Our Custom Home Process


front porch with red door - built by custom home builder metzler home builders

You don’t need to be a building expert to start your project with the custom home builders at Metzler. As one of the premier Central PA home builders, the area where we work encompasses all of Lancaster County. We are also honored to serve discerning clients in Lebanon County, Chester County, York County, and Dauphin County. Wherever you are, we will provide our expertise to achieve exactly the results you want in your home. The following are a few basics to get you started:

 

To Build a Custom Home You Need

1Your home financing:

Although it’s not necessary to have your financing secured before meeting with the team at Metzler Home Builders, it is valuable to review your finances and consider how much you are willing to invest in your new home. Building a home requires a construction loan, which is different than when you select a pre-built home. We have the expertise and resources to help guide you through the custom home building financing process.

2Your building permits:

As highly experienced custom builders, we have experience working with many municipalities within Lancaster, Lebanon, Chester, York and Dauphin counties. Metzler Home Builders will take care of getting all the appropriate permits for your custom home. Required permits when building your custom home can include not only building permits, but also sewer or septic, driveway, stormwater management, and more.

3Your custom home design:

Whether you have a fully designed set of plans, a napkin sketch or just your vision, we will work with you to develop a design. Learn more about our design / build process here.

4Your home location:

Metzler Home Builders will meet with you to discuss your project even if you don’t currently own a lot. There are plenty of considerations when choosing a lot to build your new home, and we can help guide you, refer you to local Realtor® if needed, or answer any questions you may have. We stand out among Central PA home builders, as our service area expands to approximately an hour’s drive from our office location in Lancaster. We also have building lots available, and we can assist you in finding your perfect setting.

Metzler Home Builders will take care of the details so you don’t have to. Your initial meeting will be with Jordan and / or Dan Metzler.

Construction of Your New Home

Following your initial design/build meetings with our custom homebuilding experts, and the securing of financing and permits, we’re ready to begin construction on your new home! This phase of the custom home building process includes selecting all the details, weekly communications with your project manager, and more. We encourage you to learn more about the custom home construction phase, as well as what to expect after construction of your home is completed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Home Building:


  • Can you help me design my home, or do you just build it?

    A: We are a design-build company, which means that we’re not only able to do both the design and build part of the process, but it typically works out best if you have us do both. With greater visibility to the project, we’ll be able to move through the whole process much faster than if you were to hire a designer and then come to us to just have your home built.

    That said, we can do either design or build if you only need us for one part of the process.

  • Q: How long does it take to build a custom home?

    A: Every project varies drastically, but we’ve found that simple home builds can take as little as 4 to 6 months, but typically it’s closer to 8 to 10 months from start to finish. Variables that impact the time required include the complexity of the house, how big it will be (square footage), and whether you hire us to construct the house only or if you have us both design and build it.

    Contact us today for a more custom estimate.

  • What is the cost per square foot to build a home in Lancaster County?

    The range of cost per square foot varies drastically depending on location, the complexity of the design, custom luxury additions, etc.

    In our service area, Lancaster County and surrounding regions, we frequently see the cost per square foot range from $120 to $170 per sq ft, but projects have gone well above that for luxury additions and other factors.

    The best way to get an accurate estimate is to speak with one of our team members about the details of your project.

  • Q: Is it possible to start or build our home over the winter months?

    A: Yes. As experienced Central PA home builders, we understand the certainty of harsh weather during the winter. However, advances in the technologies of different building materials make building your home in the cold months a perfectly viable option.

  • Q: Is my home accessible during construction?

    A: Yes, we encourage visits to your new home site. As questions arise, your project manager is always available to assist you.

  • Q: Can we make changes to our home after construction begins?

    A: Yes, we work personally with each customer to ensure you are truly getting the custom home of your dreams. When changes come up throughout the process, any costs are approved by you on a change order.

  • Q: How do we select interior finishes for our new home?

    A: We create reasonable allowances in our contract for cabinetry, flooring, lighting & appliances, and encourage you to work with our trusted suppliers and sub-contractors to make these selections. However, if you have a relationship with a supplier or sub-contractor whom you trust, we are open to working with them.