Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Hoeken Design Build | The Triangle Area of North Carolina
General Questions
1) What does Hoeken Design Build specialize in?
Hoeken Design Build focuses on custom and semi-custom homes in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina. With over 200+ completed projects, we bring expert craftsmanship and problem-solving to every home we build.
2) What makes Hoeken different from other builders?
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Fixed-Price Contracts: Pricing is based on clear specifications and allowances.
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Collaborative Process: We work closely with you to balance your vision and budget.
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Lot Feasibility Support: We can help evaluate site conditions, soil, grading, HOA restrictions, and more.
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Industry Leadership: Our founder, Uriah, serves as President of TREIA, reinforcing our expertise in real estate investment and market trends.
*Hoeken Design Build contracts also include certain exclusions and allocations which are attached to the scope of work.
3) What is the price range for a Hoeken home?
Each home building opportunity is specific to the lot and neighborhood restrictions, but on the low end a custom home build with Hoeken will start in the $700,000’s and can range up to $2 Million or more after custom finishes.
Design & Customization
4) What are baseline specifications?
Baseline specifications are a detailed set of parameters: building products, standards and materials - on which we can provide a reliable price to build your home based on historical data. These specifications are unique to each builder. For clients wanting to build a fully customized home, you can assume that at baseline, the price provided will get you about 80% towards your final build price. Think of it like the foundation of the house - an essential building block needed to create your build budget. We set the base price, and you are in the driver's seat through selections to further customize a home that meets your unique style and needs.
5) Do I have to choose from a specific design plan?
That depends on the lot location - whether the HOA, neighborhood developer or builder has certain restrictions in place for that particular lot. In most cases, if you are building on a lot you already own, and there are no outside restrictions in place, you do not have to choose from a specific design plan. We do have several pre-developed plans that will suit many different building sites for your convenience, which you can modify them extensively or start completely from scratch for a fully custom home.
6) Can you build on a lot I already own?
Yes! We help assess lot feasibility, including soil quality, setbacks, HOA requirements, and utilities.
7) How does semi-custom differ from full custom?
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​Semi-Custom Homes: Typically designed for specific lots or neighborhoods with set guidelines. These lots will likely be owned or under contract by the builder and the homes will have more restrictions. Clients may start from a pre-developed architectural plan that can still be modified, but will have more restrictions and limitations for customization.
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Full Custom Homes: Designed entirely from scratch, or start with a pre-developed architectural plan and allow for full creative control over layout, finishes, and features. The only limitations for full custom homes are by soils or municipality restrictions, clients’ budget, and timeline.
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Working with Hoeken Design Build, we do require clients to utilize our pre- established vendor relationships.
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8) Will I be able to work directly with an architect?
Yes! We have an established relationship with several architects of various styles and budgets. For full custom build opportunities, you will have the ability to collaborate with our architects to bring your vision to life. Hoeken will come alongside and consult on price impacts to architectural changes along the way, so you can make informed decisions - this is the most significant benefit of a design-build team.
Do you already have a completed set of engineered architectural plans? As long as no other modifications will be needed, we are happy to provide an estimate on the cost to build your home with Hoeken’s set of baseline specifications.
9) Will I be able to work with a designer?
Similar to our working relationship with architects, we contract with a handful of fully vetted, professional designers that meet our high standards for communication and design experience. Your contract will have an allotted amount of design hours available to you and included in your contract price.
10) How do selections work?
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Clients’ customized selections happen in the Selections Phase, after architectural plans are finalized and the Construction Contract is signed. This is the phase where clients may customize the material finishes of their home.
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Client selections and final price adjustments are added to the Scope of Work by an amendment to the contract and signed by both parties before construction begins.
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Upgrades from Selections are due at or before the Pre-Construction Meeting
Process & Timeline
11) What are the steps in building a home with Hoeken?
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Initial Consultation – Discuss vision, budget, and timeline.
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Lot Selection & Feasibility Review – Assess soil, grading, HOA restrictions, drainage, and more.
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Architectural Planning – Work with an architect to develop your own
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Pricing & Contract Signing – Finalize project scope and lock in base pricing.
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Selections & Pre-Construction Meeting – Confirm materials, finishes, and upgrades.
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Construction Begins – Regular updates through Buildertrend keep you informed.
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Final Walkthrough & Move-In – Ensure everything is perfect before you take ownership.
12) How long does it take to build a home?
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Architectural Design + Consultation: Ideally 5-6 weeks
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Selections Phase: On average, 4 weeks, but no more than 6 weeks
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Final Selections to Pre-Construction Meeting: On average, 2 weeks
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Active Construction:
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Semi-Custom Homes: ~8-12 months of active construction after foundation completion, if no change orders or material delay
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Full Custom Homes: 12+ months, depending on complexity​
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Pricing & Contracts
13) How does pricing work?
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Base pricing is determined by architectural plans and specifications.
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Final pricing is confirmed after selections and pre-construction approvals.
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Any modifications after pre-construction require a formal amendment with lump-sum pricing.
Financing & Payments
14) Do I need to secure my own financing?
Yes, clients typically secure their own financing. We work with construction loan lenders and can provide recommendations.
15) What is the payment structure?
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Lot Deposit Fee – Refundable until Construction Contract is signed.
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Architectural Plan Development Fee – Non-refundable, covering design work and plan development.
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15% Builder’s Deposit – Non-refundable, due at time of signing the Construction Contract.
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Upgrades from Selections - Due in full at the Pre-Construction Meeting
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Remaining Payments – Made in stages according to the contract.
16) Do you accept VA loans or other financing options?
Yes, we accept VA loans. The builder’s deposit is collected at closing for VA loans.
Construction & Quality
17) Do you use energy-efficient materials?
Yes! We incorporate energy-efficient windows, insulation, appliances, and sustainable materials to lower energy costs and enhance home comfort.
18) How do you ensure quality during construction?
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Field superintendent site visits ensure work meets standards.
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Clients receive weekly updates through Buildertrend.
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You may request third-party inspections with proper coordination.
19) Can I visit the site during construction?
Yes, we encourage site visits at key milestones and provide progress updates via Buildertrend.
Warranties & Post-Move-In Support
20) Do you offer a warranty on your homes?
Yes!
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One-Year Builder’s Warranty – Covers craftsmanship and materials.
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Manufacturer Warranties – Appliances, HVAC, and materials.
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Quality Builders Warranty (QBWI) Program – Available for additional coverage.
Getting Started
21) How do I get started with Hoeken Design Build?
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Schedule a consultation – We’ll discuss your vision, budget, and timeline.
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Site Evaluation – We’ll assess lot feasibility or help you find the right location.
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Design & Planning – Begin working with our team to develop a personalized home plan.
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Contract & Construction – Secure financing, finalize pricing, and begin building your dream home!
