Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our custom home building process, costs, and services.

General Questions

Modern Dwellings primarily serves North Georgia and the greater Atlanta area, but our territory extends well beyond Georgia. As an independent Lindal Homes representative, we also serve Louisiana, Mississippi, and portions of Tennessee and South Carolina. Contact us to discuss your project location.

Modern Dwellings is an independent Lindal Homes representative and custom home builder based in North Georgia. We specialize in designing and building Lindal post-and-beam homes, known for walls of glass, open floor plans, and timeless modern design.

Yes, Modern Dwellings is fully licensed and insured. We carry comprehensive general liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, and builder's risk insurance. We maintain all required state and local licenses for residential construction.

Absolutely. We stand behind our work with a comprehensive warranty program. This includes a one-year warranty on workmanship, extended warranties on major systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical), and Lindal's own materials warranty. We also facilitate all manufacturer warranties on appliances and materials. Our commitment to you doesn't end at move-in.

Lindal Cedar Homes

Lindal Cedar Homes are custom-designed, factory-crafted homes built with a signature post-and-beam structural system. Using premium Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir, Lindal homes feature open floor plans, walls of glass, and a timeless modern aesthetic. Each home is designed to your specifications and delivered as a precision-cut materials package.

As an authorized Lindal dealer, Modern Dwellings handles every aspect of your project. We guide you through plan selection and customization, coordinate with Lindal's design team, manage the materials package delivery, and oversee the complete construction of your home on your lot. We are your single point of contact from design through move-in.

Post-and-beam construction uses heavy timber posts and beams as the structural skeleton of the home, rather than load-bearing walls. This frees the walls for windows, glass, and open floor plans. The result is a more open, light-filled home with exposed timber beams that add architectural character.

Absolutely! Lindal offers hundreds of pre-designed floor plans that serve as starting points. You can modify room sizes, add or remove features, change window placements, and customize nearly every detail. You can also work with Lindal's architects to create an entirely custom design from scratch.

Process Questions

The timeline typically includes 2-4 months for design and customization, 6-8 weeks for the materials package to be manufactured and delivered, and 6-12 months for on-site construction depending on size and complexity. The precision-cut materials can speed up framing compared to traditional construction.

The process begins with a complimentary Idea Session where we discuss your vision and goals. From there, we explore Lindal plans, customize your design, finalize the materials package, and move into construction. Each phase involves close collaboration to ensure your home reflects your unique style and needs.

You can bring your own lot or we can help you evaluate potential properties. We assess buildability, orientation for views and natural light, utility access, and provide preliminary cost estimates to help you make an informed decision before purchasing land.

As involved as you want to be! Our collaborative approach means you're an integral part of every major decision. We provide regular updates, schedule walkthroughs at key milestones, and use project management tools to keep you informed. We adapt to your communication preferences.

Cost & Budget Questions

Lindal home costs vary based on the plan, customizations, site conditions, and finish levels. The Lindal materials package is one component, with site preparation, foundation, construction labor, and interior finishes as additional costs. We provide detailed estimates during the planning phase. Use our Cost Calculator for a preliminary estimate.

Several factors influence costs: home size and complexity, the Lindal plan and customizations chosen, lot characteristics (slope, soil, utilities), finish levels (standard vs. premium), outdoor living spaces, and current material costs. We work within your budget to maximize value.

While we don't provide financing directly, we work closely with local lenders who specialize in construction loans and can recommend trusted partners. We coordinate with your lender throughout the project, providing documentation needed for draws and inspections.

Transparency is core to our process. We present a comprehensive, line-by-line budget before construction begins. Any changes are documented through a formal change order process with clear pricing before work proceeds. Our detailed upfront planning minimizes surprises.

Design & Materials

Lindal homes primarily use premium Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir for their structural post-and-beam system. Cedar is naturally resistant to decay and insects, and develops a beautiful patina over time. High-performance windows, quality hardware, and precision-cut components are included in the materials package.

Yes. The post-and-beam system allows for continuous insulation without thermal bridging through studs, creating a more efficient building envelope. Combined with high-performance windows, quality construction, and modern building science, Lindal homes achieve excellent energy performance. Solar-ready designs are also available.

While we specialize in Lindal Cedar Homes, we also build custom homes from your own architectural plans. If you have a different design vision, we are happy to discuss your project. Contact us for a consultation.

Lindal offers a wide range of styles, from modern contemporary with clean lines and walls of glass to traditional and transitional designs. Their architects can customize any plan to match your vision. We adapt to your preferred aesthetic rather than imposing a single style.

Still Have Questions?

We're here to help. Schedule a complimentary Idea Session and let's discuss your custom home project in detail.

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