Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I afford a custom home?
For years the big myth promoted by real estate agents and speculative builders has been that a custom home is more expensive than a spec house. Actually the opposite is true! Keep in mind that a custom home does not carry the burden of a big real estate commission. Nor does it share the "interest carry" fee of builders' homes which are finished, ready to be sold, and incur interest charges for each day they are unoccupied!

You'll be pleasantly surprised at how inexpensive a custom home can be. You'll be even more surprised at the difference in a quality home designed and built not only for your budget, but your lifestyle!

2. Who will design my plans?
To help you in the design phase, RBO provides "in-house" plan designers. To make sure your home is designed within your budget, we start by designing a "preliminary" plan. From the preliminary we prepare a complete "line item" cost breakdown (both labor and material) covering every item in your new home. If this cost fits within your budget, we move toward finished plans. If not, we make proper adjustments before designing a plan that is cost prohibitive.

3. Who will finance my new home?
RBO can handle all your finance needs. We work with many different lenders, assuring our clients the best available rates. Our unique "one-time" loan application is designed to assure you the least amount of time and hassle when applying for your new home loan.

4. How can I be assured that I am getting the best price on the new home?
RBO has established a working relationship with the very best vendors and subcontractors in our area. These dedicated individuals not only provide professional work, but perform their work at a fair price.

Our Mission at RBO is "To work with our clients to provide a home of exceptional quality and enduring value." At RBO we take our stated mission seriously. Working hand-in-hand with our clients, we are able to ensure that your new home will be a sound investment which will compliment your lifestyle for many years to come, all at a price thousands of dollars below that of the average new home.

5. How can I be assured there will be no cost over-runs on the construction of my new home?
RBO provides a complete "line item" cost breakdown of every item in your home. Unless you decide to make changes from your original plans and specifications, you should not have problems building within your allotted cost.

However, we do carry that one step further. We review the cost breakdown with you on a weekly basis. You will know exactly where you stand at all times during the construction of your new home. If you're running a little over budget, we'll suggest areas that can be adjusted to save money. If you're under budget, you might want to upgrade your allowance for flooring, light fixtures, etc.

6. What if I need help with my selections?
Many RBO clients find that our professional vendors provide most of the expertise they need to decorate their new home. By working with the vendor, they enjoy the experience of making their own selections, yet still have a professional involved, offering the latest trends and fashions of the industry.

For those clients who would prefer to have a professional handle the entire selection process, we have in-house designers standing by. Our designers will provide as much or as little help as you might need!

7. Working a full time job, how will I find time to build a new home?
The professional staff of RBO Custom Homes will take full responsibility for construction of your new home. Although we welcome your time and involvement, there should be no reason for you to miss work or otherwise alter your schedule during the construction of your new home.

A full-time professional superintendent will be assigned to your job, and he is responsible for your job from start to finish. The RBO program does not allow a superintendent to supervise no more than four or five homes at any one time. This assures you that he will never be too busy to answer your questions or meet you at your construction site.

Our purchasing agent will work very closely with you, defining and selecting the amenities of your new home. Our selections and allowance sheets run in accordance with the weekly schedule of your job, breaking out only those items that need to be selected at the appropriate construction time. You will never feel rushed in making important decisions on selections of carpet, cabinets, etc.

8. What about the sale of my existing home?
RBO is truly a full service construction firm, handling all aspects of your new home venture... which includes the sale of your existing home.

RBO is a licensed bonded real estate brokerage and although we do not work on a commission basis, we do help you sell your home. We start by showing you how to establish a sales price and professionally market your home. Once you have procured a buyer, we go to work for you. We will write the contract, escrow the security deposit, and handle every detail such as the financing, appraisal, survey, and closing attorney. This service is performed for you at absolutely no fee.

9. How long has RBO been in business?
RBO has been building custom homes in the St. Tammany area for over thirty-five (35) years. During that period of time, we have constructed over one-thousand (1,000) homes.

We are unique in the fact that we are a design/build firm and do not build speculative houses. Every home RBO builds is custom designed with the owner's budget and lifestyle in mind.

RBO consistently builds around thirty (30) homes a year. Our policy is to never build more than twenty (20) homes at any given time. This has proven to be a comfortable number for our superintendents as well as our support staff and guarantees our clients the attention needed to build a quality home.