FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Considering a collaboration with Otter Creek Homes?
We’ve curated thoughtful answers to the questions we’re asked most often—designed to give you clarity on our process and philosophy. If your question isn’t addressed here, we invite you to reach out to us directly at office@ottercreekhomes.co, and our team will be happy to provide a personal response.
how does this process work?
To get started, submit an inquiry through our form. Then visit our Services page and scroll to “How Does It Work,” where you’ll find a detailed, step-by-step overview of our process.
what style of projects do you specialize in?
We specialize in new builds and transformative renovations, whether it’s a full kitchen, a primary suite, or an entire home. Many of our projects begin at the $250,000 level and above, allowing us to reimagine spaces in a meaningful way while layering in custom millwork, bespoke vanities, and architectural built-ins. Every project is designed to feel both elevated and deeply personal, tailored to the families who call it home.
once i fill out the contact form what happens next?
Once we receive your inquiry, our team will connect with you by email to gather additional details—such as land or home location, photographs of the home and project scope. If the project aligns well with our expertise, we’ll schedule a dedicated phone consultation to discuss your vision and next steps.
do you provide quotes?
No, we don’t provide up front quotes. The nature of custom remodels & new builds don’t lend themselves to a simple quote or “bid”. At OCH we call it budgeting and it happens during the pre-construction & design process. Since we're a design-build company, we first gather your inspiration to get a better understanding of your vision. This allows us to provide a starting point for the budget based on this inspiration. If this feels good we then move into a pre-construction agreement which allows us to develop more firm pricing alongside the design.
do you offer in-home consultations?
Yes, we do. We begin with a phone consultation to learn more about your vision and project goals. If it feels like the right fit for both your family and our team, we then schedule a dedicated in-home consultation to explore the possibilities in person.
what does the in-home consult consist of?
Our in-home consultations provide an opportunity for us to experience your home or property firsthand, to walk the space with you, and to discuss feasibility in a thoughtful way. During this visit, we evaluate the site, ask detailed questions, and document the space with notes and photography. This allows us to gather the insights needed to shape an initial budget framework tailored to your project.
who will actually be working on my home?
Chris (Co-owner & Director of Operations), Luke (Site Super & Lead Carpenter), Ryan (Apprentice Carpenter), Seth (Lead Carpenter), Charlie (Carpenter), Aden (Apprentice Carpenter), & Jared (Project Coordinator) will be the faces you see everyday on the job. Lauren (Co-Owner & Creative Director), Erica (Designer) & Kylie (Jr. Designer) will work with you on all things design behind the scenes & occasionally will be on site. Get to know our team more here. All subcontractors will be vetted from our list of trusted subs!
can i hire you just for design services?
At this time, we offer our design services exclusively in tandem with our construction services. As a full-service design-build firm, we provide a seamless, start-to-finish experience—where design and construction are integrated to ensure precision, efficiency, and a beautifully cohesive result.
how long do projects normally take?
Project timelines vary based on scope and complexity, as every home we design and build is completely custom. During the pre-construction phase, we provide a clear outline of anticipated timing so you know what to expect. While each project is unique, our team is committed to sticking to deadlines and ensuring the process feels both seamless and thoughtfully paced.
do i have to take care of permitting?
Not at all—our team oversees every aspect of permitting and inspections for you. As part of our full-service approach, we handle these details behind the scenes to create a truly turnkey experience. From start to finish, our goal is to ensure the process feels effortless, allowing you to simply enjoy watching your home take shape.
HOW DOES PAYMENT SCHEDULE WORK?
We require a 20% deposit at the start of your project, with the remaining balance billed on a bi-weekly basis according to percent complete. Invoices are provided directly via email by our office manager, AJ, ensuring the process is clear, timely, and seamless from beginning to end.
do you work with bank financing?
Yes, we do. We’ve partnered with Holy Rosary Credit Union & Northeast Credit Union for past clients, all of which have been excellent experiences. We simply ask that you share any financing details with us at the outset, as certain aspects of bank financing can influence the overall project budget and timeline.
do i have to communicate with subcontractors?
Not at all. Our team manages every aspect of subcontractor communication and coordination on your behalf. Jared, our Project Coordinator, will serve as your dedicated point of contact, ensuring you always feel informed without needing to manage the details yourself. From scheduling to payments, we oversee it all with precision—allowing you to relax and enjoy a streamlined, full-service experience as your home takes shape.
should i contact the architect first or you first?
We collaborate with a select network of trusted architects and always recommend reaching out to us first. This allows us to thoughtfully pair you with the architect best suited to your project while ensuring budget is an integral part of the conversation from the very beginning. By aligning design and budget early, we’re able to create a seamless process that saves both time and investment—avoiding the need to rework plans that may not reflect your goals.
can we provide any of the work “sweat equity” on our home?
We don’t offer this option, as maintaining full control of the process from start to finish allows us to deliver the highest level of efficiency and precision. By overseeing every detail, we ensure a streamlined experience and a beautifully executed result for our clients.
should we ever expect additional costs above the outlined contract cost?
With a fixed-price contract, the investment is defined and upheld. During the pre-construction phase, we work diligently with our subcontractors to secure firm pricing and establish clear investment ranges for material selections in-house. For cost-plus projects, there may occasionally be adjustments from subcontractors that exceed the initial allocation; however, these are communicated with transparency and care throughout the process—ensuring you are always informed and never met with unexpected costs at the end of your project.
is it ok to visit my home while it’s under construction?
Yes, absolutely. We understand that building or renovating a home is an exciting and meaningful experience, and we warmly welcome site visits. To ensure your time on-site is both safe and enjoyable, we simply ask that all visits be coordinated through Jared, our Project Coordinator, who will make certain the home is prepared for your arrival.
is it ok to live in my home while a renovation is taking place?
This depends on the scope of your renovation. For full home renovations, it isn’t possible to remain in the home during construction. For partial renovations, such as a kitchen, some clients do choose to stay. While we can provide temporary accommodations—relocating appliances or setting up a workspace—it’s important to know that construction is naturally noisy, dusty, and disruptive. Many of our clients opt to move out during the project, as this not only makes day-to-day life more comfortable but also allows us to deliver the most efficient timelines and a smoother overall experience.