Frequently Asked Questions
At Blank & Baker Construction Management, we always do our best to anticipate our clients' needs so that we can exceed their expectations. With that goal in mind, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 847-574-7415 or email us at info@blankandbaker.com.
What is the size and scope of your typical projects?
Where do you build?
What should I consider when choosing an area for my new home?
What should I consider when choosing a lot?
Do you have any lots available?
What are the benefits of building a new custom home?
I already have plans for my new house, will you build it?
How do I select a custom home builder or remodeler?
Why should I build with Blank & Baker Construction Management?
How long does it take to design and build a custom home?
How do I begin a project with Blank & Baker Construction Management?
How does Blank & Baker Construction Management make sure the construction process runs smoothly?
What can I do to make the home building experience go smoothly?
How much does a Blank & Baker Home cost?
Do you have financing available for your homes?
What types of loans are typically involved in the building process?
What type of warranty do you offer?
What is the size and scope of your typical projects?
Our projects run the full gamut of the remodeling and new home construction spectrum. We’ve worked on remodeling projects as small as a powder room makeover to adding a second floor to an existing ranch home to completely gutting a historic home and rebuilding it with all of today’s modern amenities intergraded into it’s traditional charm. Our typical new construction projects range from 3,000 – 5,000 square feet but we have worked on homes as large as 15,000 square feet. We have experience of working with all levels of finishes so we can usually come up solutions for any budget.
Top
Where do you build?
The majority of Blank & Baker Construction Management’s projects are in Chicago’s North Shore communities but we will build anywhere in Northern Illinois.
Top
What should I consider when choosing an area for my new home?
Finding a place to call “home” is a major decision in everyone’s life. We strongly recommend you take the time to fully educate yourself on the different communities you may be considering. We have provided many links on our Service Areas page where you can research things like demographics, school systems, local businesses, and village services. Other things to consider when choosing where to live are things like your commute to work, public transportation accessibility, and entertainment opportunities.
Feel free to contact us if you’d like our opinions on a certain community or we are always happy to recommend a realtor that specializes in the area you may be considering.
Top
What should I consider when choosing a lot?
First of all, you should look at the size of the lot and make sure you can build the size and type of house you desire on this lot. Most villages today have restrictions on the height and size of the houses built in relation to the size of the lot. I also recommend a look at the other houses in the neighborhood. It’s generally not the best investment of your money to be the first teardown/new house or the biggest house in a particular neighborhood. Also consider the appeal of adjacent lots, drainage concerns, maturity of trees, and any restrictions of use placed on the property. After all these considerations meet your needs, all that is left is what I like to call the “gut” test. Simply ask yourself, “Will I be happy to call this location my home?”
Top
Do you have any lots available?
We typically have something in our inventory available at all times but try to keep our overhead costs low by not carrying an excessive amount of land on our books. So if we don’t have exactly what you are looking for in our inventory, we have many resources for finding just the right lot for you. Contact us today to find out if we’ve got what you are looking for.
Top
What are the benefits of building a new custom home?
Building your own custom home allows you the opportunity to select the design and features you want to include in your home. You choose the design, size, and room configuration. You choose the brick, stone, siding, roofing, and shutters. You choose the flooring, cabinets, counter tops, and paint colors. It is all designed and built just for you taking into consideration the way you and your family live.
Top
I already have plans for my new house, will you build it?
Absolutely, we welcome the opportunity to work with any architect’s plans so if you already have your plans completed give us a call and we will gladly set up an appointment to meet with you and discuss your upcoming project. If you are currently in the midst of designing your new home, we encourage you to get us involved early so we can work with your architect to help advise on budgetary issues and in turn delivering superior value for your home.
Top
How do I select a custom home builder or remodeler?
Selecting a builder is the most important factor in a successful home construction project. A sound builder selection will provide excellent customer service, a commitment to quality, and provide you with the superior value that a major investment deserves. The problem is that there is no foolproof way of making the right choice. We believe that the most important factors to consider when choosing your builder come down to trust and personality fit. Building or remodeling a home is a lengthy process that most customers become very emotionally involved, as they should. The number one ingredient for a failed construction project is trust issues between home owners and builders. Do not get involved with a home builder you do not trust, regardless of how attractive the price, it is a recipe for disaster. We also ask that you consider any possible personality conflicts between you and your builder. A major conflict in personalities can really wear on the relationship between a builder and the homeowner over the course of a project and can lead to hard feelings towards one another. Ultimately, it leads to less attention being paid to the project and a rush to get the project completed and behind them. Other factors to consider is their experience, competence, and service history.
Top
Why should I build with Blank & Baker Construction Management?
We take great pride in every project we commission and every relationship we make. A Blank & Baker home is unmistakable for the quality of its construction, exceptional appointments, and magnificent features. Since each home must reflect the individual lifestyles and personalities of its owners, it is imperative for us to know and understand our clients and keep them involved through the entire process from the design to completion. Our president, Chad Blankenbaker, is highly regarded as a people person, and our clients are instantly reassured by his accessibility throughout the duration of the project. Clients clearly understand that Blank & Baker Construction Management is dedicated to helping them fulfill their dream. Our job is not finished until our clients are satisfied.
Top
How long does it take to design and build a custom home?
So many factors go into the schedule of designing and building a home that it is very difficult to give a blanket schedule to cover all projects. These factors include complexity of the design, the permitting process, size of the home, and the level of finishes included in the home. Typically, it can take 6 to 9 months for the design and permitting stage and 6 to 12 months for the construction of the home. Keep in mind, a customer who is prepared and really knows what they want can dramatically decrease the amount of time it takes to design and build a home.
Top
How do I begin a project with Blank & Baker Construction Management?
You have already begun the process by visiting our Website and getting to know us just a little bit better. Custom homes are designed from scratch, typically starting life as a few magazine clippings, brochures, or several random design ideas from other houses you have seen. We encourage you to take the time to organize your thoughts and ideas in a binder and/or notebook. This will really help you communicate your vision of your new home to us and/or our architects. You may even find ideas on Our Portfolio page. You can contact us at 847.574.7415 or email us at info@blankandbaker.com anytime and we will help you get started.
Top
How does Blank & Baker Construction Management make sure the construction process runs smoothly?
Top
What can I do to make the home building experience go smoothly?
In our experience, the clients who enjoy the building process of their new home the most are those who are clear about what they want and what they can afford. This means researching and keeping track of what you like and don’t like about other homes you have seen. Going to home tours, clipping magazine pictures, noting what color combinations you like, and hiring a interior decorator to assist you in making decisions all go a long way toward ensuring you get the home of your dreams.
Top
How much does a Blank & Baker Home cost?
This varies tremendously on the size of the home and types of finishes you choose for your home. Even a square foot “ballpark” estimate doesn’t take into account the great number of details you may want. With a clearly defined plan, we can guarantee a price. Most of the homes we build begin at $500,000 and upward but we can usually value engineer a project to meet any budget.
Top
Do you have financing available for your homes?
We usually build homes financed by local lenders. However we do have established relationships with both banks and mortgage brokers which allow us to assist our customers in arranging financing. An informed buyer realizes that a lower interest rate should not be the only determining factor. Lender closing costs and fees should also be considered when reviewing your options.
Top
What types of loans are typically involved in the building process?
During any new construction, there are typically two loans: a lot acquisition loan and a construction loan. Some lenders offer package loans that combine both of these, while others offer these independently.
Top
What type of warranty do you offer?
One-year full warranty and ten-year structural warranty.
Top
More Questions? Call 847-574-7415 You may also contact us here for information on our new homes or a brochure.