Frequently Asked Questions

What is a custom home?

Unlimited choices! You choose the design, size and room configuration of your new home. You choose the color and style of the siding, the roofing, the shutters and the gutters. You choose the paint, flooring, cabinets, lighting and bath fixtures. You choose whether to include the cathedral ceiling, fireplace or whirlpool tub. Why would you want your new home to look like all the other homes on your block? The process of designing a custom home takes into consideration the way you and your family live. A custom home is designed and built for you, not the "average" home buyer.

What makes a custom home by Accessible Home Builders, Inc. different?

We are committed to quality. We are committed to designs that live well and look good. We are committed to customer satisfaction. Visit our model home, travel to a home currently under construction or speak with a previous customer about their experience building a home with Accessible Home Builders, Inc. See for yourself that Accessible Home Builders, Inc. builds top quality homes and provides top quality customer satisfaction.

Does Accessible Home Builders, Inc. have a model home I can see?

Yes. The AHB model is located at 616 Oak Road in Seaford, DE. The model, which also houses the AHB offices, is open Monday thru Friday 8:30 - 5:00. Please call for an appointment for a guided tour or for an evening or Saturday tour. You can also stop by anytime during regular office hours for a self guided tour.

Directions: From Rt. 13 in Seaford turn West onto Rt. 20 at the light at McDonalds. Follow Rt. 20 thru town, over a bridge and thru the last traffic light with the elementary school to the Left. Go a short distance to the Accessible Home Builders, Inc. model on the left.

How many years has AHB built homes?

Accessible Home Builders, Inc. has been building new homes since 1994. Starting with traditional ranch style homes AHB has developed the expertise and resources needed to build not only those traditional ranch homes but also the most complex custom home with multiple roof lines, curved walls, varied ceiling styles and custom kitchens and master baths.

What does Accessible Home Builders, Inc. do to make the building process run smoothly?

1. Check lists! We have check lists for completing proposals and contracts. We have check lists for lot inspections and plan review. We have start-up check lists and check lists for inspecting the finished foundation and framing. We have check lists for insulation and interior and exterior details. There are pre-inspection check lists and final check lists. Very little is left to memory.
   
2. Experience. Scott, our President, has been in and around construction most of his life and started Accessible Home Builders, Inc. in 1994. Rodney, our Construction Manager, was a framing, siding and trim contractor before joining the AHB staff. Ben, our construction superintendent, has a background in building materials and has worked his way up over more than 7 years with Accessible Home Builders, Inc. Derby, our second construction superintendent was a framing contractor before joining the AHB staff. Dale, our Sales Representative, has 15 years of experience in varying capacities of the home building industry.
   
3. Communication. Every Monday you will receive a phone call to update you on what work is planned for the next week on your home and to field any questions you may have at that time.

How long does it take to build a home?

Generally the time from starting the foundation to final walk through is four to six months. A large factor in determining the actual time to completion is the size and complexity of the home. Because Accessible Home Builders, Inc. has a long track record we can guarantee a completion date that is stated on your contract. This will give you the ability to schedule your moving help and your time off from work.

Can I bring in my own plans I found in a plan book or on a web site?

Yes. Accessible Home Builders, Inc. has many plans to choose from, but you can also use the power of the internet or the many plan books available to choose the home plan that looks good and works for you. Modifications to a plan are available and frequently turn a stock plan into the home for you and your family.

In what area does Accessible Home Builders, Inc. build new homes?

AHB builds homes in all of Sussex County Delaware and southern Kent County Delaware - areas south of Dover. AHB does not build in any county of Maryland or New Castle County Delaware at this time.

Why does Accessible Home Builders, Inc. include Energy Star Certification in every home?

1. What is it? Energy Star is a voluntary government program that gives people the power to reduce their energy bills while reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases through energy efficiency. Energy Star qualified homes are at least 30% more energy efficient than homes built to the National Model Energy Code followed in all counties of Delaware.
   
2. How is this efficiency accomplished? An Energy Star Home features increased insulation levels, energy efficient heating and cooling equipment, tight construction details and high performance windows.
   
3. How will I know if my home meets the Energy Star requirements and what are the benefits? Near the completion of your home a certified inspection company will inspect your home using a blower door test and specialized computer software. You will receive an Energy Star Home Report showing the Energy Star Rating, the calculated reduction in pollutants and the estimated energy cost savings. Energy Star recognized Accessible Home Builders for certifying 14 new homes in 2007. These 14 homes are estimated to have saved 5,376 lbs. of coal which is the equivalent of planting 1.4 acres of trees. These 14 new homes also are estimated to save their owners $6,258 per year on their utility bills.

Visit the Energy Star website at www.energystar.gov

Can I choose the subcontractor or supplier I want used to build my home?

No. We closely supervise our subcontractors and suppliers and stand behind the work they provide and materials they supply. With these established relationships we can maintain our reputation of quality.

Will AHB install home buyer supplied materials?

No. Due to past experience with warranty problems as well as defective, missing or broken parts, Accessible Home Builders, Inc. has a policy not to install home buyer supplied materials. If you have to have a Kohler vessel sink or dovetail drawers in your Kitchen cabinets, make your list and give it to Dale Strohmaier our sale representative so he can include these in your quote.

Can I supply labor and materials toward building my new home?

Yes, Accessible Home Builders, Inc. will accept up to three "jobs" where you supply both the labor and materials. If you are supplying both labor and materials you can pick the materials and installer you want.

Is Accessible Home Builders, Inc. a member of the National Association of Home Builders?

Yes. Accessible Home Builders’ commitment to finding better ways to build a better home is enhanced by our membership in the National Association of Home Builders. The NAHB connects Accessible Home Builders, Inc. with builders and suppliers across the county who convey their experiences with different products and building practices. All this is intended to make Accessible Home Builders, Inc. a better builder.

What can I do to make the home buying experience go smoothly?

The home buyers who enjoy the process the most are those who are clear about what they want and what they can afford. This means cutting out pictures of home elements you like, driving by homes toward deciding on color combinations, making lists of what you liked and did not like about previous homes and contacting a mortgage representative to discuss your budget. All these steps will serve you well toward ensuring the finished home you move into is just what you wanted.