Emerald Homes Frequently Asked Questions

Most common questions answered.



Emerald Homes, Inc. is a full service homebuilding and renovations company, founded by Jerry Foster in 1988.

How long have you been in business building new homes?
Emerald Homes, Inc. has been building homes since February 1988.

Are you a member of the Home Builders Association of Maryland?
Yes, we are a Builder member of HBAM.

Are you licensed?
Yes, we have a Maryland business license (as required by law).

What is your Maryland Builder's Registration number?
Emerald Homes, Inc. has been registered by the Home Builder Registration Unit of the Consumer Protection Division, Office of the Attorney General, Sate of Maryland, and assigned Maryland Home Builder Registration No. 782.

What type of insurance does your company carry?
We carry General Liability, Automotive and Workers Compensation insurance. All our homes are protected by Builders Risk insurance from the start of construction through delivery to our client.

Do you have references?
Yes, we will be glad to provide references from homeowners who have purchased our homes.

How many homes do you build a year? How many houses has your company built over the years?
We typically build 3-10 homes a year, depending on the complexity of the homes.

How long does it take to build a house?
A new home typically takes 4-12 months to complete once the permits have been issued.

Do you only build select plans or can I make modifications, or even start from scratch on a plan specific to my needs?
We build several "spec" homes every year, which are sold after completion. When building a custom home, we meet with the homeowners to determine the type of home they desire after considering budget, square footage, property constraints, etc. Once we have established a framework, we will work with an architect to design a new home to meet the needs of the homeowners.

Do I have access to the jobsite throughout construction?
Because of certain dangerous conditions which may exist during the construction period, and due to strict Federal (OSHA) and State (MOSHA) safety regulations and insurance liability requirements, we ask that homeowners make an appointment to visit the jobsite with one of our representatives so we can ensure your personal safety.

Who oversees the subcontractors on the jobsite?
An employee of Emerald Homes, Inc. has direct supervision over all subcontractors.

Will I have a schedule as to when selections will be needed?
Yes, we work directly with the homeowners to assist in the selection process, and make sure that they have plenty of time to make selections throughout construction.

How important is client and builder communication?
Communication is extremely important to us! We are in constant communication with our homeowners, through phone calls, emails and in-person meetings.

Who is responsible for getting the construction loan?
The homeowners are responsible for securing financing as a requirement of the custom contract. We work with many lenders in the area, which we will be happy to refer to our homeowners.

What kind of warranty do you offer?
As required by Maryland law, Emerald Homes warrants that the improvements will be constructed in a workmanlike manner, according to sound engineering standards, free from faulty materials and fit for habitation. This warranty shall extend for a period of one year from the date of the taking of possession by the homeowners.
Additionally, we provide 10 year warranty protection through a third-party, insurance-backed, new home warranty program, which includes ten years of structural coverage that starts on the day of closing.

How can I ensure that this home will be built completely code-compliant?
Emerald Homes builds all its houses in compliance with local government requirements and regulations. The proper government agency will inspect the home during certain phases of construction, such as footings, foundations, framing and insulation. Our subcontractor tradesmen are also required to have permit inspections for the progress phases of electric, fire suppression systems, HVAC, plumbing, septic, well, etc.

What is the customer service policy after I move in? When and how often will you check in on my home?
Problems that relate to the original construction, if any, should become apparent within the first year after closing. We ask our homeowners to keep a list of any such problems, and submit the list to us in writing at the six-month and one year anniversaries so that we can take care of them in a timely fashion. Emergency items (those that make living in the home unsafe) should be reported immediately so that we can take appropriate action.

How do you get paid?
We are paid based on applications for progress payments toward the contract price, which are submitted to the homeowners as work is completed and certified by the homeowners' construction lender.

  • It is not often that you find a contractor of this caliber. And I'm glad I have found them. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for excellent quality, a builder who stands behind their work, and at a very good price."
  • The owner of the company built my home as if he were going to live in it. I would definitely use them again if I ever have the opportunity to build another home."
  • My family has had a long term relationship with Emerald Homes, and we would not hesitate to call Jerry for our next project!"

Emerald Homes Gallery

A sampling of our work.