The Construction Process and Allowances in Cumberland County, PA
Remember when you were a child and you received a weekly allowance for doing your chores? When it comes to the construction process and allowances in Cumberland County, PA, things work a bit differently. If you’re in the process of building your dream home or hope to start this venture sometime in the future, it’s important to understand allowances.
So, what do you need to know about the construction process and allowances in Cumberland County, PA? The following FAQ will give you the basics.
What is a construction allowance?
An allowance is an amount of money earmarked for a product or a specific part of the home building process. For example, one might have a $5,000 allowance for the purchase of kitchen cabinets or a $10,000 allowance for excavation preceding the project.
What happens if the allowance doesn’t cover the expense?
If expenses go beyond the allowance, it is typically the homeowner’s responsibility to pay the difference. Conversely, if the final charge is less than what was allowed, the homeowner would receive a credit.
How many allowances are provided for a building project?
The construction process and allowances in Cumberland County, PA can vary greatly. Depending on the builder, one may have a lot of allowances, or not many at all. Due diligence on the part of the builder makes the difference in the number of allowances. If things are carefully planned in advance, fewer allowances are needed in the budget.
Is it better to have allowances for flexibility?
Although allowances do provide more flexibility, having too many allowances can complicate the building process. There will be much to keep track of with many allowances in play, and the homeowner can face a significant bill at the end of the project if several pieces go beyond the allowances.
What areas should have allowances?
It’s best to keep allowances to a minimum, but it can be beneficial to have allowances for some aspects of the project. It is recommended to limit the number of allowances to about three.
One of these can be the well and septic system. When these systems are private, an experienced builder can typically provide a good estimate on the charges for excavation and well installation, but an allowance can provide the flexibility needed for this project.
For most other projects, if the builder does their due diligence, they can make all the product selections necessary to build the home in a quick and efficient manner, without any extra charges. This lack of surprises is something most homeowners appreciate.
Who Can I Contact for Due Diligence?
If you want to partner with a pro that will provide thorough service and save you money, look to the experts at WSL Incorporated. We are a full-service design/build company offering professional project management services from the start of the design phase all the way through to the warranty services. No matter what the size, budget or needs of your project may be, our team will help you every step of the way. Contact us today for an estimate. We look forward to making your construction process and allowances in Cumberland County, PA a success.