The Building Process

Budget

Any successful home construction project begins with a realistic budget. We suggest your first meeting be with your financial planner and/or banking consultant. Every detail from the choice of building lot to lighting fixtures is dependent on your budget. We would be happy to recommend a local lender should you need one.

Pricing

We practice ethical and straightforward billing procedures and only deal with reputable and reliable suppliers and subcontractors. In general, we will prepare an Estimate for your project based on the plans you provide and details you disclose during our pre-construction meetings. Our Estimate is broken down in detail by each stage of construction and differentiates labor and materials. We consider this estimated cost to build a "not-to-exceed" amount. Each invoice will be based on time and materials, and will include a spreadsheet that shows a running balance for each component so you are well informed of our progress and adherence to the budget.

When we come under budget this method allows homeowners to upgrade components, or simply save the money. We do not go over budget unless a homeowner makes changes. Any such changes are dealt with using our change-order procedure; there will be no surprises. Simply put, you will not spend more than you planned, but you may spend less. Some things we like to consider when pricing:

• We don't like to give a price per square foot figures because it relies on too many variables and is project specific.
• The general rule of thumb is the larger the building the lower the price per square foot. Regardless of size, all homes usually have the same fixed costs, i.e. building lot, heating source, building and utility permits, driveway, etc. The difference tends to be large homes just have more empty space (such as a larger great room, bed rooms, etc.)
• Other components that can affect the price to build:
  • Topography of the potential building site.
  • Time of year the construction will occur.
  • Single vs. Two stories
  • Specification choices: i.e. granite vs. tile, real v. cultured stone, GE v. Viking

Anyone can build a home for a set price per square foot, but will they be building the home you want?

Home Site

We would be happy to help you evaluate a potential home site. A few of the factors to consider are:

• Developed vs. undeveloped
• CC&R's, if any
• Set backs and easements
• Utilities: Sewer v. septic, well v. public water, natural gas v. propane
• Accessibility, especially during the winter
• Drainage, especially during the spring

Design

A good architect or draftsman will ask you many questions to determine what components are important to you. Windows, privacy, views, energy efficiency, etc. We have worked with a number of great local architects and designers and would be happy to make a recommendation should you want one.

Specification Sheet

We provide each client with a Specification Sheet tailored to their home plans, from siding and windows to bathroom cabinet hardware. This sheet helps with the pre-construction planning process and serves as a checklist for every decision that should be made prior to construction commencement.

Building a home is a series of compromises – apply your budget to the components that are important to you.

Contract

Our contract clearly defines our expectations for your project, including builder responsibilities, owner responsibilities, our change order procedure and pricing structure. Our detailed Estimate is attached to the contract, as well as an Estimate Explanation.

Construction

Now the fun begins! We hope that through the pre-construction procedures we have earned your confidence and trust to ensure construction of your home be as stress and pain free as possible.