FAQs
Building or renovating a home comes with many questions. Our FAQ page is designed to give you a clear understanding of how we work, what to expect, and how we partner with our clients throughout the process. If you do not see your question here, we are always happy to talk.
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Arieli Custom Homes specializes in custom home construction, high end renovations, thoughtfully planned additions, and integrated outdoor living spaces, including pools and patios. We combine design expertise with hands on construction management to create homes that are beautiful, functional, and built to last.
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We do both. Some clients come to us with full architectural plans, while others start with ideas and inspiration. We can collaborate with your architect or designer, or help guide the design process from the very beginning to ensure the plans align with budget, buildability, and long term use.
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We take a proactive approach before construction begins. Once plans are in place, we create detailed 3D models and review the project together with you, walking through each space and key detail. This allows us to confirm layout, proportions, materials, and how everything will look and function in real life before anything is built. By aligning expectations early, we help minimize surprises and ensure the finished home reflects your vision.
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Yes. In addition to fully custom designs, we offer a selection of floor plans that have already been built. These plans have gone through permitting and construction before, which can help streamline the process and reduce unknowns.
If one of these plans fits your needs, we can place it on your lot at no cost for the plan itself. From there, we will review the layout together, discuss any adjustments, and confirm how it will work on your property before moving forward.
To view available options, visit our Available Floor Plans page and fill out the form to get started.
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We provide more than architectural drawings. In addition to coordinating plans, we offer interior design services that focus on the details that shape how your home looks and functions every day. This includes cabinetry and custom closets, kitchens and bathrooms, material selections, layouts, and finish coordination.
Our design process is closely integrated with construction, allowing us to consider both aesthetics and buildability at the same time. By addressing these details early and reviewing them through 3D modeling, we help ensure the finished space reflects your style, works well for your lifestyle, and is ready to be built with fewer surprises.
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The earlier, the better. Involving us early allows us to provide valuable input on layout, materials, budgeting, and feasibility. This often saves time, cost, and revisions later in the process.
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We work on a wide range of projects. In addition to custom homes, renovations, and additions, we also take on smaller scope work when it requires professional oversight and quality execution. This can include interior painting, foundation repair, leaking balconies, appliance installation, and other targeted improvements.
We believe that serving a variety of project sizes helps us stay connected to our community and continue building strong relationships in the areas we work. If you are unsure whether your project is the right fit, we encourage you to reach out and start a conversation.
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We primarily serve Bellaire, West University, Meyerland, and surrounding Houston neighborhoods. For the right project, we are happy to discuss nearby areas as well.
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We intentionally focus on the areas close to where we live and work. Staying local allows us to be closely involved in our projects, oversee work personally, and respond quickly when needed.
By working within our community, we are able to maintain a high level of quality, accountability, and communication throughout each project. It also allows us to build long term relationships and give back to the neighborhoods we are part of, not just work in.
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Yes. Arieli Custom Homes is an authorized Generac dealer providing standby generator installation and service. For full details, safety considerations, and flood zone requirements, please visit our Generator Services page.
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We believe in transparency and clear communication from the very beginning. Because every project is different, we use different pricing structures depending on the scope and complexity of the work.
For more defined projects with clear plans and selections, a fixed price structure may be appropriate. For larger or more complex projects where details evolve, site conditions vary, or flexibility is important, we often use a cost plus approach. This allows for greater transparency, real time decision making, and adaptability throughout construction.
We will walk you through the options early, explain what makes the most sense for your project, and help establish realistic expectations around budget and timing before construction begins.
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Cost plus construction means the project cost is based on the actual cost of labor, materials, and services, plus an agreed upon management fee. Instead of locking in a number too early, this approach allows flexibility as details are refined and real conditions are uncovered.
This model is often used for larger or more complex projects where selections, site conditions, or custom details evolve over time. Clients can see where costs are coming from, make informed decisions along the way, and adjust scope or finishes as needed while maintaining transparency throughout the process.
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Timelines vary based on scope, complexity, and site conditions. As a general reference, a new custom home of around 5,000 square feet typically takes approximately 12 to 14 months to build, not including permitting and preconstruction planning.
Renovations, additions, and more complex projects may follow different timelines depending on design decisions, existing conditions, and coordination requirements. We work closely with clients to establish realistic schedules and keep you informed throughout the process if adjustments are needed.
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Yes. From start to finish, you will work directly with one of the owners of Arieli Custom Homes. There are no middle layers or rotating project managers. Decisions are made by the same people who oversee your project every day. This direct communication helps move things forward efficiently, reduces delays, and ensures nothing gets lost in translation.
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Clear and consistent communication is a priority for us. Throughout the project, we provide regular updates and share photos so you can follow progress even when you are not on site. We also schedule check ins as needed to review decisions, timelines, and next steps.
We welcome communication by phone, text message, and email. Messages received during working hours are typically answered within 24 hours. Our goal is to keep you informed, involved, and confident at every stage of the process.
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We work with a trusted group of subcontractors who have been part of our team for many years. Most of the trades we use have worked with us for over a decade, and many have been with us since the early days of Arieli Custom Homes.
Because these relationships are long standing, our subcontractors understand our standards, expectations, and processes. This consistency allows for better coordination, higher quality work, and smoother execution throughout the project.
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A successful project is a team effort. Making key decisions early on, especially for layouts, materials, and finishes, helps keep the schedule on track and reduces the need for changes during construction.
Limiting changes once work is underway also helps maintain predictable timelines and costs. Timely payments are equally important, as they allow us to keep the project moving smoothly and ensure that everyone involved is paid on time. When decisions, communication, and payments stay aligned, the entire project benefits.
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Permits and approvals are a critical part of any successful project. We offer dedicated preconstruction services and manage permitting, inspections, and coordination with local authorities as part of the process.
With over 15 years of experience working with the City of Houston and the City of Bellaire, we are familiar with local requirements, review processes, and common challenges. This experience allows us to prepare thorough and accurate submittals, anticipate questions early, and help move projects through permitting as efficiently as possible.
Our goal during preconstruction is to reduce delays, minimize surprises, and ensure your project is well positioned before construction begins.
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Preconstruction services focus on planning and preparation before construction begins. This phase may include budget development, design coordination, constructability review, 3D modeling, scheduling, and permit preparation.
Preconstruction is especially valuable for custom homes, larger renovations, and complex projects where early decisions have a significant impact on cost, timeline, and overall success. By addressing details upfront, from layouts and materials to local permitting requirements, we help reduce delays, avoid costly changes later, and ensure the project is set up to move smoothly once construction starts.
Not every project requires the same level of preconstruction, and we will guide you through what makes sense based on your goals, scope, and property.
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Our relationship does not end at completion. We walk you through your finished space, address any final items, and remain available for follow up questions or future needs.
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We stand behind our work and provide warranties in line with industry standards. This includes a 10 year structural warranty, a 2 year systems warranty covering mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, and a 1 year workmanship warranty covering general construction items.
At project completion, we walk you through your home, address any final items, and remain available to answer questions or assist as needed. Our goal is not just to complete the project, but to ensure you feel confident and supported well after construction is finished.
