FAQs

What are the benefits of buying a new construction home?

New construction homes offer modern designs, the latest building materials, energy-efficient features, and fewer repairs compared to older homes. You also get the peace of mind that comes with a brand-new home warranty.

Will you build one of the River Stone house plans on a lot we already own?

YES! Contact us and we can set up a meet and greet to discuss which plan works best for your needs and the lot you own.

We found a River Stone house floorplan we love, but want to make changes. Is that possible?

Yes! In many cases, River Stone Construction can customize or modify one of our existing floor plans to better fit your lifestyle, needs, and preferences. The types of changes available often depend on the stage of construction and whether the home is already under construction or in the planning phase. Our sales team can help you make the best decision.

How does financing work when purchasing a new construction home? Do we need to obtain a lender or do you have a lender you can recommend to us?

River Stone carries the financing on all of our homes under construction. As a buyer, you will obtain a traditional loan that will fund when the home is complete and we exchange ownership at closing. We do require different down payments based on the timing of your purchase. Purchasing a pre-sale home where you make changes on the front end before construction begins or purchasing a market ready home that is under construction or complete impact the required down payment amount. However, financing options vary depending on whether you already own land, the type of build, and the structure of the contract. Contact our sales team for more information and guidance through our preferred lender incentive programs.

How long does it take to build a new home?

Most homes built by River Stone Construction take approximately 8–10 months from groundbreaking to completion, depending on the size of the home, weather conditions, and customization level. During the process, our team keeps homeowners informed with daily/weekly updates on the schedule and photos of the construction through our transparent calendar that we share with every homeowner.

Do you build fully custom homes or semi-custom homes?

River Stone Construction offers both custom and semi-custom home building options depending on the community, lot, and stage of construction. For clients building on privately owned land, we can customize floor plans, layouts, elevations, and select finishes while maintaining the quality standards and proven construction processes we are known for throughout the Chattanooga and Cleveland, TN areas. We also offer curated design packages to ensure quality, style, and a cohesive look throughout your home.

Can you build on my land in Chattanooga, Cleveland, or surrounding areas?

Yes. River Stone Construction can build on privately owned lots and acreage throughout Southeast Tennessee and parts of North Georgia. Our team can evaluate your property’s buildability, utility access, grading requirements, and site preparation needs before construction begins.

How much does it cost to build a custom home in Tennessee?

The cost to build a custom home varies depending on square footage, floor plan complexity, lot conditions, selections, and location. Factors like retaining walls, grading, septic systems, and custom finishes can impact the final price. Our team is proud to be a fixed, upfront pricing home builder. This means we will evaluate your land, review your home plans, and then provide you with a clear price upfront — no cost-plus, no dynamic pricing, and no surprise costs along the way.

What is included in a home build with River Stone Construction?

Our homes include professionally curated design selections, quality craftsmanship, energy-efficient construction methods, modern floor plans, protected encapsulated crawl space, and trusted manufacturer warranties. Specific inclusions vary by community and home type, so our sales team can provide detailed information based on your project.

Do you help with lot evaluation before building?

Absolutely. Choosing the right lot is one of the most important parts of the custom home process. We can help evaluate topography, drainage, utility access, grading needs, and overall suitability before construction begins.

Can I visit the construction site during the build process?

Yes! We schedule several on-site meetings throughout the build process to keep you informed and involved. While we understand the excitement of watching your home come to life, for safety reasons, we kindly ask that you visit the site only when scheduled and accompanied by a River Stone Construction representative. Our team will ensure you have safe and timely opportunities to see the progress of your new home.

What if I need help designing my home and choosing selections?

River Stone Construction makes the design process simple and enjoyable with our in-house design showroom and guidance from our Management Team and Designer, Ann Farmer. Homeowners can explore curated selections for flooring, countertops, cabinets, lighting, and more while receiving expert help creating a cohesive look that fits their style and budget.

What is the difference between a production builder and a custom home builder?

Production builders typically offer limited floor plans and fewer customization options in large-scale communities. Custom home builders provide more flexibility in layouts, finishes, design features, and lot selection. River Stone Construction offers both community homes and more customized building opportunities depending on the project.

What should I look for when choosing a custom home builder?

When selecting a custom home builder, buyers should consider experience, communication, build quality, warranties, transparency, local reputation, and whether the builder has an established process. At River Stone Construction, we prioritize clear communication, dependable timelines, and quality craftsmanship throughout every stage of construction.

How do I get started with buying a new construction home?

Contact our sales team to schedule a tour, explore available communities, tour our in-house design showroom and learn more about the buying process. We’re here to help you every step of the way!