Building a new home can be one of life’s most exciting and rewarding adventures, but it can also feel overwhelming when you’re just getting started. At CMS Homes, we helped families in the Troy, Missouri area build their dream homes for over 20 years, and we’ve heard just about every question you can imagine.
Whether you’re considering your first custom build or weighing the benefits of new construction versus buying an existing home, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions our sales team receives. These are the questions and answers you’ll need in order to make informed decisions about your new home journey.
What Makes CMS Homes Different from Other Builders?
What is an “elevated” semi-custom home?
When we talk about “elevated” at CMS Homes, we mean premier quality that goes far beyond typical builder-grade materials. An elevated semi-custom home combines the best of both worlds: the efficiency of pre-designed floor plans with extensive customization options and luxury standard features.
Our elevated approach means we don’t offer entry-level or mid-grade materials. Instead, we start with what other builders consider upgrades. For example, we use 2’x12′ floor joists instead of the 2x8s or 2x10s you’ll find in most new builds. We include better-quality insulation, thicker vinyl siding, and Tyvek-brand wrap with underlayment as standard features.
Think of it this way: where other builders might offer builder-grade kitchen cabinets, our homeowners are selecting from top-of-the-line cabinetry with customizations as their base choice. This elevated standard ensures your home is built to last with materials and craftsmanship that maintain their value over time.
New Construction vs. Existing Homes: What Are the Real Benefits?
Why should I consider building new instead of buying an existing home?
This is one of our most frequently asked questions, and the answer comes down to several key advantages that new construction offers:
Energy Efficiency and Modern Systems: New homes are built to current building codes and energy efficiency standards. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, new construction homes typically offer better energy efficiency compared to existing homes, which can translate to significant savings on utilities over time. New build + new, efficient energy systems = More money in your pocket at the end of each month.
No Surprises or Hidden Problems: With an existing home, you might discover issues like outdated wiring, plumbing problems, or structural concerns after you move in. When you build new, everything from the foundation to the roof is brand new and comes with warranties for peace of mind.
Customization to Your Lifestyle: Unlike existing homes where you have to work around someone else’s design choices, a new build allows you to create spaces that work for how you actually live. Want a larger pantry? Need a home office? Prefer an open floor plan? We can customize our floor plans to meet your specific needs.
Modern Layouts and Features: Today’s families live differently than they did 20 or 30 years ago. New construction homes feature larger rooms, office space, better storage solutions, and layouts designed for modern life than homes built prior to 2000. These features might include mudrooms, oversized pantries, a home office, and flexible spaces that can adapt as your needs change.
Understanding the Building Process
How long does it take to build a home with CMS?
From dig to done, our streamlined building process typically takes 5-6 months once you have permanent financing approved. Unlike other builders who require you to find separate construction lenders and architects, CMS handles everything under one roof with our Easy Build Program.
The timeline breaks down roughly like this:
- Design and permitting: 2-4 weeks
- Foundation and framing: 6-8 weeks
- Mechanical systems: 4-6 weeks
- Interior finishes: 8-10 weeks
- Final inspections and walkthrough: 1-2 weeks
Do I need a construction loan?
No! This is one of the biggest advantages of working with CMS Homes. Our Easy Build Program eliminates the need for a construction loan, which can save you weeks of paperwork and uncertainty. We work with local banks (one is actually just up the road from our main office) that handle the entire financing process, so you only need one loan that converts to a traditional mortgage at closing.
What if I want to build on my own land?
Absolutely! Our Build Anywhere program allows you to build a CMS home on your land within 30-35 miles of Lincoln County. We’ll help you evaluate your lot, handle all the logistics, and guide you through the process of building exactly where you want to live.
Costs and Customization
What’s included in the base price of a CMS home?
Our homes come with over 40 standard features that would be costly upgrades with other builders. These include:
- Crown molding throughout
- Upgraded flooring options
- Energy-efficient windows and doors
- Premium fixtures and hardware
- Professional landscape packages
- Concrete driveways and walkways
These are high-quality amenities that come as standard with any of our new builds. We ensure your new home build starts from an elevated position – it’s only up from here.
How much customization can I do?
The beauty of semi-custom building is that you can personalize your home without starting from scratch. Want to move a wall, add a powder room, or change the kitchen layout? Just ask! We offer extensive customization options while working within our proven floor plans to keep costs reasonable and timelines predictable.
Location and Community Questions
Can I choose where my home is positioned on the lot?
Yes! Whether you’re building in one of our communities or on your own land, proper home positioning is crucial for maximizing natural light, privacy, and outdoor living spaces. Our team will work with you to position your home to take advantage of views, prevailing breezes, and your lot’s best features.
What communities do you build in?
We build in several beautiful communities throughout the Troy, Missouri area, including our newest development, Sugar Maple Estates, which features 3+ acre lots for ultimate privacy and luxury living. Each of our communities is designed to fit different lifestyles and stages of life.
Planning and Preparation
What should I do to prepare before meeting with a builder?
- Set a realistic budget that includes not just the home cost, but also land preparation, utilities, and any site-specific requirements
- Think about your lifestyle needs – how do you use your current home, and what would you change?
- Research financing options early in the process
- Make a list of must-haves versus nice-to-haves to help guide your decisions
- Consider long-term plans – will this be your forever home or a stepping stone?
What happens if I change my mind about something during construction?
While we encourage making all major decisions during the design phase, we understand that sometimes changes are necessary. The earlier in the process you make changes, the easier and less expensive they are to implement. Our team will work with you to accommodate reasonable changes, though some modifications may affect timeline and cost.
Making Your Decision
At CMS Homes, we believe everyone deserves to love where they live. Whether you choose to build in one of our communities or on your own land, our elevated semi-custom approach ensures you get a high-quality home that’s uniquely yours, built by a team that truly cares about your experience.
Ready to start your new home journey? Contact our sales team today for a no-obligation conversation and free comprehensive estimate. We’ll walk you through our process, answer any questions specific to your situation, and help you discover why so many families choose CMS Homes to build their dreams.
There’s nothing quite like walking through a beautifully designed home to spark your imagination. We invite you to visit our Orchard Grove Display Homes to experience firsthand the quality craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into every CMS home. Bring your Pinterest boards, your wish lists, and come ready to dream big — our team will help you envision how your ideas can come to life in your own custom space.
602 Schapers Court
Moscow Mills, MO 63362
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11 am – 5 pm, and by appointment
Closed on holidays
Building a new home is an exciting adventure, and we’re here to make it as smooth and enjoyable as possible. After all, you’re not just building a house—you’re building the foundation for countless happy family memories to come.
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