Frequently Asked Questions

Money & Credit Questions
Owner-Builder Questions
Building & Construction Questions

If you do not find answers to your questions here, please call Allied Building Solutions at 775.841.1980 or Email Us

Money and Credit Answers

How much money can we save using your system?
Considering all factors, it is possible to save anywhere from a few thousand dollars to over $100,000. The key to your savings is, as a owner-builder you act as your own General Contractor. How much you save will depend upon the home you build, where it’s built, how much labor you perform (if any) and the home’s appraisal. For more details, call us at (775) 841-1980 or email us.
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How do I know if we qualify and how much can we borrow?
ABS offers free pre-qualification to those who have completed our questionnaire. Once we have determined your qualifications we can guide you in your land purchase as well as determine what size of house that you will qualify for.
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What are your interest rates and can I get better rates elsewhere?
The lending sources used by ABS are competitive and you will get the best rates available for your particular situation. Rates are dependent upon many factors such as your income, debt ratios, credit ratings, and down payment. The construction loan portion will generally carry a slightly higher interest rate than your home mortgage will. ABS works to find you lenders with the best rates.
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Will we be making payments during the home’s construction?
During the construction of your home, you may have either a rent or a current mortgage payment for your present residence. Recognizing this, your lender will normally arrange for the construction loan interest to be included in the construction loan amount -- therefore no payments will be needed during the building process. Payments begin when you move into your new home and your loan converts to a regular mortgage.
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Can I participate in your program if I do not own land?
We can be of assistance if you do not yet own land. We have established relationships with RE agencies who specialize in locating building lots and acreage. It is important to note that the ABS solution to homebuilding does NOT require your building site to be paid for prior to the start of building. You’ll find more information within the Site Location page.
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How much money down do I need to put on my land purchase?
Down payments vary according to each individual’s situation. The factors that are considered in determining the needed down payment include: debt ratios, income, home values in the neighborhood, labor provided by the owner-builder, and your projected equity upon the home’s completion. It would be wise to consult with ABS prior to making your land purchase and putting any money down. ABS is not a licensed Real Estate agent and will not be able to advise you on the purchase but can advise you on the proper price range that is compatible with your entire building project. Visit the 100% Financing Solutions page.
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What if we have credit issues to deal with?
If you are concerned about your current or past credit, please call us at (775) 841-1980 or email us now. You don’t need perfect credit. We have access to a variety of lending institutions with programs and products that have made this owner-builder program work for many people.
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Owner-Builder Answers

What if I don’t know enough to be an owner-builder?
The ABS Owner-Builder has at his or her disposal unique, proprietary products designed to help you succeed. If you are unsure of your knowledge or feel you lack enough experience, our Process Management Workbook and related tools will help guide you. Some clients elect to utilize the services of a Construction Manager or Site Supervisor -- either of which ABS can help you select at a fraction of the cost of hiring a General Contractor to build your home for you.
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Are we giving up any quality by being our own General Contractor?
One of the goals of this program is to increase the quality of your finished product. ABS is here to help you manage the process to reach this goal -- and our systems will help ensure that you get there. Unless you have significant experience, we strongly suggest that you do not act as your own General Contractor without these systems.
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Do we have to identify and contract out our own sub contractors?
As an owner-builder, part of the savings you will achieve are a direct result of your efforts. Identifying and contracting labor can be much easier if you follow the ABS Process Management tools for the Owner-Builder. If you elect to use the services of a professional Construction Manager or Site Supervisor, he or she may assist in the selection and hiring of the subs.
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Are there any common pitfalls that you can warn us of?
Yes. It is very common for the owner-builder to under budget both the time and money for the entire project. Please seek out professional help in preparing. The goal for everyone is the successful completion of your home. ABS will help to ensure that proper planning is accomplished. You’ll want to know the costs ahead of time and then manage them well. We will also be a great help in making sure that you complete your home on time and on budget. There is a lot of information in this Web site and we suggest you read it thoroughly.
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Building and Construction Answers

How long does it take to get the building of our home started?
If you own land already and have properly engineered plans, the building process can usually begin within approximately one month. When plans need to be designed and engineered, more time is required. Considering variables in everyone’s situation, and the time it takes to get through the building department, you should plan on at least two to four months’ preparation time before it goes to the building phase.
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What if I have no power to my land?
Alternative power sources may be used. Careful attention should be paid to the cost of these power sources to determine cost effectiveness. Depending on the situation, sometimes alternative power sources will require more money down on the project.
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Can we use solar power or generators?
Yes, it is sometimes possible. The governing factor is often the lender. The cost of improving your building site can sometimes be prohibitive. Be careful in choosing property where there are many unknowns such as well depth and the costs to bring in power and other services. To compensate for these extra costs, the purchase price should be lower to reflect these needed expenses on your part.
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Do you have set home plans that must be used?
No. There is almost unlimited flexibility on floor plans. Please call us if you want ideas for floor plans. You may also check the web sites that are listed under the Design page. If you have floor plans, we will be happy to use them.
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Are there certain phases of the construction that require the use of licensed sub-contractors?
For qualified Owner-Builders, there is a lot of flexibility here. There are only a handful of areas where a licensed contractor would be needed to either complete or certify an installation. ABS will carefully assess your personal qualifications and advise you accordingly. In some cases you may find it valuable to hire a crew for those items that would be too time consuming to complete on your own. As they say, "time is money".
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How long does it take an ABS Owner-Builder to build the home once construction is underway?
On average, it takes 6 to 9 months. You will work closely with your ABS representative to develop a time frame that works best for you. Proper planning prior to the start of construction is key. The size and complexity of your home is another important governing factor. The construction loan has its time limitations and that must be factored in as well. Successful projects usually do not take over one year.
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