Planning Your Home

Planning your custom-built dream home is an exciting time!  K & A Homes works hard to make sure your custom home is full-featured with craftsmanship and details that are done right the first time, on budget and on time.  Please use the points below to consider the many options and decisions that are available as you build your dream home in Eastern Iowa with K & A Homes!

Choosing a Builder

K & A Homes is confident that we can build the home of your dreams; a house you will be proud to call home!  We are a member of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Home Builders Association of Iowa and Greater Cedar Rapids Home Builders.  Download our checklist provided by the NAHB to see how K & A Homes serves its new construction and remodeling clients.

Location

K & A Homes builds homes in many popular, growing neighborhoods in North Liberty, Fairfax, Marion, Solon and other communities in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City corridor.  Consider these aspects when choosing a location for your custom-built home in Eastern Iowa:

  • School District
  • Travel time to Work
  • Traffic Flow
  • Neighborhood Amenities (restaurants, shopping, health centers, etc.)

Price/Financing

Many of our clients choose to work with their existing bank as the lending partner for their new home construction or remodeling project.  It is always recommended that you talk to your lender about financing potential before you being thinking about the details of your building project.  If you do not have a preferred lender, K & A Homes’ clients often recommend Hills Bank.

This pamphlet from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) walks you through many of the processes of financing and closing on your new home.

Remodeling projects can also be financed through a traditional lender; Learn about financing your remodeling project.

Fixtures and Details

There are many benefits to building a new home instead of purchasing an existing home; one of the greatest benefits is planning for fixtures, details and features that fit your needs and lifestyles.  This article from the NAHB briefly describes some of the greatest benefits to building your new home.
K & A Homes provides generous allowances for lighting and appliances.  This ensures that you have the features you want in your kitchen appliances and are able to promote your own unique style through lighting fixtures.

Closing Process

Many first-time home buyers or builders feel overwhelmed by the closing process.  K & A Homes strives to answer all of your questions during the closing process and deliver a finished home or remodeling project that puts your mind at ease.  Here are some steps and information to consider as your approach your closing date:

  • Complete a final walk-through with K & A Homes to learn about maintenance recommendations, special features and warranty details.
  • If required by your city/county code, make sure all certificates are filed regarding home occupancy, plumbing and sewer inspections, and code compliance.
  • Choose a safe place for your abstract – many choose a safety deposit box.  Abstracts can be costly and time-consuming to replace!  Keep a file for all of your other closing documents.
  • Make sure you know in advance which closing fees you will be covering as a buyer.  This checklist from the NAHB lists some of the common closing costs and expectations.

Maintenance

All of K & A Homes’ custom projects have a 1 year warranty on craftsmanship and building products.  Please call or email us to request warranty work on your new home or remodel.  We always recommend following manufacturer’s instructions for care of products.  Keep all manufacturer’s/owner’s manuals in a file and refer to them when purchasing cleaning products or performing annual/seasonal maintenance.