best option is often for a client to simply purchase the lot themselves via cash or a land loan (or other means of financing). Then, after the lot is secured, proceed with finalizing the home package.
A pro tip: We always suggest a free consultation before purchasing land, to avoid purchasing land that, in the end, may not actually meet your needs.
An example of this is when, many years ago, a potential client purchased land that did not have permanent power in the area, so they suddenly found they owned a lot they could not build on!
Big ticket items like utilities, well water, bedrock, high ground water, gravel source, etc can impact your total build costs substantially, and it's best to know this prior to purchasing rather than finding out after.
Perfect! If a client already owns their lot, the equity in the land is recognized by Falcon and/or the long-term lender as cash toward the build, so there’s often no additional cash required at contract signing. (depending on how much equity is in the land, of course).
Each client’s financial picture is unique, which means the “best” approach for financing varies. Usually, a long-term lender will advise on the best approach based on a client’s financial situation. Most often, a client will obtain their own construction financing for the build, but there are other options too.
We can help with solutions, so feel free to give us a call. There are many variables that apply and the pros and cons vary substantially depending on the situation.
Changes are called "Change Orders." They are your friend if you request them. They are generally not considered your friend if you did NOT request them :)
Requested changes are a natural part of the construction process. We strive to accommodate changes, and will always communicate any impact on costs or schedule upfront.
Unexpected change orders are disappointing and frustrating for everyone. Excellent upfront communication and a solid, accurate estimate eliminate 80% of unexpected change orders.
So first priority is to eliminate any need for change orders, and our next priority is to accommodate them as needed.
Absolutely. On every project. If you can dream it, we can design and build it (and tell you how much it will cost). Falcon’s design-build process bridges beautiful design with practical construction methods.
Yes! We can build from plans created by others.
In addition to the 30+ years of hands-on experience, and the necessary "continuing education credits" required to maintain a General Contractors License, our team stays updated with the latest Alaska building codes and regulations to ensure compliance.
We also partner with engineers and other specialists, including a third party home inspector.
Very! Low maintenance and energy efficiency are the hallmarks of a Falcon Home. Falcon prioritizes sustainability and energy efficiency in every custom home we build. We know what’s needed to keep a home well insulated in Alaska - we've been doing it for over 3 decades!
If you want to get the Falcon Team into a lengthy "nerd" conversation, start asking questions about building science, moisture transfer, condensation, thermal envelope, thermal mass, The Whole House System, or ultra energy efficient building methods!
01. Meet and Greet
This free consultation is where we get to know each other, to determine if we're a good fit.
We meet in person to discuss lot choice, home design, build costs and other client specific questions.
02. Drafting and Design
If we are a good fit, we collect a design fee and skillfully bring together your vision. We use our curated interview process to ask the right questions in the right order.
We create custom floor plans and an initial 3D model that dovetails the lot specifics, your house needs and your targeted budget.
03. Proposal and Review
With the concept plans complete, we transition from high-level questions to detailed questions until we have all the information needed to provide you an accurate estimate.
We sign a contract only after both sides completely understand the design, timeline, and costs.
04. Pre-Construction
Once the contract is signed, we proceed with next steps like banking, appraisals, lot line surveys, permitting etc.
We also do final selections with our in-house design team, finalize "construction plans" including engineering and shop drawings, and also set up your job in our cloud based project management software so you have easy, accurate and timely project information.
05. Construction
This is where you get to watch your project come to life, knowing you’ve already made all the important decisions!
We provide consistent updates during the entire process, and do site-walks for important phases. Clients are welcome to visit the jobsite at any time during construction.
06. Project Delivery
At project completion, an official handover includes a blue-tape walkthrough and a tutorial on your new home’s mechanical systems and maintenance requirements.
We schedule a 60-day walkthrough to answer questions. And our 10-year structural warranty and one-year craftsmanship warranty ensure peace of mind and long-term confidence.
