What is the difference between a selection gallery tour and appointment?
A tour is optional, and the appointment is required for you to finalize the choices in your new home and start the building process.
A tour is available for you to see, touch and combine samples of the materials available to personalize your new home. You can schedule a tour before or after you sign an agreement of sale in order for you to have a complete picture of how your new home fits your lifestyle needs and budget.
An appointment is scheduled with you after you sign an agreement of sale. You will bring your deposit check, finalize your selections, and that starts the homebuilding process!
How do I pick which selection gallery I go to?
We have three beautiful selection galleries and typically your appointment will take place in the gallery closest to your new home. A selection gallery consultant from the gallery closest to your new home will reach out to you right after you sign an agreement of sale to schedule your tour and/or your appointment.
How long will a tour & appointment take?
A tour will take at least an hour, and will shorten the appointment time to around 2 hours. If you only come in for an appointment without having a tour first, it can take 2-4 hours.
How much money do I need at this appointment?
A 25% deposit on your total options will be required at this time. This deposit is payable via personal check. The selections deposit check is asked at this time so that we can avoid jeopardizing product availability, guaranteed investment amounts, or your anticipated move-in date.
Do I need to attend this tour/appointment in person?
We do have the ability to host a virtual tour/appointment, but most people do prefer attending in person
1) The Plans for Your Home are Being Created
Although you may not see too much going on at the homesite you have chosen in our new community, there are a lot of things going on behind the scenes here at Berks Homes.
The first step is transferring your personalized selections from paperwork and turning it into a digital 3D model. Our drafting team combines your floorplan, structural options and selection gallery choices to create a digital drawing of your home. The drawing includes all the dimensions and details needed for our production team to bring it to life on your homesite.
From your kitchen and flooring selections to the placement of your outlets, every detail is being put together before we begin. Even though you don't see concrete being poured or studs going up, rest assured we are actively working on your new home..
2) Purchasing & Estimating
Next is the purchasing and estimating phase, where we take your drawing and apply all those dimensions and details into orders for materials and the work that needs to be done to build. We are selecting the trade partners that will be working on your home, and making sure we have all the correct and complete information they need to build the home you created with your sales and selection gallery consultants.
3) Approvals & Permits
When your drawings are complete, we go through a certification process called "REScheck" to ensure your new home meets all energy code requirements. To quote the Department of Energy: "Certain measures – such as wall insulation – contribute significantly to both comfort and low utility bills, but cannot be seen by prospective home or building owners. Energy codes ensure well insulated and less leaky buildings which translates directly to increased comfort. These same feature keep occupants safe in their homes for longer periods of time during power outages from heat waves or winter storms." One of the financial benefits of building a new home is the efficiency of your electric and HVAC systems because of the energy code requirements and improvements in the building industry.
The next step is to take all the township required approvals and paperwork and submit them to the township to request a building permit. The timing for approval varies greatly between different areas, and each township has unique requirements before starting construction.
Your part of the process is happening at the same time, working with your lender to acquire your mortgage commitment and appraisal. Once we receive them from you and we have the building permits, we can begin construction on your new home.
What is a Pre-Construction meeting?
This is the hand off between your sales consultant and your superintendent. At this meeting you will meet your superintendent. The superintendent will verify (not change) your floorplan/drawings, selections, and homesite. Your superintendent will also review the milestones of your home-build and what to expect in the coming months.
Where is the Pre-Construction meeting held?
It will be held at the community model home. If the community does not have a model home it will be held at a neighboring model home or at our nearby office.
Can I have my Pre-Construction meeting on a weekend?
Our pre-construction meetings are scheduled during normal construction hours. These hours are 7am-3pm Monday through Friday.
How long will the Pre-Construction meeting last?
The pre-construction meetings typically take 1.5 hours.
What is the purpose of the pre-drywall meeting?
This is the opportunity to see inside the walls of your home and to know where the mechanicals are located. An ideal time to take photos of the inside of your walls to have reference in the future if you ever need to locate anything inside the walls. This meeting will also allow you to verify your selections are in the proper place.
Where is the pre-drywall meeting held?
The pre-drywall meeting is held in your new home.
When is the pre-drywall meeting held?
Our pre-drywall meetings are scheduled from 7:00am-3:00pm, Monday through Friday.
How long will the pre-drywall meeting last?
The pre-drywall meeting typically take 1 hour.
What is the purpose of the orientation meeting?
Now that your home is complete, we use this meeting as an opportunity to demonstrate how to operate and maintain the features and products you selected. Your superintendent will walk you through things like how to change the air filter in your HVAC unit and use your appliances. This is a hands on and interactive meeting and we encourage you to ask questions to make sure you get the most out of all the benefits and advantages of your brand new home!
Where is the orientation meeting held?
Orientation takes place at your new home! You will spend the majority of the time inside the home, but a portion of the meeting will be outside so you will want to dress to be comfortable in both environments.
When is the orientation meeting held?
Our orientation meetings are scheduled during 7:00am-3:00pm Monday through Friday.
How long will the orientation meeting last?
Orientation typically takes 2-3 hours.
What is the purpose of the Zero Walk meeting?
To verify any items notated at the Home Owner Orientation have been addressed.
Where is the Zero Walk meeting held?
This will take place in your new home.
When is the Zero Walk meeting held?
The meeting takes place the morning of your settlement.
How long will the Zero Walk meeting last?
Less than an hour.
When does settlement get scheduled?
Settlement is scheduled approximately 30 days prior.
When does settlement take place? Can I settle on a weekend?
Settlements take place Monday through Friday during normal banking hours.
Where does settlement take place?
The majority of settlements take place in our offices. Occasionally they may be held at a model home or a title company.
What do I bring to settlement?
Governement issued Identification card and any monies due in a cashier's check. Your title company will give you the amount due and details before settlement.
