1. How closely do you work with an architect and interior designer?

Every project is different and we take a customized approach to each one. Some projects require a lot of coordination with the architect and design team, some do not. If we have good elevations, a thorough design packet including finish selections and complete plans, we don’t need to involve the architect or designers too much. However, we enjoy on-site meetings with the design team and like to involve them in important decisions or buildings challenges as much as possible, or where the budget allows.

2. Do you have experience building the style and quality of home that we’re looking for?

We’ve worked on many homes encompassing a wide variety of building styles and design elements. With more than a decade of experience in remodeling, building new custom homes, land development, commercial construction and landscaping, we are confident that we can successfully manage any style or design concept imaginable.

3. What does your cost estimating process look like? How do you make sure your budgets are accurate?

Initially, we spend a bit of time discussing the project with the homeowner, reviewing the site and specific needs/concerns and then we provide a ballpark estimate based on recent similar projects that we have completed. If this seems to be in line with your budget, we follow this with a lengthy and involved bid process. We send the plans to our entire team (all of our subcontractors), hold an onsite meeting for those who wish to see the existing site conditions, and then request firm, written bids from all companies involved. This is all transparent and will be delivered to you for review. The information in these bids will be categorized into a project budget that is extremely detailed and itemized, allowing for a transparent overview of all costs involved. This method, although time-consuming for our office, produces extremely accurate budgets and is based on a thorough, expert review from dedicated professionals, not just an estimating team in an office. Our budget deliverable will usually look like a 2-page budget, and approximately 50-100 pages of backup information detailing every aspect of the work.

4. How long will it take for you to produce an estimate for our house if we provide full architecture plans?

We can present you with a project ballpark very quickly, usually on the spot or within 24 hours. The lengthy budgeting process as described above takes several weeks to collect and assemble; usually 3 weeks.

5. Who will be assigned to our project, and how often will my project be under direct supervision?

We have a dedicated project manager assigned to every project, in addition to my personal oversight. A supervisor will be onsite every day (with few exceptions), and I personally visit our jobs as often as possible: if not daily, then at at least a few times per week.

6. How will questions and concerns be addressed during construction?

We send daily site updates, weekly job updates, and monthly formal progress reports. We use a group text chat for small details and informal communication, and email for anything requiring approval or important discussions. I’m available 24/7 by phone or in person, and any major issues, concerns, or questions will go through me personally. We pride ourselves on our communication, as that is one of the most important aspects of a successful project.

7. In the event there are changes to the design or unforeseen conditions that result in extra cost, what does that process look like?

Any change resulting in a substantial impact to the budget or schedule is discussed in person or over the phone, documented via email, and the costs approved by the homeowner prior to any work being completed. We will never shock a client with a surprise bill, all costs are reviewed multiple times through the building process before any work takes place. We always do a site walkthrough with sub-contractors immediately before they are officially hired, and their respective (updated) quotes are reviewed and approved by the homeowner.

8. How long do you anticipate the construction of my project will take? How do you mitigate challenges to stay on schedule during construction?

We will need to review the plans before we can offer a project schedule. The time of year and site conditions play a major role in schedule. Construction projects usually take several months from initial meeting to permit approval. Typically we can work any project start into our schedule within 3-6 months. Most of our new homes take between 8 months to a year to complete. Remodel timing can vary drastically based on complexity and size. We work with a dedicated team of trade professionals and enjoy long-time relationships with many of our key sub-contractors. Our team works very hard to keep projects on schedule and our sub-contractors are very responsive when we have an urgent need on any project. We hold many onsite meetings with multiple trades at once with the purpose of identifying potential challenges early-on and preparing upfront solutions. We very rarely have an empty jobsite. Typically our site supervisors have the opposite problem...traffic and parking control!

9. How do you get paid as a builder? What is your fee structure?

We typically use a cost-plus model, meaning that the project is billed transparently based on actual costs, plus a percentage-based management fee (builder’s fee). Our budgets are fully transparent. We base our fees on the complexity of scope, time involved, site logistics, and the quality of the finishes. Our remodels typically fall in the 15–20% range and new construction typically falls in the 10-15% range. This includes company profit and overhead and the final fee is negotiated and approved with a written contract. The fee is paid out on a monthly basis based on percentage of work completed.

10. How do you manage payments to sub-contractors or suppliers so that we are never in a disadvantaged financial situation?

We recognize that home construction may be one of the largest purchases that a homeowner will ever make in their lifetime. We consider it a great privilege and responsibility to manage your money, and do so with the utmost care. We provide a billing statement and updated budget on a monthly basis, with all invoices attached for full transparency. Our monthly budget updates carefully and clearly show any/all changes in each budget line item. Our goal is for our clients to feel 100% in control of the project budget at all times, and that there are never financial surprises. Concerning payments, some sub-contractors may ask for material deposits which we will carefully consider, but we are extremely careful not to pay for any actual labor until it is completed. Ex: if the electrician is halfway completed at month end, we will pay them a 50% progress payment, and withhold the remaining amount until full completion. We provide lien releases and any requested payment or receipt documentation promptly.