A: Price per square foot varies depending on the home’s design and layout. For example, a single-level home typically has a higher cost per square foot than a two-story home. Two-story homes are generally more efficient to build because they require a smaller foundation and roof relative to the overall square footage. You can review our website to see average price-per-square-foot ranges based on different home types. One of the key advantages of designing your home with a builder is our ability to guide the process with cost awareness from the very beginning. Our in-house Architect works closely with our Director of Construction and Director of Purchasing to evaluate designs and ensure they align with current building costs. Our goal is to create a beautiful, well-designed home that meets your vision while staying within your desired budget.
A: This pricing reflects the cost of the home itself and includes the first 25’ of driveway. Because each homesite is unique—and site conditions can vary based on location, topography, utilities, and jurisdiction—this pricing is presented independent of a specific property. We often describe this as the home “flying in the sky.” Once a site is identified, we can evaluate the property and outline the site-specific and required costs associated with placing the home on that particular site, ensuring you have a clear and accurate understanding of the full investment.
A: Absolutely, with Renaissance you will work directly with our in-house architect to modify, refine, or expand any of our existing plans to better suit your needs. If you prefer, we can also design a fully custom home tailored specifically to your vision, lifestyle, and homesite.
A: No, with Renaissance Homes, it does not. Our team will guide you through the design process to ensure your home is planned as efficiently as possible. When efficiency is thoughtfully incorporated from the beginning, a custom-designed home does not cost more than one of our existing plans shown on our website.
A: This is a key advantage of partnering with Renaissance early in the process. Our experienced team with over 660 years of combined expertise, supports you throughout the entire process, including locating and evaluating land. We not only assist in identifying potential properties, but also thoroughly vet them to confirm buildability and feasibility. To begin, we offer complimentary site visits with one of our Custom Home Sales Managers, our in-house Architect, and our Land Expert to walk the property and assess its potential. If you decide to move forward with a specific site, we can further research and evaluate the property to clearly outline the anticipated site-related costs. Our goal is to provide complete transparency, empowering you to make informed decisions with confidence.
A: After the contract is signed, engineering typically takes approximately 6–8 weeks. The building permit process generally requires an additional 2–6 months, depending on the jurisdiction. Once construction begins, our build time is typically 9–10 months. Homes over 5,000 square feet may require 10–11 months to complete.
A: At Renaissance, our nationally recognized, award-winning design team will guide you through every selection for your home. You will work with us at our Design Studio in Lake Oswego to choose finishes, fixtures, and details while your home is going through engineering and permitting. This personalized design service is included as part of your experience when building with Renaissance Homes.
A: If you do not already own land, you will either purchase the property with cash or obtain a land loan. Once your permits are ready, you will close on a construction loan. We can refer you to several trusted lenders who handle both land and construction loans.
Construction loans are typically interest-only during the build and increase incrementally as work is completed. A dedicated member of our team will work directly with you and your lender throughout construction to ensure the process is smooth and well-coordinated.
A: To get started, you will sign our Estimate and Evaluation Agreement and submit a deposit which is fully applied toward your build. At this stage, you will begin meeting with our Architect to discuss your custom home. Simultaneously, our Land Expert will begin researching your property and preparing a comprehensive site cost analysis to guide your decisions.
A: Upon signing the Construction Agreement, Renaissance Homes will collect a total of $35,000, which is fully applied toward your build. There are no additional financial commitments until your permits are issued and construction is ready to begin.
A: We provide a one-year workmanship warranty, which includes a one-year walk-through to address any concerns. In addition, your home comes with a 10-year structural warranty, along with the manufacturer warranties that apply to your selected products and finishes.
A: By partnering with Renaissance early in the process, we can assist you in finding the right land for your home. This may include searching current listings online or exploring tear-down properties, which are often ideal since the land is already proven to be buildable. It’s important to find a site that suits the type of home you want to build. For guidance and additional information, please reach out to one of our Custom Home Sales Managers – they are here to help you every step of the way.
A: These can vary a great deal by site, rural versus urban properties. These will include building permits, utilities, access, stormwater, tree removal, demo of existing structures (if applicable), etc. We can help you determine what the site costs would be for different properties.
A: All homes on our website are priced using our Universal Standards, which include features such as a 96% efficient furnace, air conditioning, quartz countertops, engineered hardwoods in main living areas, and more. We also offer many lateral design changes at no additional cost. You are welcome to tour our Design Studio to see these inclusions in person. Contact one of our Custom Home Sales Managers today to schedule your Design Studio Preview Appointment!
A: Our goal is complete transparency. We provide fixed base pricing on our homes, with a few allowances for excavation, foundation, and lumber materials. Once you sign your Construction Contract, your base pricing is locked in for 150 days. We charge a flat $3,000 handling fee for building permits, and site-related costs are calculated on a cost-plus-15% basis.
A: Renaissance Homes has spent the last 42 years building high-quality homes throughout the area, guided by a commitment to craftsmanship, integrity, and a seamless client experience. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth, well-managed build with clear communication and no surprises.
Over the years, we have developed long-standing relationships with some of the industry’s most trusted subcontractors and vendors, allowing us to maintain exceptional quality and consistency. Through our efficient, proven building process, clients benefit from our depth of experience and streamlined approach. Additionally, because we construct a significant number of luxury spec homes, we are able to leverage economies of scale that result in more competitive pricing without compromising quality.
From our land expert and in-house architect to our award-winning design team, purchaser, permit specialist, and dedicated construction managers, our fully integrated team supports you throughout the entire journey. We remain attentive to your desired budget and provide thoughtful recommendations to ensure your investment is used in the most effective and impactful way possible.
Renaissance also offers the unique opportunity to tour homes at various stages of construction, allowing you to experience room sizes, layouts, finishes, and overall craftsmanship firsthand.
