Frequently Asked Questions
What insulation do you use?
Every home includes blown insulation in the attic and insulation in the walls. Typical values are R-13 in the walls and R-30 at the roof, and we'll confirm the final insulation package with you during predevelopment. If you'd like more, spray-foam insulation at the roof deck (in place of blown attic insulation) and sound insulation at bedrooms and baths are available as upgrades.
What kind of HVAC system will my home have, and what SEER rating?
Every home is built to the latest energy code under the International Residential Code (IRC), and we perform a Manual J load calculation to size your HVAC system. A typical range is 12 to 16 SEER, depending on how we design the building envelope. We can use heat pumps or simple electric package units, and we'll decide all of this together during predevelopment, including single- or two-stage equipment.
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is an all-electric central system that both cools and heats your home. In summer, it works like a regular air conditioner. In winter, it runs in reverse, pulling heat from the outside air and moving it inside, which is much more efficient than electric resistance heat.
What plumbing materials do you use?
Sewer lines are 4-inch Schedule 40 PVC, and water lines are 1-inch. For the water supply, we can use PEX or Uponor (a PEX piping system), which is what we recommend.
Who inspects the work during the build?
Inspections are performed by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), such as your city or county, or by a private home inspector, and you're always welcome to hire your own. We're also glad to coordinate third-party testing and inspections, and we'll share all results with you.
Typical inspection points are the underground plumbing hydrostatic test, the slab before pouring, framing, mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) rough-in, and final trim-out. Before closing, we also record foundation elevation readings for you and do a walk-through with a written punch list, and we offer an 11-month walk-through before your first-year coverage ends.
Do you have a showroom? How do I pick my finishes?
We don't have a showroom. Instead, we're glad to go with you to our material vendors' showrooms so you can see the finishes in person, and we'll set up a selections visit so you can see the finishes for each tier before anything is final.
How do allowances work?
Fixtures, lighting, appliances, cabinets, countertops and flooring are carried as budget allowances for the tier you choose, and each allowance is listed in writing in your construction contract. During predevelopment, we'll review your selections with you and set the allowance amounts for each category so they fit your home. You can choose from many suppliers, such as Floor & Decor and Daltile.
Allowances are adjusted to your actual selections, and tiers can be mixed (for example, Mid Tier with High-tier cabinets), with the price adjusted only for the items that change. Your selections are confirmed during predevelopment, so the final construction price reflects your choices before you sign the construction contract. Any change after that is handled through a written change order that you approve before the work is done.
What roofing do you use?
Our homes include architectural shingles with synthetic underlayment, flashing and a ridge vent. We can work with all shingle manufacturers, such as Owens Corning, TAMKO and CertainTeed, and you'll select the brand, along with any upgrades you'd like to consider, during predevelopment.
How long will construction take?
Once the final engineered plans are complete, construction takes 9–12 months depending on structure type, scope, and tier level. We'll give you a written schedule once predevelopment and permits are done and keep you updated throughout. Responsibility for delays is spelled out in your construction contract, which we finalize along with the plans.
What warranty comes with a new home, and how do I make a warranty request?
Our 1-2-10 New Home Limited Warranty is a residential warranty for new homes Arcco Group builds: 1 year workmanship, 2 years plumbing/electrical/HVAC, and 10 years structural. It applies only to homes we build.
Each coverage period is a hard calendar period that starts on the Effective Date. It isn't based on registration or installation. When you build on your own land, the Effective Date is the earlier of substantial completion or your first occupancy, so in practice it begins when the home is done and you move in.
To make a request, send it to us in writing. A request counts as on time if you send it before that item's coverage period ends. We'll confirm receipt of any written request within 5 business days and schedule an inspection, usually within 15 business days, as described in the warranty. Manufacturer warranties on appliances, HVAC equipment, water heaters, windows and roofing follow each manufacturer's own terms. Maintaining the grading we install is also part of protecting your foundation warranty.
What isn't included in your scope?
• Septic systems. Septic is outside our scope, so we don't price it; it's handled by you as the owner. If you have an existing system, we'll locate it on the survey so we can plan the home around it, and we recommend having it inspected by a septic professional so you know its condition and capacity for the new home.
• Propane tanks. If you'd like gas appliances, we run the gas lines and install the tankless water heater and its venting. The only piece we don't handle is the propane tank itself, which your propane supplier sets.
• Builder's risk insurance and bonds are pass-through costs. Builder's risk insurance is a pass-through cost, which is typical and industry standard for builders, or it can be built into our general conditions. Once the policy is issued for your home, we'll share it with you so you can see exactly what's covered and excluded. We can also provide a bond if you'd like one; a bond is always a pass-through cost paid by the owner. Most of our homeowners don't use one. If your lender requires a bond, just let us know and we'll have it priced for you.
Are you insured?
Arcco Group is fully insured, and our insurance renews every year. When the time comes, we'll provide an updated certificate of insurance, and we're happy to have it issued directly to you and your lender.