Frequently Asked Questions

We aim for total transparency. Your quoted contract price includes all labor, materials, and necessary permits. We also cover the cost of electric, gas, and water services used during construction, as well as site preparation and utility connections (sewer or septic).

Note: The contract does not include loan interest, realtor commissions, or property insurance.

Every contract includes a set "Allowance" for items like lighting, flooring, and appliances.

Overages: If you choose a finish that exceeds the allowance, the difference is paid via a change order.

Credits: If you spend less than the allowance, that credit is applied back to your original contract amount.

Change orders are processed as separate invoices. To keep the project moving efficiently, these are paid directly to the builder before the new work or material order begins. Depending on the complexity of the change, a small administrative fee may apply.

Cash Buyers: Requests for payment are typically made on the 1st of each month for work completed.

Construction Loans: We coordinate directly with your lender. They will perform bi-weekly progress inspections, and draws are released based on their approval.

Every custom build is unique. A home with standard site requirements can be completed in approximately 6 months. For larger, more complex estates with extensive land preparation, the timeline can extend to 12 months. We provide a projected completion date at the time of your contract.

You will deal directly with the owner. Van Wales is your primary point of contact and manages your build personally to ensure every detail meets our standards.

We love showing progress! For your safety, we prefer visits to take place at the end of the workday when active construction has paused. If you need to visit during the day, please schedule it with us in advance so we can ensure the site is safe for entry.

While Vanguard Custom Homes has been operating as a business for 4 years, Van Wales brings over 30 years of hands-on home building experience to every project. You are getting the stability of a local business backed by three decades of industry expertise.

We stand behind our work. Every home includes:

• 1-Year Workmanship Warranty: Covers the "fit and finish" of your home.
• 2-10 Extended Warranty: Covers internal systems (electrical, plumbing, ductwork) for 2 years and the foundation and framing (structure) for 10 years.

Yes. Every Vanguard home is built to meet the International Energy Conservation Code of Alabama. To prove it, we bring in an authorized 3rd-party inspector to verify the efficiency of your insulation, windows, and overall construction.

The sky is the limit. We can work from your existing custom plans, or we can provide an architect to help you modify a plan to better fit your lifestyle. We don't just "tweak" houses; we tailor them.

Collaboration is our strength. We partner with local drafting and design teams to help you visualize your home. We can facilitate the entire design process to ensure your vision is buildable and stays within your budget.

In most cases, our clients already own their land. We work alongside you and your lender to structure the build contract specifically for your lot. If you are still looking for land, we can offer guidance on what to look for regarding buildability.

We are experienced in working with Homeowners Associations. We collaborate with you and the HOA board to ensure your design meets all community requirements and help you facilitate the necessary submittal forms for approval.