Frequently Asked Questions

About Custom Home Building and True North Custom Homes

  • What is the process?

    1. Our process begins with an initial consultation with our in-house design team, followed by design development, permitting, construction, and final walkthrough.  

    2. You'll meet with our in-house design team, Gabe, Sam, and Kelli, to design your dream home while keeping your budget in mind, and choose finishes and personalize your home during the design phase.  

    3. We provide consistent communication and regular site updates to ensure your vision is being executed. We execute this through Buildertrend, where you are able to see weekly updates and choose selections. 


    More about our process
  • What does our timeline look like?

    1. The timeline varies depending on the size and complexity of the home.


    2. Pre-construction planning, including design and permitting, generally takes 2–4 months.  


    3. But the typical build takes 8–12 months from the start of construction.  


    4. Total time from initial meetins to getting your keys to your beautiful custom home can take 10-12 months. 


    5. We provide a detailed timeline during the initial stages and keep you updated throughout the process.  

    More about our process
  • Where is our portfolio?

    1. We have a selection on our website where you can see our homes in the current status of build.

    Our portfolio
  • What size homes does True North build?

    1. We specialize in homes ranging from 2,000 to 6,000+ finished square feet, depending on your needs and budget.  

    2. Whether you're looking for a cozy family home or a spacious luxury estate, we can design to suit your requirements.  

    3. Our team is experienced in maximizing functionality and aesthetics, regardless of size.

  • What areas do we build in?

    1. We build in Lincoln and the surrounding areas, including neighborhoods like Hillcrest, Yankee Hill Estates, and Walter Ridge Estates.  

    2. If you have a lot outside of these neighborhoods, let us know! we’re happy to discuss custom builds in other locations.  

    4. Contact us to see if we can build in your area! 

    Contact us
  • Why should I choose a custom home?

    1. A custom home allows you to create a space that reflects your unique style, preferences, and functional needs.  

    2. You have full control over layout, finishes, and features to fit your lifestyle perfectly.  

    3. Unlike spec homes, custom builds maximize value by tailoring every aspect to your vision.  


  • How long have we been building custom homes?

    1. True North Custom Homes has been building dream homes for over 5 years.  

    2. Our team combines decades of experience in custom construction and design.  

    3. Our expertise has earned us a reputation for quality craftsmanship and personalized service. 

    Read more about us
  • How customizable is my custom home?

    1. Every aspect of your home is customizable, from floor plans to fixtures, finishes, and landscaping.  

    2. We offer flexibility within your budget to make your home uniquely yours.  

    3. Our design process ensures that your vision and functionality goals are incorporated seamlessly.  

  • What is our estimating process?

    1. We start with a preliminary budget based on your initial design ideas and lot requirements.  

    2. Once plans are finalized, we obtain competitive bids from our trusted subcontractors.  

    3. We provide a detailed construction specifications with a fixed contract price and allowances. The price only changes when you make selections or choose to make changes.

    More about our process
  • Do you need to have plans before coming to us?

    1. You don’t need to hire an architect if you work with us; we can create custom designs or modify existing plans.  

    2. For unique designs, we have an in-house draftsman to ensure your vision is fully realized.  

    3. If you already have plans, we can work with them or refine them to meet your needs.  

  • Do you need to hire an interior designer

    1. No, you don’t need to hire an outside interior designer; our in-house expert, Kelli, is here to guide you.  

    2. Our goal is to provide flexibility while ensuring every design decision aligns with your overall vision.  

    3. She will guide you through the timeline on the build and keep you on schedule with the selections that need to be made. 

    4. She will also assit you with selections and coordinate materials selected.


  • Who will be your main point of contact during the building process?

    1. Your main point of contact will be a dedicated project manager who oversees every aspect of your build.  

    2. You will be designated a superintendent that controls operations in the field with subs. 3. Regular updates are made in Buildertrend our software program

    3. Regular updates ensure you’re always informed, with a clear line of communication at all times.  

  • How much input do you have during the design process

    1. You have complete control over design choices, from the layout to the smallest details.  

    2. Our designer provides guidance to ensure your vision comes to life while staying on budget.  

    3. We encourage active participation to create a home that fits your lifestyle and preferences.  

  • How do you know when and where to make selections

    1. We’ll provide a timeline with clear milestones for when decisions need to be made.  

    2. Our design team will guide you through the selection process in our design center.  

    3. Regular updates keep you informed and ensure decisions are made without delays. 

  • Can you make changes to the design once construction has started?

    1. Yes, but changes are subject to feasibility and may affect the timeline and budget.  

    2. We handle change orders professionally, providing clear communication about costs and impacts.  

    3. Significant changes might require additional approvals or adjustments to your contract. 

  • What is the process for selecting fixtures and finishes for your home?

    1. You’ll work with our designer to choose finishes during scheduled design meetings.  

    2. We provide samples and guidance to ensure selections fit your style and budget.  

    3. A detailed list of selections is finalized before construction to streamline the process.

  • How do we handle accessibility features?

    1. We work with you to design features like wider doorways, zero-threshold showers, and ramps.  

    2. Accessibility needs are integrated into the design from the start to ensure functionality.  

    3. Our team is experienced in creating homes that meet ADA or other accessibility standards.  


  • What lots do we have available?

    1. We regularly update our lot information.

    2. The best way to know what lots we have available is checking the For Sale page on our website. 

    Lots for sale
  • Does True North do additions or remodels?

    1. Unfortunately we do not do any additions on exisiting homes, or any remodels. 

  • Do we build on lots that you own?

    1. Yes, we do build on lots that you own. 

  • How far out of Lincoln do we build?

    1. Currently we serve Lincoln and the surrounding areas. 

    2. We go off of a project by project basis on how far out we will travel to build a home

    3. Contact us to see if we will build in your area.

    Contact us
  • When do you need to get started?

    1. The sooner you can get started with us, the better. 

    2. If you have plans ready, bring them to the initial meeting with us and we can customize them

  • Do you need a set of plans or a lot before hand?

    1. You don't need to have either before you start

    2. We have an in-house design team that will work with you to create your dream home

    3. We also have a lot inventory on hand that you can choose from

  • When do you need to start making selections on your home?

    1. Depending on how far along you are on your home, the sooner the better. 

    2. We have an in-house interior designer that will help you make selections for your home

    3. We suggest doing a bit of research on your own with your partner. This will make the selection process more smooth and keep you and your partner happy. 

  • How much will you save if you don't finish your basement?

    1.  Most of our clients find that the upfront cost savings of not finishing a basement do not outweigh the long-term cost and time savings of having it finished with the rest of the home.  

    2. However, we can bid the basement finish as an option during the bidding phase so that you can make an informed decision before starting construction.

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