FAQ
Getting Started and Choosing Land
Where do I start if I want to build a custom home at Smith Mountain Lake?
Start with a complimentary consultation. Tell us where you’re thinking about building, what you want in your home, and when you’d like to move in. You can reach out before you buy a lot or choose a floor plan. We’ll help you figure out what to do first.
What happens at the first meeting with Frye Construction?
You’ll meet with a senior project manager. If you own a lot, we’ll discuss what’s already been done, including clearing, soil evaluations, and any septic permit application. We’ll also talk about the style and size of home you want, the rooms you need, and what you’re comfortable investing. Bring any plans, surveys, soil reports, or inspiration photos you have. A lot address or a short list of must-haves is enough to get the conversation started.
Should I talk to a builder before buying land at Smith Mountain Lake?
Yes. We offer a complimentary visit to a lot you’re considering so you can discuss how it might affect the home and your budget. A lower-priced lot with a water view may cost more overall if it needs extensive clearing, grading, retaining walls, or a long driveway. We can also discuss access, utility availability, septic considerations, and neighborhood restrictions you may need to verify before buying.
Can Frye Construction build a custom home on land I already own?
Yes. We start with the lot and consider how the home will fit the terrain, access, and other site conditions. A lot that slopes away from the road may work well for a walkout basement. On a lot that rises from the road, a step-free entry may take a different layout or more site work. If an accessible entrance, a slab foundation, or a particular view matters to you, bring it up before settling on a plan.
What areas does Frye Construction serve?
Our primary service area is Smith Mountain Lake and the communities around Westlake, including Moneta and Hardy. We typically prefer projects within about 30 minutes of Westlake so our team can get to the jobsite when needed. We also consider projects in surrounding areas, including Forest, other parts of Bedford County, and Roanoke City and County. Send us your property’s location so we can confirm whether it’s a fit.
House Plans, Design, and Pricing
Do I need house plans before contacting you?
No. We have a collection of plans from homes we’ve built that you can choose from or use as a starting point. We can share an approximate build cost for plans that suit your needs and discuss changes to the layout or exterior. You’re also welcome to bring purchased plans, a sketch, or inspiration photos.
Do you offer custom home design services and 3D visualization?
Yes. We can develop custom plans and construction drawings, adapt a purchased plan, or coordinate with your architect or designer. Bringing your builder into the design process gives you current construction cost information as you weigh decisions. For example, we can explain what a more complex roofline, a larger window package, or a different foundation may do to your budget before the drawings are finalized. Optional 3D visualization can help you see how the design comes together.
How much does it cost to build a custom home at Smith Mountain Lake?
Start with two parts of the budget: preparing the lot and building the house. Clearing, grading, retaining walls, and erosion control can make one lot more expensive to build on than another. For the home itself, costs depend on factors such as square footage, the number of bathrooms, the window and door package, cabinetry, flooring, and other finishes. Once we know more about your lot and the kind of home you want, we can discuss a preliminary budget. We use the agreed plans, specifications, and scope to establish your fixed contract price.
Can you estimate my custom home cost per square foot?
Cost per square foot can help with early planning, but it’s most useful when you know exactly what it includes. Two homes with identical square footage can have very different costs if one has more bathrooms, larger windows, or a more complex foundation. When comparing estimates, ask whether site work, utilities, allowances, and outdoor features are included in the number.
What does a Frye Construction proposal include?
Your proposal outlines the price for the proposed work, the finish level, the allowances, and the exclusions. For example, it may list a dollar allowance for closet shelving and explain which work falls outside the scope. Read those details alongside the price so you know what is included, where you still have choices to make, and what you may need to budget separately.
Site Costs, Allowances, and Financing
What expenses should I budget for beyond the house itself?
Beyond the land and the house, ask about design, surveys, permits, site preparation, driveway work, utilities, and private well and septic installation where applicable. If you finance the build, include lender fees, closing costs, and interest during construction in your planning. The proposal helps you identify which project costs are included and which are separate.
How are well, septic, and utility costs estimated?
We may include allowances when the final cost is still unknown. Well costs depend in part on how deep the driller must go to find an adequate water supply and what pump the well requires. Septic costs depend on the soil evaluation and the type of system the property needs. Electrical costs can change if the utility determines the existing service or equipment can’t support the new home. Ask us what the proposal assumes and which costs may still change.
Is a paved driveway included with a custom home?
Our typical custom home proposal includes a stone base driveway. We generally leave final asphalt paving to the homeowner and recommend waiting about a year before paving so the base has time to settle under normal use. Check your proposal for the driveway scope on your particular property.
What are construction allowances, and what if I spend more or less?
An allowance is an amount set aside in your proposal for something that hasn’t been fully selected or priced, such as closet shelving or a utility connection. Ask what each allowance covers, including whether installation or delivery is included. If the final cost is below the allowance, you receive a credit. If it’s above the allowance, you pay the difference before we order the materials or perform the related work.
How do construction draws and deposits work at Frye Construction?
Our custom homes use fixed-price contracts with a draw schedule in the written agreement. If you’re paying without a construction loan, we require a 20% upfront payment. With bank financing, the initial deposit is typically smaller and is generally used for early work such as final plans, soil evaluations, and permits. Your agreement explains your deposit and how the remaining payments are scheduled.
How does a construction-to-permanent loan work?
A construction-to-permanent loan can cover the build and convert to a long-term mortgage once the lender’s requirements are met. Construction funds are typically released in stages called draws. Ask your lender how it calculates interest during construction, when payments begin, and what needs to happen before the loan converts to a mortgage.
Timelines, Selections, and Construction
How long does it take to build a custom home at Smith Mountain Lake?
As an early planning estimate, allow roughly 90 days for planning and permitting and about six to eight months for construction. Planning can take longer depending on the locality, site work, or design. Weather, site conditions, and project complexity can also affect the build. Your agreement sets out the start and construction timeline for your home.
How far in advance should I contact a builder if I have a move-in date in mind?
Reach out as soon as you’re seriously considering building. Share your target date at the first meeting so we can work backward through site evaluation, design, permits, and construction. If you’re waiting for your current home to sell, we can discuss what planning work makes sense to do in advance. Talk with your lender early about financing and whether you can carry both homes or should budget for temporary housing.
How do I choose cabinets, flooring, fixtures, and finishes?
Your assigned project manager will guide you through selections in our showroom. At the initial meeting, you can see examples of our Tier 1 finishes, which typically include granite kitchen countertops, luxury vinyl plank flooring, ceramic tile in wet areas, and often a tiled primary shower. The specifications for your home identify which finishes are included. We’ll explain when decisions are needed. Window choices can be due before or around the start of foundation work, while cabinets and countertops need to be selected early enough to account for ordering and installation.
Can I make changes after construction starts?
Yes, when the change is feasible. We’ll explain the cost and how the change affects the schedule, then document the details in a written change order. You sign it before we order materials or begin the changed work. Moving a fixture may be straightforward at one stage and more involved after plumbing is in place. Structural changes can require revised engineering and local approval.
Who will keep me updated during construction?
Your assigned project manager is your main point of contact for progress, selections, and questions. We’ll talk you through what’s happening and share photos at key stages when helpful. Day-to-day activities may shift as weather, deliveries, and work on site change, so ask your project manager how any change affects upcoming milestones.
Can I build a custom home at Smith Mountain Lake if I live out of state?
Yes. We regularly work with clients who live hours away. Your project manager can send progress photos at stages such as footings, foundation, and framing, and help you plan for selections and any visits that would be useful in person. Let us know where you’ll be living during the build so we can discuss how to stay in touch.
Walkthrough, Warranty, and Home Tours
What happens at the final walkthrough of my custom home?
We typically do our own walkthrough before meeting with you. At your walkthrough, we review the finished work together and record any items that need attention, such as a paint correction or damaged trim. Your project manager will explain how any remaining work will be handled and review the homeowner information provided at handover.
What warranty comes with a new Frye Construction home?
Frye Construction provides a one-year limited builder warranty. Your written warranty explains what is covered, when coverage begins, and how to submit a request. Normal wear and tear and damage from everyday use aren’t covered by the builder warranty. Appliances and equipment may have separate manufacturer warranties.
How do I request warranty service after moving in?
Email service@fryeconstruction.org with your name, property address, a description, and photos if helpful. For an active leak or another urgent problem, follow the instructions on your homeowner contact sheet promptly. For minor items such as nail pops, follow the timing and submission instructions in your written warranty so related repairs can be scheduled together.
Can I tour a Frye Construction home or visit a jobsite?
Yes, by appointment when a suitable home or jobsite is available. A project manager can arrange a visit to a home under construction or help you ask about touring an available completed home. Tour availability depends on the stage of construction and access to the property.
Does Frye Construction have new homes for sale near Smith Mountain Lake?
We build homes for sale as well as custom homes. If you’re looking for new construction without starting a custom build, ask us which homes are complete or under construction and whether a tour is available. Contact Frye Construction for current listings and availability.
How do I schedule a complimentary consultation?
Contact Frye Construction or email sales@fryeconstruction.org. Tell us where you want to build, whether you own land, and what you’d like in your home. If you have a lot address, an existing plan, or a target move-in date, feel free to include it.
I want to build a new home. Where do I start?
Just contact us, we can lead you in the right direction to get started. It is easier than most people think, and it can be a really great adventure!