Questions homeowners ask us
Straight answers about cost, timelines, and what it’s like to build with us. Don’t see yours? Call us or start your project.
General
How much does a home addition cost?
Home additions start at $150,000. Your price depends on the size of the addition, what goes inside it, whether you build out or up, and your material selections.
You get a price range at your proposal review, and a fixed construction price before we break ground.
How long does a project take?
Every project is different, and size makes a big difference. A simple renovation takes at least 8 months from the start of Design to move-in, and an addition or new home often takes 12 months or more.
Your timeline is set in writing during Design, before you commit to construction.
Can we live at home during construction?
Often, yes. Whether it makes sense for your project depends on the scope and where the work happens in the house, and we will give you an honest answer before you commit.
One client put it this way: "We decided to still live in the house during construction, and Mike went above and beyond to make it as convenient as possible for us."
Should we add on or move?
If you love your neighborhood and plan to stay, compare the full cost of moving with the cost of building what you need. Moving means agent commissions, closing costs, and moving expenses, often a new mortgage at a higher rate, and still compromising on a house that almost fits.
We will help you run the numbers honestly, including telling you if your project does not make sense.
What areas do you serve?
We design and build in Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, and surrounding Wake County. Our office is in Raleigh at 4809 Hargrove Rd, Suite 119.
Pricing
Is the consultation free?
No. The in-person consultation is $150, and the discovery call before it is free.
We walk your home and gather what we need to prepare your plan, timeline, and pricing.
When do we get a fixed price?
At the end of Design, before we break ground. By then every material selection is made, so your price is set before construction starts.
What can change our price?
Only two things: something unforeseen that we uncover during construction, or a change you request. That is Peace of Mind Pricing.
Why do you publish starting prices?
Because you should know whether we are a fit before you spend time on a call. Starting prices are where projects begin, design included; your price depends on your scope and selections.
Process and timeline
Someone else can start sooner. Why wait?
Planning every decision before construction is what makes your price and schedule hold. A fast start with an unfinished plan is how projects end up over budget and behind schedule.
What do we get before we sign a contract?
At your proposal review, you see your plan, your timeline, and your pricing, in person, before you sign anything.
What warranty do you offer?
A 1-year comprehensive warranty from Oak City Homes, plus extended warranties on select trades. Your project manager owns warranty, so you call the same person who ran your build.
Home additions
How long does an addition take?
An addition often takes 12 months or more from the start of Design to move-in. Size makes a big difference.
Your timeline is set in writing during Design, before you commit to construction.
Will an addition price us out of our neighborhood?
We plan your budget around your home and your neighborhood from the first conversation. A primary suite addition does not fully pay back at resale, and we will tell you that.
What it does is let you stay in a neighborhood you love, in a home that finally fits.
How big is an in-law suite?
Most in-law suites are about 500 square feet with a bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, and living area. We plan them on the main level with a private entrance and no stairs, either attached to your home or as a backyard ADU.
Should we build out or build up?
It depends on your lot, your layout, and your budget. We walk your home during the in-person consultation and give you an honest recommendation before you commit to anything.
Home renovations
How much does a renovation cost?
Whole home renovations start at $200,000, kitchens at $100,000, and primary bathrooms at $65,000. The final price depends on how much of the house changes, structural work like removing walls, and your material selections.
You get a fixed construction price before we break ground.
How long does a renovation take?
A simple renovation takes at least 8 months from the start of Design to move-in. Larger renovations take longer.
Your timeline is set in writing during Design, before you commit to construction.
Can you remove walls to open our floor plan?
Often, yes. Engineering is part of Design, so we know exactly what is structural and what it takes to open the space before construction starts.
Should we renovate or move?
If you love your neighborhood and plan to stay, compare the full cost of moving with the cost of building what you need. Moving means agent commissions, closing costs, and moving expenses, often a new mortgage at a higher rate, and still compromising on a house that almost fits.
We will help you run the numbers honestly, including telling you if your project does not make sense.
Custom homes
Does your pricing include land?
No. Our custom home pricing covers designing and building your home, and land is separate.
Do you build on a lot we already own?
Yes. We build custom homes on your lot, including knockdown and rebuild projects where an older home comes down and a new one goes up in its place.
Should we renovate our current home or rebuild?
Sometimes renovating no longer makes sense for an older home. We will give you honest advice on whether to renovate or rebuild, including telling you if a project does not make sense.
How long does a custom home take?
A new home often takes 12 months or more from the start of Design to move-in. Size and design make a big difference.
Your timeline is set in writing during Design, before you commit to construction.
When will we know the price of our home?
You get a price range at your proposal review in Dream, and a fixed construction price at the end of Design, before we break ground. That is Peace of Mind Pricing.
Go deeper
- Kitchen remodeling costs in Raleigh: a clear guide
What a kitchen remodel costs in Raleigh, with our pricing tiers, a phase-by-phase cost breakdown, cost drivers, timeline, and financing.
- What does a home addition cost in Raleigh?
Where home addition prices start in Raleigh, what drives the cost, local factors, how pricing is fixed, financing, and whether adding on is worth it.
- How long does a Raleigh home addition take?
A phase-by-phase look at typical timelines for a Raleigh home addition, from discovery and design to permits, construction, and what can slow it down.
- What is a licensed general contractor?
What a licensed general contractor does on a remodel or addition in North Carolina, what the license means for you, and why it matters.
Fall in love with your home again
Start with a free discovery call about your goals, timeline, and budget. You’ll know where you stand before you sign anything.