Q: My family and I live in Newtown and we truly enjoy Fairfield County. However, our house is too small so we'd like to build a new home within 25 miles of our existing residence. How do we begin the search for land? How can we feel confident that the land is "buildable" before we start the project?

A: The first step for the acquisition of land is to start with your potential towns you wish to reside. The second step is to establish a land budget. This will eliminate some towns and help narrow our focus. I have established realtor contacts in the towns I service and developer contacts in Newtown, Southbury and Woodbury. Once we identify all potential lots available in the focus towns within the budget we can then visit the sites. Many of the lots available will have basic test results available that we can discuss with an engineer. Once an acceptable lot has been identified we can guide you as to what you should pay for the lot and coordinate the necessary testing and meetings with town officials to ensure we have a buildable lot that meets our criteria prior to closing.

You should avoid land that requires a lot of site work prior to construction, as this is the single most costly item to estimate and is the source of most cost over runs.

Q: What are the pros and cons to building a new house vs. purchasing an existing home?

A: There are many benefits to buying a new home. All new homes come with a one-year home warranty. The mechanical systems are more energy efficient today than even just five years ago. Most existing homes will require annual maintenance and repairs that can be very costly. Most homes in our area had routinely used pine exterior trim and wood windows. This will present a very costly bill for replacing rotted wood in as little as five years. Our homes use vinyl windows and siding and will provide many years of maintenance-free service.There are many benefits to buying a new home. All new homes come with a one-year home warranty. The mechanical systems are more energy efficient today than even just five years ago. Most existing homes will require annual maintenance and repairs that can be very costly. Most homes in our area had routinely used pine exterior trim and wood windows. This will present a very costly bill for replacing rotted wood in as little as five years. Our homes use vinyl windows and siding and will provide many years of maintenance-free service.

The most compelling factor for buying a custom built new home is money. Your new home should appraise for approximately 5-7% more than your cost to purchase and thereby provide you with a substantial Equity Factor in your new home. These factors are just in addition to being able to select your choice of finishes, granite, fixtures and make changes to floor plans to suite YOUR life style.

Q: I hear about new home constructions and how they tend to run over budget. I have a fixed budget in mind. Can you guarantee we won't run over this amount, complete with fixtures?

A: We provide guaranteed contract prices on our construction model packages. This will include electrical and plumbing fixtures. Our standard fixtures can be viewed in our model. We offer generous allowances for our fixtures. We can meet with you at our plumbing and electrical suppliers showrooms to select fixtures and make any changes to the allowances if necessary prior to signing contracts.

I also provide each new homebuyer with four hours with my interior decorator to assist with selections.

Q: What are your terms? Guarantees?

A: Each home built by N P Homes comes with a full one-year warranty, which covers all mechanical systems and construction defects.

Q: How long will it take to build my new home?

A: Your new home should be ready within seven months from the time construction commences.

Q: How much experience do you have in home building? Qualifications?

A: My construction experience dates back to the mid 1970's. I started out working on high-level homes in Greenwich and Stamford. I developed several condominium projects in Stamford, CT. I have also developed a 40 + condominium project and a 20 unit historical renovation in Atlanta Ga. I have been designated an "Approved Developer" by FNMAE and Freddie Mac. I presently have two houses under construction and am actively developing several sites. I am licensed in the state of CT: New Home Construction Contractor Registration # 8929.