FAQs

Most Frequently Asked Questions & Answers Page

New to the CCH web site? Need quick answers to basic questions? Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions about Classic Colonial Homes' plans, products and services with accompanying answers to assist you. Underlined links are provided to direct you to additional information on the CCH web site. After reviewing these topics if you still have questions, feel free to contact CCH at 1-(800)-413-9111 and we will be glad to help.  

What does Classic Colonial Homes, Inc. offer its clients?

CCH is a design and manufacturing firm specializing in Early American style architecture and a source for quality Colonial building products. Clients are provided with a DESIGN PACKAGE, which includes building plans (Standard or customized) and the Custom Architectural Package—consisting of the exterior detailing components (trim, windows & doors, and siding) required to ensure that the home finishes exactly as intended, without compromise. For building plans, CCH offers a large selection of affordably priced Standard Designs to choose from. In addition, our custom designing services allow clients to modify a Standard Plan to their specific needs or to start from scratch if necessary. The exterior trim components, exclusive for our design clients, included in the Custom Architectural Package are manufactured in our specialty colonial millwork shop; we source quality, period-styled and energy efficient windows, doors, and siding. This comprehensive exterior “kit” provides all of the necessary exterior detailing features in order to allow for the creation a truly historic looking house. Additionally, CCH offers a cutting-edge alternative to stick-framing with their Weather-tight Shell Package. CCH also can supply related architectural finish products for the homes we design. For a complete list of product and service offered, please explore the Home Designs, Design Services, Exclusive Packages, and Specialty Products pages of our web site.

How long has CCH been in business?

The Kirley family has been involved in architecture for three generations. Lloyd Abbott Kirley started Classic Colonial Homes, Inc. in 1992, and now his son, Lance Abbott Kirley, President/CEO, carries on the tradition.

How much does it cost to build a Classic Colonial Home?

Building costs can vary significantly, depending on the design you choose, the features you include and your building location. A current general range for building CCH homes in New England varies from $150.00 to $225.00 / Sq. Ft. This figure does not include land cost, well, septic, infrastructure or landscaping costs. These figures are approximate, cannot be guaranteed and are offered only as a rough guideline. We rely on building and real estate professionals--particularly our CCH Preferred Builders--to assist clients in establishing cost parameters for a project. 

I love your home designs. What is the first step?

First, we recommend all of our clients consider the pre-drawn, Standard home designs that we offer. There are currently over 30 different Standard home plans offered. We offer complete building plans for each of these homes. Please view the Home Designs page.

Where can I view floor plans of CCH Standard Designs?

The easiest way to preview standard CCH floor plans is to visit the  Home Designs page and click on the images of the different home styles. CCH also offers a bound paperback on sale for $39.00 containing Study Plans of all our standard designs. These Study Plans offer floor plan views, historical and design notes and exterior elevations.

I want your complete Design Portfolio catalog. How do I order one?

You can order the CCH Standard Book of Designs catalog for $39.00 from this web site. Simply click on the following link ORDER A CATALOG and click the ADD TO BASKET button found in the lower left corner of the page to purchase with a credit card online. This catalog can also be ordered by phone by calling the CCH office at 1-800-413-9111. Please contact us if you have any questions or problems when placing your order.

I have narrowed my search to one or several designs. Now what do I do?

The CCH Standard Design Series was created to give our clients an convenient, enjoyable and affordable way to choose a pre-drawn home plan that suits you and your family. If you decide on a Standard Plan and are ready to purchase it, simply call CCH to place your order and your building plans will be mailed to you; usually within 2 weeks.

What if I need modifications made to one of the Standard plans?

The CCH Standard design portfolio is large and growing, however it is difficult to satisfy everyone's specific needs, even with a diverse collection of plans. CCH offers custom designing services to clients who cannot find a suitable existing Standard plan. Minor plan changes can often be accomplished by the General Contractor on site. Custom designing often involves the modification of an existing plan or the creation of a completely new plan to meet the needs of a particular client. We encourage interested clients to call our office for additional information about the custom designing service and to request a custom design agreement to reserve a position in our custom design schedule.

How is a Classic Colonial Home different from others being built today?

The difference is in the details. From a building standpoint, CCH homes are designed for conventional, stick-built framing, the prevalent method of constructing homes in the United States. Additionally, many clients take advantage of the added speed, efficiency and accuracy our factory-constructed Weather Tight Shell system delivers. When built to our exacting specifications and finished according to our unique design details, CCH homes have centuries-old charm and spirit. CCH creates Exterior Trim Package Kits and Window and Exterior Door Package Kits for each home designed which assist the building team in making sure that the home turns out looking exactly as the plans are drawn. When creating our designs we pay very careful attention to scaling and proportion of the structure and the addition of appropriate, authentic trim details.  Most home plans available today combine a mix of detailing elements from different architectural styles and periods. The resulting home is one which lacks focus and character. CCH designers are purists, working with traditional colonial forms and details. This attention to detail allows CCH to create traditionally-inspired New England homes of superior quality and authenticity. 

What makes a Classic Colonial Home different than a historic colonial home?

Classic Colonial Homes, Inc. combines classic exteriors utilizing custom trim and open interior spaces which better suit modern lifestyles than many antique homes can. Our designs offer authentically detailed exteriors using the same materials that were used centuries ago. Our primary goal is to recreate the simple architectural beauty that early American colonials are best known for. We accomplish this with refined lines and proportionate details with molded trim and hand crafted components to make our homes unique and authentic. Although most of our homes have modern, open interiors, with kitchens flowing into gathering rooms, cathedral ceilings and informal eating areas, they can be decorated and detailed traditionally with interior details including wide pine floors, exposed beams, raised panel walls, period lighting and cooking fireplaces to warm the spirit. CCH Interior Trim Kits including interior door and window trim, we can help you complete the spaces giving them instant warmth with antique look and character.

Do you offer site visits and what do they cost?

Arrangements can be made to have your site visited by the CCH design team. The fee for this service is based on distance to be traveled and time spent. During a site visit, commonly we walk the building lot in order to select an ideal location and positioning of the new home. Whenever possible, we work with nature in this process and we do not believe in "forcing" a site, as it disturbs the environment and the character of the land. Following the site visit, clients may hire CCH to develop a site plan which can act as a “road map” to guide in the task of carefully adapting the surroundings to the home. Please call the CCH office to discuss you ideas and to schedule a appointment.

I am a builder interested in doing a CCH subdivision? What services can you provide?

Classic Colonial Homes, Inc. has been assisting builders and developers for over a decade to plan and construct unique residential housing developments of distinction. We fondly refer to these exclusive CCH developments as CCH SETTLEMENTS TM. Settlers can take advantage of the many benefits that this unique development program offers, including listing of the project on our web site, marketing assistance, pre-planning and some aspects of project consulting. In most cases, Classic Colonial Homes that are sold in CCH SETTLMENTS command higher average market values than other custom homes of similar size and quality. We have many success stories to share. Feel free to contact our office for additional information about applying for acceptance into the widely recognized and successful CCH Settler's Program.

Where are your homes being built? Can I see a model home in my area?

Classic Colonial Homes are popping up all across America. Although we see a heavier concentration in and around New England and the greater Northeast, there are many built or under construction in far off places. CCH has sold Standard home plans and designed custom homes for clients in the following states: MA, CT, ME, NH, VT, NY, NJ, DE, PA, WV, FL, OH, IN, OK, TX, MI, NC, SC, GA, WA and CA. In some cases we are able to offer prospective clients an address for a drive-by viewing of a completed Classic Colonial Home, but in an effort to respect our client's privacy and paying mind to issues of liability, interior tours are only available in certain areas under certain circumstances.

Do you offer building services?

Although CCH, Inc. does not directly offer building services through our company, we have a well-established Preferred Builders Program with expert General Contracting firms who provide comprehensive construction services to our clients. To learn more about this program visit the Preferred Builders page on this web site.

Are references available?

Yes, we can provide references upon request.

What if I live far away from your office? Can we still work together?

We work with clients from all across the country and even abroad. We are experienced in long-distance client relationships and have designed and managed complete projects by phone numerous times in the past. We regularly use phone, E-mail, fax and web conferencing to communicate ideas back and forth. Custom Building plans can be completed without ever meeting face to face. With regard to construction, we are always available to guide and answer contractor's questions and our convenient Trim and Window Packages make the task of accurately completing your house easy and affordable for both you and your builder.