Why hire a general contractor?
It depends on the size of the project and your experience with construction, but many homeowners underestimate what the role demands. Being a general contractor is a full-time, highly demanding job — if you already have a day job, the hours simply are not there. Many homeowners think acting as their own GC will save time and money; more often the project balloons in cost and the finished result falls short of what they pictured. Your time and peace of mind are valuable. Why not hand the project to a team whose only job is to focus on it, with the knowledge, experience, and trade relationships to execute every part of it well?
Should I get multiple bids and pick the lowest price?
There are plenty of ways to cut corners to reach a lower price. Competitive bidding rewards the lowest number and offers no advantage to good workmanship. We would rather do things the best way — the most effective combination of price and performance, and the most value for your dollar. We focus on the details that matter to you and the details that matter to the longevity of the home, combining tried-and-true technique with building science and modern materials. "The way we have always done it" is not a phrase we use.
What is design/build?
We develop your project from start to completion. Working with our group of preferred, independent designers, architects, and engineers, we create a one-of-a-kind project just for you. Most of the time you will only pay the general contractor for services rendered — which means a well-coordinated team of professionals and a single primary point of contact.
What is a Project Development Agreement (PDA)?
It is very difficult to give an accurate price for a large job when there are no designs, plans, specs, or selections — and even complete plans usually stop short of the details needed for a comprehensive scope and budget. A Project Development Agreement (PDA) is a paid pre-construction phase where we create those designs and plans and walk you through selecting materials, fixtures, and finishes. It also helps us fully understand your vision and goals so we can give you an accurate price. PDAs are priced to the projected scope and complexity of the project. If you decide at the end not to move forward, you keep all the designs, plans, specs, and selections for whenever you are ready.
Can I buy the materials and have you install them?
No. We need to control the ordering process to make sure the right style, size, hardware, and accessories are ordered, that materials arrive on time and undamaged — and because we cannot warranty materials we did not supply.
How long will my build take?
It depends on the size and complexity of the project. A custom home typically takes somewhere between 12 and 18 months from start to completion. Before production begins, we put together a schedule with a reliable timeline for your project.
If the contract is signed, when can you start?
We are as eager to start as you are, but there is a sizable amount of planning first — ordering materials, scheduling deliveries, and lining up trade partners. With current supply-chain and labor conditions, we make sure every base is covered before production begins; the last thing anyone wants is a half-finished project sitting idle waiting on materials. On average, expect a 6–8 week lead after signing, though it varies — some projects can start right away, while others take longer when certain products have long lead times.
How will you finish the project?
We use a three-step close-out. First, when production is complete, we walk the project with you, build a punch list of anything that needs attention, and leave you a checklist to note anything you notice after we go. Second, at about the one-month mark we inspect again to catch anything the first walk missed. Third, we repeat that at eleven months — just before the standard one-year manufacturer warranties lapse — so anything covered gets addressed while it still can be.
