Using current knowledge about building science helps to weather storms
One benefit of a high-quality new custom home is that it will better handle severe weather events and power outages. These are a fact of life in all parts of the country. From Atlantic hurricanes which routinely leave millions without electricity across the southeastern United States to severe outages on the west coast caused by atmospheric rivers.
This is an important question for everyone, including your builder
Common knowledge says to be skeptical when searching for a builder. That’s good advice: skepticism is wise at the beginning of your search, just like when looking for a surgeon, car dealer or other service provider. But the ultimate goal is to find someone you can trust and collaborate with.
Companies built for production work aren’t built for perfect work
On the surface, it’s easy to describe the difference between production and custom builders. The production builder follows the same basic home plans over and over, while the custom builder creates a unique home for each client.
Custom home pricing is a complex subject. Here is a way to think about it.
How much do cars cost? The obvious answer is that it depends. You’ll pay way more for a Tesla Model S than for a Toyota Camry. That’s no surprise to anyone.
Strict allowance policies benefit homeowners as much as builders.
Why do builders prefer that homeowners choose every item that will go into the house before they break ground? It’s not just for the builder’s convenience. Any later choice may end up being made when the homeowners are feeling a lot of construction stress. Decisions made under stress raise the chance of buyer remorse.
Builders need to navigate a maze of government regulations, but homeowners can help
A successful building process is a predictable one, with no unpleasant surprises. Predictability comes from good planning, as well-planned projects tend to stay on budget and on schedule. Good planning includes making sure the home will meet all code and zoning requirements.
Understanding the variables that impact the schedule
Many clients approach a builder with an idea about how long it should take to finish their new home. Some underestimate the time the project will require, and others expect it to take a lot longer.
Five questions to ask for your future health and comfort
Along with great design and quality construction, most homebuyers want their new home to provide a healthy, comfortable environment and lower energy bills. They want a builder who can ensure those benefits, but many don’t know what questions to ask.
Home pricing is a complex subject. Here’s how we answer the most common question.
One question we get a lot is “What’s the per-square-foot cost of your homes?” Some potential clients come with numbers they found on the internet.
Is it better to build a new home or remodel an older one?
No one will be surprised to hear us argue that building a new home is a better choice than remodeling, just as a remodeling contractor would argue the opposite.
So, with our professional bias disclosed, here are some objective reasons why we believe buying a new home provides greater benefits than remodeling.
