Ask the Builder: Q: Who is responsible for the work of subcontractors?A: The general contractor (your builder) has the final responsibility for the quality and timeliness of all subcontracted work. That’s why a professional hires reputable subs with a proven track record. And that’s why you hire a pro to manage your job rather than […]
Q: “How long have you been building in this town?” A: When choosing a contractor, it’s important to ask about their local track record. A company that’s firmly established in a certain area will have an interest in protecting its reputation and will have built a network of reliable subcontractors that help it maintain that […]
Ask the Builder: Q: What does your warranty cover? A: Surprisingly, a lot of homeowners forget to ask this question. But it’s as important to examine the warranty when choosing a contractor as it is when buying a car. Of course, that’s only possible when the warranty is in writing. A homeowner should never accept a verbal […]
Ask the Builder: Q: My builder seems far removed from the construction process, and I deal mostly with the site superintendent. Is that normal? A: Builders understand they are responsible for every home their company builds. A successful builder is also a successful manager and business owner. When you buy from a professional builder, you […]
Ask the Builder: Q: What is “Tyvek” A: Tyvek is a brand name of housewrap (or air-moisture barrier sheathing) from DuPont, and has come to be, in many markets, the generic term for the product. Not all housewrap is made the same, however, or even performs the same exact functions. Your builder should specify the […]
The answer will have an impact on the selections you make and the final home cost. Potential clients often ask for our homes’ average cost per square foot. The question is understandable. Price per square foot is a metric the real estate industry uses to gauge the competitiveness of resale homes, and homebuyers have internalized […]
The low-bid, budget company may cost more in the long run. Here’s why. Does your builder have the size and—more importantly—the management systems needed to handle a custom home project? If not, the final cost in dollars and frustration may be more than you bargained for. There are innumerable ‘horror stories’ on the Internet about […]
How professional builders create a healthy indoor environment. If you have concerns about how healthy your new home will be, you’re not alone. In a 2021 survey of 551 American homeowners commissioned by York (a manufacturer of home heating and cooling systems) 62% of respondents said their home’s indoor air quality needed improvement. And in […]
You can get more for your money by not starting with that question Whether it’s a $7 million custom home or a $70,000 kitchen remodel, no one wants to pay more than they have to. So it’s no surprise that the first question many people have for their architect, interior designer or builder is about […]
The best custom builders understand that service is as important as product. When choosing someone to build your new custom home, there’s a truth that you ignore at your peril: your ultimate satisfaction has as much to do with your day-to-day experience of the project as with the final result. This is very different than […]