15 Frequently Asked Questions About New Home Building
New Construction in St. Louis, St. Charles & Beyond
Fischer & Frichtel Homes has built more than 20,000 homes for families throughout St. Charles and St. Louis counties over the past 80 years! From our award-winning designs to our personalized service, we’re committed to building you a home that perfectly fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re just starting your search or eyeing a homesite in Des Peres, Foristell, Lake Saint Louis, Manchester, O’Fallon, St. Albans, St. Peters, Weldon Spring, Wentzville or Wildwood, this FAQ blog is designed to answer your most pressing questions.
1. How do I choose the right homebuilder?
When exploring new home construction, the builder you choose makes all the difference. Here’s what to look for:
- Experience & Knowledge: Fischer & Frichtel has been a trusted, local, family-owned builder since 1945 with more than 20,000 homes and over 200 neighborhoods across the region.
- Reputation: Our reviews are among the highest in the region. Homebuyers consistently cite professionalism, quality, and care throughout the building process.
- Craftsmanship: We employ a team of in-house union carpenters and long-time trade partners to ensure long-term durability and superior finishes.
- Customer Service: We are known for our personalized, hands-on approach and attentive team at every step throughout the process.
- We realize that the location of your new home is very important to you. So we are building new home communities all over St. Louis and St. Charles counties. If you are looking for a custom home builder to build a home on your own land, our Build On Your Land program can bring our designs, craftsmanship, and expertise to your homesite.
2. How is building a home in a new community different from building on your own land?
Building in a New Home Community:
- When you build in one of our new home communities, the homesites are already planned and positioned on a site map so you can easily see available options. Your community sales manager will help you select the floor plan that best fits your lifestyle and your chosen homesite, and will provide a price estimate based on your selections. If you don’t have a preferred lender, your sales manager can recommend one who specializes in new home construction financing.
- At Fischer & Frichtel, a professional Home Center design consultant will collaborate with you to choose from our wide array of options, features and finishes. Once your selections are complete and the paperwork finalized, construction will begin. Your project manager will oversee the process to ensure quality and accuracy, while your sales manager keeps you informed every step of the way.
- Many of our communities include beautiful common ground and may feature shared spaces for recreation and relaxation, such as walking trails or playgrounds. HOA fees and rules vary by community. If you prefer a maintenance-free lifestyle, our villa communities include lawn care and snow removal as part of the HOA services.
Build On Your Land:
- If you already own land, or are working with a realtor to purchase a homesite, our Build On Your Land program allows you to bring Fischer & Frichtel’s craftsmanship and designs to your location. Our development team will review your land and discuss the project’s feasibility with you. From there, our Build On Your Land sales manager will help you select a home that aligns with your lifestyle and provide a detailed cost estimate. If you need financing, we can recommend lenders who specialize in construction loans.
- You’ll work with a professional Home Center design consultant to personalize your home, just as you would with a community build. After finalizing your selections, construction will begin. Your home will be covered by the same 10-year limited warranty through RWC as all Fischer & Frichtel homes.
- If your land is within an existing community, you may be subject to HOA fees or municipal rules that apply to that property. Your sales manager will help you understand any such requirements.
3. Which floor plan is right for my lifestyle?
We offer a variety of floor plan styles to suit every lifestyle and stage of life.
- Ranch-Style Homes
Ranch homes feature single-level living, offering convenience and accessibility. They’re ideal for anyone who prefers to avoid stairs—families with young children, busy professionals, or empty nesters alike. - 1.5-Story Homes
This design places the primary suite on the main floor, with secondary bedrooms and additional living space—such as a loft—on the upper level. It’s a great option for homeowners who want easy access to main living areas while maintaining privacy for family or guests upstairs. - 2-Story Homes
These plans dedicate the main level to kitchen, dining, and living spaces, with all bedrooms located on the second floor. This style is perfect for households who value separation between living and sleeping areas. - Villas
Villas are modestly sized homes designed for a low-maintenance lifestyle. Groundskeeping is included in the HOA fee, and most floor plans feature two bedrooms on the main level with the option to finish the lower level for guests, children, or hobbies. Villas appeal to empty nesters and professionals seeking convenience and peace of mind. - Townhomes
Townhomes offer a similar maintenance-free lifestyle but in a multi-level format. These homes typically feature main-level living spaces with bedrooms upstairs and provide a lock-and-leave experience that’s ideal for those who travel often or prefer less upkeep.
Need help deciding? Our community sales managers can walk you through options that will align with your needs, budget, and goals.
4. Are your homes energy-efficient and environmentally friendly?
Yes. Fischer & Frichtel is committed to using energy-efficient, environmentally friendly materials and techniques that enhance your home’s comfort and value. Our homes include:
- Improved insulation systems
- Low-E windows
- Energy-efficient lighting, appliances, and HVAC systems
- Low-VOC paint and materials
- Fresh air ventilation and enhanced filtration systems
These features make our homes more durable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible—benefiting both homeowners and the planet.
5. I have trouble visualizing. How can I feel confident in how my home will look?
The Fischer & Frichtel website includes wonderful, high-tech tools that will help you visualize your selections.
- Interactive Home Design Tool – Shows you floorplans, options, styles and color palettes
- 3D Virtual Tours – Allow you to feel like you are physically walking through our homes
When you are ready to experience our quality firsthand, please visit our Display Homes, which are open daily from 11 am – 5 pm. Visit our website for a map of our new home communities and display homes.
6. Can someone help me choose finishes and colors? I’m not confident in my design sense.
Absolutely! We pair each one of our buyers with a highly experienced, professional Home Center design consultant, who will collaborate with you to choose from an extensive selection of options, features and finishes. Your design consultant will:
- Learn about your needs, wishes, habits and personal style
- Review your floor plans with you and add options as desired
- Offer expert advice on color coordination and current trends
- Show you options for your cabinets, surfaces, flooring, lighting, and much more
- Help bring your vision to life—whether classic, modern, or somewhere in between
7. Can I get a discount on my new construction home?
We sometimes run sales promotions and offer incentive programs. Please see a community sales manager for details on the following offers.
- Move-In Ready Inventory Sale – Special savings on ready to move-in homes
- 80th Anniversary Savings – From $5,000 to $10,000 off closing costs
- Community Champions Program – Special savings for veterans, teachers, healthcare workers, and first responders
- Encore Program – Our loyalty program which rewards returning buyers with 1% of the base price of their home to use for upgrades or finishes
- Please visit our Current Promotions page for our current list of promotions.
8. How is financing new home construction different from buying a pre-owned home?
Financing new construction is a little different than purchasing a resale home, so it’s important to work with a lender experienced in new home loans. Your community sales manager can recommend trusted lending partners who specialize in this area.
They’ll help you:
- Understand the overall process and available loan options
- Determine your budget and purchasing power
- Identify special programs or incentives
- Prepare the necessary documentation for a smooth approval process
9. Do you use contractors? How will I know if they are qualified to build my home?
When you build with Fischer & Frichtel, you can be sure you have the highest standards of construction and craftsmanship. To ensure the quality of our homes:
- We employ our own team of experienced union carpenters. Many of the carpenters on the Fischer & Frichtel team have been with us for more than 10 years—some for more than 30 years.
- We use contractors for some specialty trades. These companies have an extraordinary amount of industry experience, and we have long-standing, trusted relationships with them. Several of our contractors have been working with us for more than 30 years!
10. How long will it take to build my home?
Build times can vary based on several factors, such as the size of the home, location, customization choices, and weather conditions. Your community sales manager will provide an estimated timeline when you sign your contract and will keep you updated as each milestone is completed.
While timing can depend on many external factors, our team is committed to transparency and communication throughout the process.
If you’d love a new home but don’t have time to build, explore our Move-In Ready Homes!
11. Can I visit my home while it’s being built?
Yes, we welcome your visits during the construction process. However:
- You must obey safety guidelines and do not enter when there is work going on inside.
- Your project manager will accompany you on a walk-through of your home after it is framed and the major mechanicals are installed to allow for any last-minute corrections or revisions before the drywall is installed
- During the last 2 weeks before closing, no one other than construction and contractor staff will be admitted while cabinets and large appliances are being installed
- Your project manager will accompany you on a final walk-through of your home before closing to make sure everything is in order and discuss the use and maintenance of all of your new home’s systems
12. What does the home warranty cover?
All Fischer & Frichtel homes are protected by a 10-year limited warranty through the Residential Warranty Company (RWC):
- Homeowner Warranty Portal: Access a complete list of your home’s systems and materials and submit service requests online.
- During Year 1: Service requests related to defective materials and workmanship are managed by Fischer & Frichtel and our subcontractors.
- During Year 2: Specific portions of the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems are serviced as needed.
- During Years 3–10: Coverage is provided through RWC and applies to major structural defects as outlined in your warranty booklet.
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Transferable: If your home is sold within the 10-year period, the warranty transfers to the new owner.
13. Can my real estate agent represent me during the purchase and build?
Yes! If you’re working with a Realtor, they’re welcome to accompany you through every step of the process. To ensure proper recognition, your Realtor should register with our team before your first visit by completing the form available on our website.
Realtors are invited to attend meetings, home tours, and visits throughout your homebuying journey.
14. Are You Ready to Start Your New Construction Journey?
Whether you want a carefree villa or a spacious estate home, Fischer & Frichtel is ready to guide you every step of the way. Call 314-283-6510 or visit one of our display homes, which are open daily from 11 am to 5 pm. For a list, visit the Our Communities page on our website.
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