FAQ
Welcome to the Cardinal Crest FAQ hub. Whether you are looking for premier custom home builders or wondering how a unified design-build firm operates, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about our process, timelines, and services.
General Information
What is a design-build firm?
A design-build firm is a unified company that manages your entire home project under a single contract from concept to completion. Unlike the traditional method, where you hire a residential architect and a general contractor separately, a design-build company handles architectural design, interior selections, and construction all in-house.
What are the benefits of choosing a design-build company over a traditional contractor?
Choosing a design-build team saves you time, protects your budget, and eliminates stress. In a traditional setup, architects often design homes that are too expensive or complex for home construction companies to actually build without costly redesigns. At Cardinal Crest, our designers and builders sit at the same table on day one, meaning we design to your exact budget and ensure structural feasibility from the start.
Where does Cardinal Crest build custom homes?
As luxury home builders, we specialize in constructing high-end custom homes and executing large-scale home renovation projects throughout Greater Kansas City and its surrounding premium communities. Contact our team to verify our current building radius for your specific neighborhood or lot.
Our Process
How does the Cardinal Crest design-build process work?
Our process is divided into three seamless phases:
Can I bring my own floor plans or work with an outside residential architect?
While we offer a complete, in-house architectural design experience, we are open to reviewing external plans. If you have already invested in blueprints with an independent residential architect, reach out to us. We can evaluate the designs to see if our construction and interior design teams are the right fit to bring them to life.
Services & Customization
Do you handle home remodeling, restoration, or renovations?
Yes. In addition to ground-up builds, Cardinal Crest manages high-end home remodeling, whole-house home renovation, and historic home restoration projects. We apply the exact same luxury craftsmanship, architectural detail, and seamless project management to major transformations as we do to our new custom homes.
How customizable are your homes?
Your home is entirely custom. We do not use cookie-cutter production templates or pre-selected packages. Every layout, structural element, cabinet profile, and light fixture is curated specifically to match your personal aesthetic and functional needs.
Budget, Pricing & Financing
How much does it cost to build a custom home with Cardinal Crest?
The total cost varies significantly based on square footage, architectural complexity, homesite conditions, and interior selections. Because we operate as an integrated team, we provide total cost transparency. We work with you to establish a realistic investment target early on, and our builders price out materials concurrently as blueprints are drawn to keep your project on financial track.
Do you assist with construction financing?
While Cardinal Crest is not a lender, we work closely with trusted local preferred lenders who specialize in custom home construction loans. We can connect you with financing experts who understand our process and can help secure the right loan for your project.
Timeline & Project Management
How long does the custom home building process take?
On average, the journey takes 14 to 22+ months, divided into two main phases:
The Pre-Construction & Design Phase (4 to 5 months): Perfecting blueprints, making interior selections, securing permits, and finalizing engineering.
The Construction Phase (12 to 14+ months): The physical building of your home, depending on the scale and complexity of the design.
Who manages my project on a daily basis?
Your project will be overseen by a dedicated project manager and a site superintendent. They handle daily scheduling, trade coordination, and quality control on-site, serving as the experts executing your vision.
Quality, Materials & Sustainability
WHAT KIND OF BUILDING MATERIALS DO YOU USE?
As dedicated luxury home builders, we never cut corners on what goes behind your drywall. We use premium, high-durability building materials, from advanced framing techniques and superior insulation to top-tier windows and engineered structural components, ensuring your home is built to last for generations.
Do you build energy-efficient or sustainable homes?
Yes. Energy efficiency is built into our standard practices. We utilize modern building science to optimize your home’s thermal envelope, incorporating energy-efficient HVAC systems, high-performance windows, and sustainable building materials that help lower utility costs and improve indoor air quality.
Site & Construction Logistics
Do I need to own land before contacting you?
No, you do not need to own land to get started. While many clients come to us with a lot already purchased, Cardinal Crest can assist you in the lot evaluation process. We can analyze potential homesites for topography, zoning restrictions, utility availability, and sunlight orientation before you buy.
Can you build on complex, sloped, or wooded lots?
Absolutely. Our construction team is highly experienced in navigating complex site logistics, including steep slopes, heavily wooded acreage, and unique soil conditions. We engineer the foundation and site grading to work harmoniously with the natural landscape.
Communication & Client Experience
How will I be updated on the progress of my home?
We utilize a state-of-the-art cloud project management portal where you can log in 24/7 to see real-time updates. You will have access to construction schedules, progress photos from the field, change order tracking, and direct messaging with your design and build teams.
How are change orders handled during construction?
If you decide to modify a design element or upgrade a material during construction, the request is documented directly within our online portal. We provide clear, upfront pricing and timeline impacts for your digital approval before any changes are made on-site.
Warranties, Aftercare & Guarantees
What kind of warranty comes with a Cardinal Crest home?
We stand firmly behind the quality of our craftsmanship. Every Cardinal Crest custom home comes with a comprehensive builder’s warranty covering structural integrity, mechanical systems, and interior finishes. We provide a detailed warranty handbook at closing so you know exactly what is covered.
What happens if I notice an issue after moving in?
Our service doesn’t end on move-in day. We conduct scheduled walk-throughs at milestones during your first year to address any natural home settling, drywall adjustments, or minor touch-ups, ensuring your home remains flawless.
Contact & Next Steps
How do I get started with Cardinal Crest?
The first step is simple: schedule an initial discovery consultation. We’ll sit down to discuss your vision, location ideas, budget goals, and timeline to ensure we’re aligned and you can feel confident proceeding with next steps.
Excellence in Service
Effective communication
Integrity in every action
continuous improvement
dynamic teamwork