Q.  Does your company require architect's drawings in order formulate a quote for our house?

A.  No, we can work with anything from sketches to full architectural plans.

Q.  Does your company have an architect on staff?

A.  No, but if need arises, we can bring in competent architects & engineers.

Q.  Can you work with drawings we have made with our own home design software?

A.  We use Chief Architect Version 10.  In some cases, we can convert your files into this format.  3D Home Architect is one of these.  Otherwise, we will redraw your plans into our system.

Q.  Do you do custom building?

A.  Some have called us affordable custom builders.  More appropriately, the process we use is called Design/Build.  This term is broad in scope.  To us, it means a process of taking your plans/concepts, considering your desired level of finishes, space and function, advantages and limitations of the proposed site.  Being flexible to changing conditions and design needs helps to meet your goals.  Listening to your input, and factoring in budget and other considerations, we usually can develop your dream into reality.

Q.  What is your approximate construction time?

A.  In most cases, we write our contracts for nine months from date of house excavation.  This start date does not usually include any necessary site work such as driveway, electrical, well, etc.  Our average for a semi-custom is seven months, although we have done some simple plans in as little as two months.

Q.  Would you be willing to supply a reference list?

A.  Yes, we maintain a current list of clients, including those actively under construction.  Some of our clients also allow us to show their homes (by appt. only).  We are starting to put the visual tours of some of the homes on our website.

Q.  Do you use local subcontractors?

A.  Yes, when qualified, licensed, and financially sound trades whose bids are competitive are available.  We often give preference to those who are reliable, have higher quality work, and provide an exceptional level of service.

Q.  Where are your suppliers located?

A.  We use as many local as possible as long as their costs are in line with what can be delivered from the major markets.

Q.  Do you have current projects underway that I can tour?

A.  Yes, we feel that an onsite visit can provide insight that can prove extremely valuable during your home's design and construction.  But you must plan ahead for your visit in case hazardous work is underway on the sites.

Q.  Do you allow homeowner participation for "sweat equity"?

A.  Yes, at times this can prove beneficial.  We usually unclude a schedule disclaimer, since it sometimes takes you longer than it does with our tradesmen.

Q.  When we sign an agreement, how long is it before you start construction?

A.  Under our Site Work Management Contract concept, we can start the basics almost immediately with small deposit, even while developing your final design.  Experience has shown that often the site factors (such as rock or slopes) can change the design and cost significantly.  We prefer that your well be put in place right away, since it's cost and location can have a large impact.

Q.  Can I pay the bills direct from my account?

A.  This method can be feasible depending on your needs and our schedule, but, we will need to work out the terms with you and our contract will be significantly revised.  There can be increase costs because the subcontractors and suppliers are not familiar with you, and you do not have volume discounts that have been built up over many transactions.