Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re trying to decide between custom home builders in Mobile, AL or the Florida panhandle you probably have a lot of questions. We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions below for your convenience. If you still have questions after reading the following, give us a call to speak with an experienced home builder. We’re happy to serve individuals from across Southwest Alabama and parts of the Florida Panhandle.

Do I have a choice of the colors for my home?

Yes, we have a color room where you get to choose the colors of your home. This includes brick, paint, carpet, cabinets, ceramic tile, counter tops and more.

Can I make changes to my floor plan?

Yes, we can make all sorts of modifications ranging from adding a window to adding square footage. You just need to contact a salesman to get a price.

How do you get your prices so low?

We buy our lumber directly from the sawmills by the truckload. We have a large warehouse where we can keep the lumber dry until it is ready to be used. We also buy many other products in bulk that go into our homes directly from the manufacturers. This reduces our cost, which we then pass on to you. We do not use seconds or substandard materials.

Are you a modular or prefab builder?

No, we do pre-build our wall panels similar to what a stick framing crew would do on a job site. However, we build them on a table, in a controlled, dry indoor environment to help improve the quality of the homes. We also build our own roof trusses to strengthen the roof, but this is neither prefab nor modular.

Are your homes made of steel?

Steele is the last name of the owners. The homes we build are framed up with wood.

Does your company have experience building homes

Yes, we have been in building homes since 1953. Few other home builders can say that.

Does S. S. Steele have lots for sale or have a neighborhood?

No, we build on your lot. This way you are not stuck in a neighborhood with several houses that are identical to yours. You can have a unique home that will be easier to sell than if your neighbor was trying to sell the same home as you.

Why don’t you build in my county?

In order to ensure that we are able to build a quality home that is well supervised during construction and provide a quick response to any issue that might arise after the home is built, we set a limit on how far we can build.

What is included in the price of the home?

When we finish, the home is ready to move into. We include the water heater, heating and air, light fixtures, floor coverings, vent-a-hood, plumbing fixtures, cabinets, paint and more.

What is not included in the price of the home?

We build on your lot, so you will furnish the property for us to build your home on. We are a home builder and not a developer, so you will be responsible for everything outside the home. This includes tree removal, landscaping, driveways and sidewalks, septic tank if needed, water well, etc. The home does not include items that are not permanently attached like the appliances, furniture, etc.

Do you have a list of options that are available and the prices?

There are too many options to list. To get prices you would need to contact a salesperson and let him know what you would like.

How long before you start my home?

We normally have a backlog of homes to build. You would go onto the backlog when you either close your construction loan, if financed, or sign a contract and bring in the down payment, if cash. To find out the current backlog, please contact a salesman in the state that you are planning to build.

How long does it take to build a home?

Construction time can vary depending on the size of the home and the location where it is built. Normally this is anywhere from four (4) to ten (10) months.

Does S. S. Steele finance its own homes?

No, we allow our customers to shop around and find the best rate that they can. If financed, you would need to get a construction/perm, or construction and permanent loan. We do not build under FHA or VA loans.

For more information on our custom home builders in Mobile, AL, contact us today. We look forward to building your dream home!