• How long have you been in the custom home building business?
    Esham Builders is a family-owned and operated company with deep roots in the community. We have been building high-quality custom homes and communities on the Delmarva Peninsula for over 35 years.
  • Are you licensed and insured in this state/county?
    Absolutely. We are fully licensed by the state of Maryland and Delaware and carry comprehensive liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. We can provide all documentation for your peace of mind before any contract is signed.
  • Can you provide a list of references from past clients? Yes, we are proud of the relationships we’ve built and would be happy to provide you with a list of past clients you can speak with about their experience building with us.
  • Can we visit some of your previously built homes? Yes. We can arrange for you to see examples of our completed homes to get a firsthand look at our craftsmanship. We may also be able to arrange a tour of a home currently under construction so you can see our process in action.
  • What makes you different from other custom home builders in the area? Our difference lies in our local heritage, decades of experience, and a hands-on, personalized approach. As a family-run business, our reputation in the Salisbury community is everything. We are committed to transparency, superior craftsmanship, and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable building experience for every client.
  • What is the typical price range of the homes you build? Our homes are custom-built to each client’s specifications, so the price can vary significantly based on size, complexity, land, and finishes. We work to provide exceptional value and can discuss how your vision aligns with your budget during our initial consultation.
  • Do you have in-house architects or designers, or do we need to hire our own? We have strong partnerships with talented local architects and designers. We can manage the entire process for you, from initial concept to finished plans, or we are happy to collaborate with an architect or designer you have already chosen.
  • If we already have our own set of plans, are you willing to work with them? Yes, we frequently work with client-provided plans. We will review them with you to ensure they meet local building codes, align with your budget, and fit the building site appropriately.
  • Do you own any lots, or do we need to find and purchase our own land? While our primary focus is building on a client’s lot, we are deeply connected in the local real estate market. We can certainly assist you in finding and evaluating a suitable piece of land for your new home.
  • What is your process for evaluating a potential building site? We will conduct a thorough site evaluation, assessing factors like topography, soil conditions, utility access, and zoning regulations. This is a crucial step to understand site-prep costs and ensure the land is a perfect fit for the home you want to build.
  • How do you structure your pricing? Is it a fixed price or a cost-plus model? We typically work on a fixed-price contract. This means you will know the total cost of your home before we begin construction, providing you with financial certainty. A cost-plus model can also be discussed if it’s a better fit for your specific project.
  • What is included in the base price of your homes? Our proposal will provide a detailed, line-by-line breakdown of everything included in the price—from permits and foundations to fixtures and final paint. We believe in complete transparency, so you know exactly what you are paying for.
  • What are some common items that are not included in the final price? Typically, items not included are the cost of the land, landscaping, window treatments, and any major upgrades or changes made after the contract is finalized. We will clarify all inclusions and exclusions upfront.
  • How do you handle allowances, and what happens if we go over or under budget? Allowances are budget amounts for items you will select, like flooring or light fixtures. We establish realistic allowances based on the quality of homes we build. If you choose an item that is under budget, the savings are credited back to you. If you go over, the difference is added via a change order.
  • How are changes or upgrades handled during the construction process? We use a formal Change Order process. When a change is requested, we document the new scope of work and the associated cost and schedule impact. Work on the change only begins after you have reviewed and signed the document, ensuring there are no surprises.
  • What is the payment schedule throughout the building process? The payment schedule is outlined in the contract and is typically tied to construction milestones. This is often called a “draw schedule,” where payments are made after key stages are completed, such as foundation, framing, and drywall.
  • Can you work with our bank or lending institution for construction loans? Yes, we have experience working with all major local and national lenders that provide construction financing. We will provide your bank with all the necessary documentation, like the contract and draw schedule.
  • What type of contract do you use? We use a comprehensive, straightforward building contract that clearly outlines the project scope, specifications, price, timeline, and all responsibilities. We will review it with you in detail to ensure you are comfortable with every clause.
  • How do you handle unforeseen site conditions or other unexpected costs? Our thorough site evaluation process minimizes the chance of unforeseen costs. However, should an unexpected issue arise (like discovering poor soil conditions), we will notify you immediately to discuss the situation and present clear, cost-effective solutions for your approval.
  • What are the typical closing costs associated with a new custom home? Closing costs are related to your loan and title transfer. They can include lender fees, title insurance, and recording fees. Your lender will provide you with a detailed estimate of these costs.
  • How much customization is truly possible with your homes? We are a true custom home builder, which means the possibilities are virtually limitless. From the floor plan and architectural style to the smallest interior details, every aspect of your home can be tailored to your exact preferences.
  • Who will guide us through the design and selection process? You will be guided by our experienced team, which often includes a dedicated selections coordinator. We make what can be an overwhelming process feel manageable and fun, helping you choose everything from siding to cabinet hardware.
  • Where do we go to make our selections? We have established relationships with high-quality local showrooms and suppliers. We will schedule appointments and guide you through the process of selecting flooring, cabinetry, countertops, fixtures, and more.
  • Are there any design limitations we should be aware of? The primary limitations are typically your budget, zoning regulations, and the physical constraints of your building lot. Within those parameters, we can be very creative to achieve your vision.
  • How do you incorporate energy efficiency and green building practices? We are committed to building energy-efficient homes. This includes using high-performance windows, advanced insulation techniques, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and tight construction methods to reduce air leakage. We can discuss specific green building certifications or features you’re interested in.
  • Can we incorporate smart home technology into the design? Absolutely. We can integrate a wide range of smart home features, including automated lighting, climate control, security systems, and whole-home audio, working with you and specialized installers to plan for it from the very beginning.
  • What are some of the most popular design features your clients are requesting? Currently, we see high demand for open-concept living spaces, large kitchen islands, dedicated home offices, indoor-outdoor living areas like screened porches, and luxurious primary suites with spa-like bathrooms.
  • How involved can we be in the design process? You can be as involved as you wish to be. Some clients come to us with a full scrapbook of ideas, while others prefer us to take the lead. Our process is flexible and designed to accommodate your desired level of participation.
  • How do you ensure the final home reflects our personal style and needs? Our process is built on communication. We spend significant time upfront listening to you and understanding your lifestyle, needs, and aesthetic preferences. This initial discovery phase is the foundation for every design decision that follows.
  • What is the estimated timeline for building a custom home? While every project is different, a typical custom home can take anywhere from 9 to 14 months to build after the plans and permits are finalized. We will provide you with a more specific, projected timeline for your particular home.
  • Who will be our main point of contact during construction? You will have a dedicated Project Manager who oversees all on-site activity. They will be your go-to person for any questions and will provide you with consistent updates.
  • How often can we expect updates on the progress of our home? We believe in proactive communication. You can expect regular updates from your Project Manager via your preferred method—phone calls, emails, or scheduled meetings—at least on a weekly basis, and more often as key milestones are reached.
  • How often can we visit the construction site? We encourage you to visit your future home! For safety reasons, all site visits must be scheduled in advance with your Project Manager. This ensures the site is safe and allows us to walk you through the progress and answer questions effectively.
  • Who is responsible for obtaining all the necessary permits? We handle the entire permitting process. We will submit the plans to the local building department and manage all inspections required throughout construction.
  • How do you manage your subcontractors to ensure quality and timeliness? We work with a consistent team of trusted, skilled, and insured subcontractors, many of whom we’ve partnered with for years. Our Project Manager provides daily oversight to ensure their work meets our high standards and stays on schedule.
  • What happens if there are delays due to weather, materials, or other factors? While we build contingency time into our schedules, some delays (like a week of heavy rain or a supply chain issue) are unavoidable. If a delay occurs, we will communicate it to you immediately and explain how we plan to adjust the schedule to get back on track.
  • What quality control checks do you have in place? Quality control is continuous. Our Project Manager is on-site daily, we conduct our own internal quality checks at each phase, and the home must pass multiple inspections by local building officials before it can be completed.
  • When will we have a firm completion date? We will give you a projected completion date at the start. As we get closer to the end of the project, typically around the drywall stage, we can provide a more precise closing date, which we will then confirm as we complete the final touches.
  • What type of warranty do you offer on your homes? We stand behind our work with a comprehensive home warranty. This typically includes a one-year warranty on workmanship and materials, a two-year warranty on mechanical systems (like plumbing and electrical), and a 10-year structural warranty.
  • What standard materials and brands do you use? We don’t have “standard” materials so much as “benchmark” quality. We use proven, reputable brands known for their performance and durability, such as Andersen windows or Trane HVAC systems. The specific brands and materials will be detailed in your home’s specifications.
  • Can we request specific brands or materials to be used in our home? Yes. As a custom builder, we can accommodate requests for specific products or materials you wish to incorporate into your home.
  • What happens if we find an issue with the home after we’ve moved in? Our relationship doesn’t end when we hand you the keys. You will have a clear process for submitting a warranty claim. We are responsive and committed to addressing any covered items that may arise.
  • Do you conduct a final walkthrough with us before closing? Absolutely. Before closing, we will conduct a detailed homeowner orientation and walkthrough with you. We’ll demonstrate all the features of your new home, and create a final “punch list” of any items that need touch-ups to ensure your complete satisfaction.
  • How is the landscaping and exterior finishing handled? Landscaping is typically handled as a separate allowance or contract. We can execute a plan provided by you or connect you with trusted landscape architects to create a beautiful and functional exterior that complements your new home.
  • What does the homeowner orientation or “hand-off” process entail? The orientation is a comprehensive tour of your finished home where we explain the operation and maintenance of all your systems—HVAC, water heater, appliances, etc. We’ll also review your warranty and answer any final questions.
  • Do you provide a homeowner’s manual with information on all the products? Yes, we provide a homeowner’s package that includes all manufacturer warranties, manuals for your appliances and equipment, and a list of the subcontractors who worked on your home.