Question 1

How long does a new custom home take, start to finish?

Accepted Answer

Plan on 18 to 24 months from signed contract to certificate of occupancy for a typical custom home in the Seattle metro. That breaks down roughly as 3 to 4 months of design, 4 to 8 months of permits depending on jurisdiction, and 11 to 14 months of construction. Eastside cities like Redmond often run faster than Seattle proper. Critical-area lots and large homes can extend timelines.

Question 2

How do you price a new custom home?

Accepted Answer

Custom-home pricing depends on land conditions, design complexity, finish level, and site-specific issues like critical-area review, steep slopes, or utility availability. We don't publish per-square-foot ranges because every Seattle and Eastside lot has its own variables, and the number we'd quote you isn't the same number we'd quote anyone else. After a free lot walk and design consultation, we provide a fixed-price contract, not an open-ended hourly arrangement.

Question 3

I own the lot. Where do we start?

Accepted Answer

Start with a free site visit. We'll walk the property, review the zoning code for your jurisdiction, and discuss what's realistically buildable. Setbacks, height limits, lot coverage, critical-area constraints, and any easements or covenants. About 60 minutes on site. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of what your lot can support and roughly what it would cost.

Question 4

Do you handle teardown and demolition?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We coordinate demolition permits, asbestos testing (required for pre-1985 homes in WA), utility disconnects, the demo itself, and site grading for the new build. Most teardowns add 6 to 10 weeks to the overall timeline. Demo costs depend on house size, materials, and hazardous-material content, and we include the line item in your fixed-price bid so there's nothing hidden.

Question 5

Can MNBE work with my architect, or do you have someone in-house?

Accepted Answer

Both. We have an in-house design relationship that covers most projects without you needing a separate architect, which keeps coordination tight and change orders rare. For more architecturally ambitious homes, we work regularly with a handful of Seattle and Eastside firms, and we coordinate that engagement directly so you still have a single point of contact.

Question 6

How do construction draws and payments work?

Accepted Answer

Custom new-build projects use a standard milestone-draw schedule: deposit at contract signing, draws at foundation, framing, dry-in, mechanicals, finish, and final completion. If you're financing through a construction loan, your lender's third-party inspector signs off each draw. Every draw is documented with photos, lien releases, and progress narrative.

Question 7

Do you offer construction-loan or mortgage referrals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work regularly with three local construction-lending specialists in the Seattle metro who've underwritten dozens of MNBE projects. They know our process, which speeds up loan packaging considerably. We're happy to make a warm introduction during the consultation. No obligation, no kickback.

Question 8

What about warranties?

Accepted Answer

Every MNBE build carries a 1-year full workmanship warranty covering all labor and installations. Major systems (roofing, HVAC, appliances, windows) carry their manufacturer warranties on top of that, typically 10 to 25 years for roofing, 10 or more for windows, and so on. We provide a full warranty packet at handover with every paperwork item you'll need for the next 25 years.

Question 9

Will you build to spec and energy-efficient standards?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every WA new build must meet the Washington State Energy Code, which is the strictest in the country outside California. We routinely exceed code with continuous insulation, ducts in conditioned space, advanced framing, and high-performance windows. Passive House and Net Zero capable builds available on request.

Question 10

Do you handle site, civil, or septic work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For lots that need site grading, retaining walls, septic system permits, well permits, or driveway construction, we coordinate the civil engineering and excavation directly. We've worked on lots ranging from flat urban infill to steep Eastside hillside parcels with critical-area reviews.

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