A House of a Different Color - What does it mean to build Green?
We employ high performance building science systems and technologies in the construction of all our homes. What does that mean for you? Our Green homes promise lower energy costs and water bills, better indoor air quality and lower maintnance. From our trade-mark continuous thermal envelop--basement to attic-- to the tankless hot water heater to the properly sized heating and cooling systems your new home will combine the best of two worlds: beauty and function. We believe in responsible energy consumption, and it shows is our designs and in our homes.
Come in and talk with us.
Can you provide me with a profile of your company?
Joseph Peterson was named 2009 Builder of the Year by the PBA. “ The Pennsylvania Builder Association acknowledged Joseph Peterson's conscientious, varied, and impressive commitment to the building industry and to the communities in which he serves. ” Scott Elliott, PBA Spokesman When it comes to building the ideal home for your family, you want a builder you can trust. We are second generation builders and have been constructing award-winning custom homes for families in Northeastern PA for over 50 years. Whats more, our professional staff is one of the most respected and experienced in the area and will work with you from design to completion. We don't just rest on our reputation though--we build on it employing "best practices", superior materials, and finishing touches our customers appreciate.
For an interesting story read the Builder Case Study on Hanover Homes North in the Keystone Builder Magazine by CLICKING HERE!
Do you offer an extended warranty?
A ten-year builder’s warranty provided by Professional Warranty Service Corporation is provided to all our customers at the conclusion of the construction of their home. We care about our reputation as much as you do.
Does an architect review proposed home designs?
At Hanover Homes North/North Star Custom Homes, the answer is yes. We use a registered professional architect/engineer to prepare all of our designs and modifications. But that's not the case with every builder. Recent legislation has resulted in a statewide building code (UCC Act 45) which requires every builder to comply with certain added specifications and requirements when building a home in Pennsylvania—The International Residential Code. The building code is complex and in many instances requires a professional to make design and engineering decisions. If your builder is not qualified to make these decisions, you should be wary. After all, we're talking about where you and your family will be living for years to come.
Does your company carry sufficient liability insurance?
Most reputable builders do. If your builder does not, you could be liable for any on-site accidents. We carry a full line of liability insurance and have insurance certificates on file. We also require that all our craftspeople and material suppliers carry general liability insurance.
How do I pay for my custom home?
We would be happy to supply you with a list of reputable lenders who can help you with obtaining a construction mortgage to finance your new home. During the course of construction, you will be asked to make "draw payments" at pre-determined stages of completion. Once these payments are received, construction will advance to the next stage. Upon receipt of the final payment the keys will be turned over to you. The house then becomes fully yours.
How experienced are your trade contractors?
We use only the most experienced, knowledgeable craftspeople. Some of our crew members have been with us for 20 to 25 years, and some are even second generation Hanover Homes North trade contractors. As a result, we know our craftspeople and don't have to turn to the Yellow Pages when we're ready to start a house. We believe that the labor with which homes are constructed is the life-blood of a builder's business. Without it, it's impossible to build a quality home.
How long will it take to build my home?
Anywhere between four and nine months. Why the range? Because many factors, including the time of year construction starts, the size, and complexity of the design of your home, influence construction time. Variables such as weather, product availability, and unexpected site problems can delay construction. Even seemingly small changes made by the homeowner once construction begins can severely affect the time frame. That's why we sit down with our customers before excavation begins to determine exactly what they want. We try to take every factor into account when giving you an estimated delivery date, but some are out of our control. For an extended explanation, CLICK HERE - to read an article on the subject.
How much do your homes cost per square foot?
That depends on the type of construction you choose. Differences in construction materials, specifications, options, and building site/soil conditions all affect the square foot price. You want the best house for the money –– and that means comparing framing materials, insulation, foundation, finished flooring, appliances, and a host of other factors that change from builder to builder. For example, a two-story house costs less per square foot than a ranch. Premium windows, vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, granite countertops, and other options might also change the square foot cost. We offer
two levels of specifications, each with its own price structure. Even within those series, we provide flexibility for change and cost adjustment. We aim to work with prospective homeowners to build the best house in terms of both design and cost to provide you with maximum value.
Is the company licensed?
In Pennsylvania, there is no statewide licensing, registration, or certification requirements for building residential homes. That means anyone with a hammer can claim to be a builder. The owner of Hanover Homes North/North Star Custom Homes holds a contractor's license in both Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, two of the few cities that require one via taking an examination. If we can meet their standards, we can meet yours. Since we've been building in northeastern Pennsylvania for over fifty years, we have decades of satisfied homeowners throughout the region. Our record is impeccable.
What allowances do you offer?
Unlike many other builders, we do not offer allowances. Instead, your quoted price includes all features such as kitchen cabinets, lighting and plumbing fixtures, heating systems, and finished flooring, etc.
The only extra that might affect your final cost is unexpected site problems such as unsuitable soil conditions or bedrock blasting. However, you would be notified in advance and given an opportunity to decide whether to proceed with construction if such conditions were to exist.
Unless you make modifications after construction begins, you get exactly what you expect.
What are specifications?
Specifications are the details that go into building your home. From construction materials to appliances, from windows to doors, from flooring to cabinetry, these along with the construction techniques employed by your builder, and the experience of the craftsmen on the job will determine the quality, durability, and sustainability of your new home. Will your home be an energy guzzler or an Energy Star? Our specifications combine the best of two worlds: form and function as they meet both Energy Star® and NAHB “Green” standards. So don’t settle for a home constructed to minimum “cookie cutter” building code requirements. Insist on a home that incorporates the best practices that will over time pay you back. Install two foot overhangs on hip roofs and one foot on gabled ends to shade your home in summer and protect it in winter. Do not settle for a home where you heating system is installed in an unconditioned (un-insulated) space. Your specification checklist should include well-known energy-efficient product choices such as Tankless water heaters, affordable green building principles and a builder whose behind-the-walls techniques will save you money long after you have moved into your new home. Our sales staff would be happy to review the different levels of specifications with you and to explain what each means.
What are your hours of operation?
Our regular hours of operation are as follows:
1333 Rt. 315 , Wilkes-Barre - Model Home Office Hours of Operation: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 12 - 8 PM, Friday-Sunday 12-5 PM / Closed Thursday.
Village At Tripp Park, 1406 Euclid Avenue, Scranton. Saturday, Open 1-3 PM Sunday Open 1-4 PM
Don't forget to check our News and Events webpage for holiday hours.
What is a custom home builder?
A custom home builder constructs homes on scattered lots, often using designs selected by the homeowners themselves. Home buyers contract with us to build what they want, where they want. While we build most of our homes on land already owned, or soon to be purchased by the homeowner, we do offer a number of our own lots. Interested buyers should contact us to determine availability.
We also offer "spec homes" –– houses already built or in the process of being built –– for quick delivery and move-in.
What type of Exterior Wall Sheathing do you use?
We use 1/2" Douglas Fir Plywood for all Exterior Wall Sheathing
(NO OSB board or Yellow Pine is used - CLICK HERE to read Bulletin)Where are your offices located?
Where do you build?
We are a regional builder specializing in homes and communities in northeastern Pennsylvania. Our homes can be found in the following counties: Luzerne, Lackawanna, Wayne, Wyoming, Pike, Monroe, Carbon, Schuylkill, Columbia, Susquehanna, Northampton, Lycoming, Union, Northumberland, Snyder, Montour, Sullivan, and Lehigh. For a detailed map CLICK HERE!
We build in developments and on individual home sites--your lot or ours. Most recently we completed award-winning homes in Wayne County, the Village at Tripp Park, Scranton, and Blueberry Hill Estates, Dureya. Whether you own an infill lot in the city or a large plot of land in the country our team of experienced craftsmen will work to guide you every step of the way.
