Frequently Asked Questions

Most Owner Builders should expect to save approximately 20% considering a "feature to feature" comparison vs building with a traditional custom home builder. 

Most reputable custom home builders are cost plus 20%. The BGCH consulting fee generally comes to 3-5% of the total cost of construction. BGCH Owner Builders also have the opportunity to take advantage of tremendous purchasing power and a competitive  bidding environment. As an Owner Builder, you will always do more to save money on your build than any builder would do for you. 

A BGCH Building Consultant would be happy to review a complimentary "Quick Estimate" with you. Schedule a free initial consultation today. 

The Free Building Classes are a great opportunity to network with other Owner Builders and determine if building your own home is right for you. You can also schedule a free initial consultation with a BGCH Building Consultant. 

The time commitment varies throughout different stages of construction. On average, expect to devote 10 - 15 hours per week. Expect to need to be on site 3x per week Monday - Saturday for ~2 hours each visit. However, we know you'll try to be on site as often as possible as you watch your dream home become a reality. 

BGCH currently offers "On-Site Assistance" through different stages of construction for additional fees. You can also hire a third-party freelance superintendent. 

The BGCH Houston location services Harris, Montgomery, Galveston, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Matagorda, Wharton, Colorado, Austin, Washington, Burleson, Brazos, Grimes, Waller, Madison, Leon, Walker, Trinity, San Jacinto, Liberty, Polk, and Chambers counties. Not building in the Houston area? Built Green Custom Homes has relationships with similar programs that operate in the Austin, San Antonio, Hill Country, North Texas, and DFW markets.

There is no minimum build square footage. BGCH has helped Owner Builders build homes ranging from 1,800sf - 15,000sf. BGCH does have a minimum consulting fee. Arrange for an initial free consultation with a BGCH Building Consultant for current BGCH fees. 

BGCH provides industry leading project management tools and resources to its Owner Builders. It is possible to manage your project from a distance but it is certainly more challenging. Anyone considering building their own home from a distance should strongly consider hiring a third party superintendent to help them manage construction. 

BGCH has an initial fee to assist Owner Builders with the pre-construction and budgeting process. The BGCH consulting fee during construction is based on square footage. Arrange for an initial free consultation with a BGCH Building Consultant for current BGCH fees. 

Yes, BGCH has relationships with lenders that allow you to build your own home while utilizing BGCH consulting services. Arrange for an initial free consultation with a BGCH Building Consultant for a current list of lenders. 

BGCH can provide you a list of plan designers and architects that BGCH has experience with. Arrange for an initial free consultation with a BGCH Building Consultant for a current list of plans designers and architects.

Yes, you can do work yourself if you have availability and are comfortable and confident in your abilities to perform the work. The most common tasks Owner Builders do themselves to save money are installing silt fencing, applying termite treatment, running low voltage wire, installing hardware, and landscaping. 

Yes, you are the builder. You select, hire, and pay all vendors and contractors.

BGCH does not own land or have lots for sale.

The BGCH Houston location services Harris, Montgomery, Galveston, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Matagorda, Wharton, Colorado, Austin, Washington, Burleson, Brazos, Grimes, Waller, Madison, Leon, Walker, Trinity, San Jacinto, Liberty, Polk, and Chambers counties. Not building in the Houston area? Built Green Custom Homes has relationships with similar programs that operate in the Austin, San Antonio, Hill Country, North Texas, and DFW markets.

"Change Orders" are highly inflated when dealing with a traditional builder. Change orders are negotiated and handled directly between you and the contractor when building your own home.