Before you get too far in your search for a new home, you will need to have a site for your home. Here are some things you should do BEFORE you purchase the land.

1.  Check with the local building and zoning departments. a)  Is the property zoned for your use? b)  Are there lot size or building restrictions? 2.  Check with the Health Department for the feasibility of a septic system. 3.  Speak with the staff at the Geological Survey (listed under United States Government, Department of the Interior) or the County Health Department to obtain information about well depths and the quality of the water in the area. You may also want to get an estimate for the installation cost of a well and septic system.

4.  Contact the power company servicing your area for an estimate of the cost to bring power to your home. An electrician will also be required to make the connection to the house. 5.  Contact the local telephone company to determine if telephone service is available in the area and the estimated cost of connection. 6.  Contact the local cable provider for the cost and feasibility of cable service. 7.  Contact the fuel supply company for the cost and feasibility of fuel delivery and service.

	Permits will be required before and during the construction process. As a homeowner, you will be responsible for obtaining and paying for these permits but we will be happy to assist you with this process for a minimum charge. Below is a list of permits that may be needed:

Zoning permit Well and septic permits – allow two weeks. Sites near water may take longer. Building permit

Driveway permit Electrical permit – allow two weeks Plumbing permit Mechanical permit

	You may choose to act as the general contractor and then subcontract out the various jobs. When requesting bids, it is wise to ask for a complete detailed list of what is included in the bid as well as what is NOT included. It is vital that you ask about HIDDEN COSTS. It is your responsibility to know what is included and what is not. The following questions should be asked when getting a bid.

Are you licensed? Do you carry Worker’s Compensation Insurance? Do you have liability insurance?

Can you guarantee the start and finish time if you are given the job? What kind of guarantee do you offer?

      

You will be required to have some sort of a foundation in place before the home is delivered to the site. Check with your local building department for the exact requirements in your area. The type of foundation is also dependant on the type of house you select. Multi-section houses require frost piers while single section homes require concrete runners. Excavation, backfill, removal or grading of excess dirt, drain tile with sump pit, sill plate and sill seal all need to be considered in the cost of the foundation. Check with us for more details.

Landscaping should be done after the home is delivered being careful to slope the surfaces AWAY from the house. In the first year settling may occur around the foundation. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to keep these areas filled, preventing water from damming and leaking around the foundation of basement. Anchor straps or bolts must be installed on the foundation or basement. Check with a Phil and Lee’s sales associate or your local building department for more details.

	Before your home can be ordered, the following transactions must be completed:

1.  The full down payment or equivalent must be received and approved by the management. 2.  All lender-required documents must be received and accepted (income verification, property forms, a copy of the deed, appraisals, etc.) 3.  A copy of the building permit must be supplied to Phil and Lee’s Homes.

Before your home can be delivered we require all paperwork to be completed and signed. Land home closing must take place at the title company. We will require payment in full prior to your taking possession of your new home. The keys to your new home will be given to you upon receipt of the final payment.