Common questions

Your Most Common Custom Home Questions—Answered!
By Anderson Homes | Spring 2025

At Anderson Homes, we believe every home should tell a story—your story. Whether you’re dreaming of a brand-new custom home or considering a remodel, our team has walked alongside hundreds of Mid-Missouri families as they take that exciting first step. Along the way, we hear a lot of the same great questions—and we love answering them.

So today, we’re sharing answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from future homeowners just like you.

“How long does it take to build a custom home?”

On average, building a custom home takes between 7–12 months, depending on the size, complexity, and weather conditions. Our process is built around clarity and communication, so we’ll always keep you updated at every stage—from groundbreaking to final walk-through.

“Do I need to have a floor plan before meeting with you?”

Not at all! Whether you have a full Pinterest board or just a few ideas scribbled on a napkin, we’re here to help. Our team includes experienced designers who will help translate your vision into a fully personalized home plan.

“How involved will I be during the build?”

As involved as you want to be! Many of our clients love getting hands-on with finish selections and layout decisions, while others prefer to leave the details to us. Either way, our project managers will keep you looped in with regular updates and transparent communication.

“What’s included in the cost of a custom build?”

We pride ourselves on honest, upfront pricing. Our proposals typically include design services, permits, materials, labor, and a range of customizable finishes. We’ll walk you through every detail so there are no surprises down the road.

“Can you help me with picking the best lot to build on?”

Absolutely! Choosing the right lot is just as important as selecting the right home plan — and not every house plan will work on every lot, especially in established neighborhoods where lot sizes, slopes, and setback requirements can vary.

With over 15 years of experience in custom home building, we’ve helped countless homeowners make smart, confident decisions about where to build. Our team will guide you through the process, considering your desired home layout, the lot’s characteristics, neighborhood requirements, and your long-term goals — whether that's maximizing views, natural light, privacy, or space for outdoor features like a pool or garden.

Plus, we have experienced drafters in-house who can help customize or adjust your home plan to better fit your selected lot. This allows for a smoother design process and ensures your home is tailored to both your vision and your land.

“Do I need to have a floor plan before meeting with you?”

Not at all! Whether you have a full Pinterest board or just a few ideas scribbled on a napkin, we’re here to help. Our team includes experienced drafters, designers, and a team that dedicated to help translate your vision into a fully personalized home plan.

Still have questions? We’d love to talk.

We know that building or remodeling a home is a big decision—and we’re here for it. If there’s a question you’ve been wondering about, just ask! You can send us a message, book a consultation, or stop by our Columbia office.

Let’s build something beautiful—together.

📍 Columbia, MO
📲 @AndersonHomesMO | 💬 www.andersonhomesmo.com