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“There
is integrity in all things. In a home, it is
achieved when its substance is equal to its
form.”
--UNKNOWN |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to design my home?
To a large extent, the time required to design your
home depends on how well defined your needs and ideas
when we begin the process. If you’re starting
with a stock plan purchased from a plan service that
you’d like us to modify, design—through
detailed construction plans— is typically completed
within 12 weeks. Designs that start with a clean sheet
of paper typically take longer.
How much does design cost?
We employ a licensed architect
on staff responsible for our design work. Our architect
has a Master’s degree in Architecture and is
licensed and registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The average cost for us to design a custom home is
1% of the construction cost. The cost for plans developed
from one of our model plans or a stock plan is somewhat
less; designs starting from a clean sheet of paper
are usually more. For comparison purposes, architect
fees for custom homes typically range from 5% to 15%
of construction cost; the national average is 10%.
Is the cost to design the home included in the cost
of the home?
Design and construction are separate
but related tasks. Accordingly, we invoice design
work separate from construction. You know exactly
what you’re spending for each aspect of your
home including design. If you’re financing your
project and would like the cost of design to be reflected
in the overall construction cost we can arrange to
do so.
What is the difference between an architect and a
designer?
By law, an architect must be
licensed in the state in which they offer design services
to the public. While licensing requirements vary from
state to state, they typically include graduation
from an accredited university with a degree in architecture,
a minimum of three years’ design experience
under the supervision of a licensed architect and
successful completion of a variety of specialized
tests. In addition, architects must satisfy continuing
education requirements in order to maintain their
license. There are, unfortunately, no standards for
residential designers and draftspersons in Virginia
at this time.
Who owns my plans?
Under U.S. copyright law, the
architect or designer that produced the plan retains
ownership of, and all rights to the plan.
Will you sell my plan to others?
No. We do not sell our custom
designs to other builders, architects or plan services.
I’ve retained an architect
in my area to produce the plans for my home. Will
you build from plans I provide?
Yes. We have built a number of
homes for clients who worked with an outside architect
(one home we built was designed by the clients’
son, an architect.) We were also selected by two local
architects to build their personal homes based on
plans they provided. Whether you choose us or an outside
architect to design you home, we strongly encourage
you to select a licensed professional.
What if there are errors with
the plans?
If you choose to work with an
outside architect or designer, you should ask them
about their process for dealing with plan errors and
omissions. Typically, you as the client are responsible
for the cost of any errors or omissions in plans they
produce. An advantage in choosing us to both design
and build your home is that we remedy errors and omissions
in plans we produce at our expense.
Who supplies your cabinetry,
plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, etc.?
We’ve developed an extensive
list of preferred suppliers based on our more than
twenty years’ experience building in Williamsburg.
Our preferred suppliers have a track record of providing
quality products at fair prices. Equally important,
you can be confident that they stand behind what they
sell. If we’re not able to obtain your preference
of any item from our preferred suppliers, we’ll
find a supplier of the item.
Do I get appliances, plumbing
fixtures, lighting fixtures, etc. at your builder’s
cost?
Yes. The appliances, plumbing
fixtures, lighting fixtures, etc. that you select
are charged to your job at our cost. We provide copies
of invoices for all such items at settlement.
Do you build homes for a fixed
contract price or management-fee basis?
Depending on your preference,
we will build your home for a fixed contract amount
or a management-fee basis. In either case we will
show you the specific cost breakdown so you know where
your money is being spent.
What size homes do you build?
The size of your home is your
personal decision based on your needs and budget.
We’ve built homes from 2,400 square feet up
to 10,500 square feet of finished living area. Most
of our clients are “empty nesters” that
choose plans with approximately 3,600 square feet
of finished living area.
Do you ever build homes with
basements?
Yes. We’ve built a number
of homes with basements. It usually makes sense to
build a basement or partial basement foundation for
a home on a sloping lot. A walkout basement can provide
attractive lower level living space.
How long will it take to build
my home?
The time required to build any
home depends on the size and complexity of the plan,
the requirements of the particular site, the materials
and finishes you select, and of course, the weather
during the construction process. A 3,000 square foot
single-story home on a level lot would usually be
completed in 6 to 7 months. Larger homes and homes
with a high level of finish take longer. Our average
construction time is 10 months from permit to client
move-in.
How much will it cost to build
my home?
Cost, like the time required
to construct a home, depends on the size and complexity
of the plan, the requirements of the particular site,
and the materials and finishes selected. We understand
that every client has a budget. We partner with you
to design and build a home that meets your needs and
budget.
What does your “standard
package” include?
Each home we build is a true
custom home designed to meet your individual requirements.
As such, we do not have a “standard package.”
We’ll present a variety of alternatives for
most major components and finishes and review the
cost and benefits of each alternative with you. You
choose the ones that are best suited to your needs
and budget.
What happens if there are cost
increases in materials or labor during construction?
If we are building your home
for a fixed contract price we absorb the cost of any
increases in materials or labor during construction.
If we are building your home on a management fee basis,
you would pay the actual cost of materials plus a
management fee.
What are “Brand Partners”?
Clients typically ask for us
to produce a low-maintenance, energy-efficient home.
In support of these objectives, we have partnered
with selected manufacturers whose products offer excellent
performance, are good value, and are backed by excellent
service and support if needed. We refer to these manufacturers
as “brand partners.” Our list of brand
partners includes Pella windows and doors, Kohler
plumbing fixtures, Silent Floor System by Trus Joist,
etc. York and Lennox heating and cooling equipment.
What is the cost per square foot
for your homes?
Because each plan and the requirements
of each site are unique, custom homes are not priced
on a square foot basis. Each of our clients has a
budget for their home. We work together beginning
in the design phase to design a home that meets our
clients’ needs and budget.
How many homes do you build each
year?
We build approximately 10 to
12 homes each year, depending on the size and complexity
of the homes.
What are cost allowances?
Cost allowances are good faith
estimates of the cost of various client selections
(carpeting, appliances, tile, etc.) that have not
been made at the time we enter into a Construction
Agreement. Allowances are like a checkbook for any
such items. If your selections cost less than the
allowance, you receive a credit for the difference
at settlement. If your selections cost more than the
allowance, you are responsible to pay the difference.
Do you have your own crews or
do you employ subcontractors?
We directly supervise the construction
of each home we build. We partner with the best local
trade professionals (our trade partners) to perform
many of the construction tasks. Each of our trade
partners have worked with us for a number of years
and know our quality standards.
Do the same crews build each
home?
For the most part we employ the
same trade partners on each home we build. Since most
of our trade partners are small firms, we maintain
two trade partners for long duration tasks such as
framing and masonry work.
Do you have different quality
standards for different size/cost homes?
No. We have a single standard
for quality in all homes we produce regardless of
cost or size
We need help making selections.
Can you assist us?
Each of our preferred suppliers
has a high level of expertise in their respective
field and can help you make informed choices. We have
also partnered with a local interior designer. Each
of our homes includes up to six hours of her time
to assist you in whatever capacity you need. Additional
time, if required, may be contracted directly with
the interior designer or with the designer of your
choice.
Can I make changes during construction?
You may request changes at any
time during construction. The feasibility of implementing
any change will depend on when the change is requested.
Please keep in mind that changes typically affect
the cost and construction schedule. Changes affecting
the home’s exterior usually need to be reviewed
and approved by the architectural review committee
in your community prior to implementation. Structural
changes may require re-engineering and review by code
compliance officials prior to implementing the change.
If you wish to change your selection of a component
that is already on order, a restocking fee may apply.
What does it cost to implement
a change?
Some changes can be implemented
at no cost. For example, if you ask us to change the
location of a light fixture, electrical receptacle
or change the swing of a door during the framing walkthrough.
Changes that alter the scope of the project or that
require review and approval by an architectural review
board or re-inspection by code compliance usually
involve additional cost. Before implementing any change
we’ll advise you of the cost and obtain your
approval
Do your homes come with a warranty?
Each home we build is covered
by a limited warranty. A copy of our warranty is provided
for your review as part of the construction documents.
What is the architectural review
process?
Most communities have a defined
process for architectural review of your intended
home plans. The process is normally outlined in documents
provided by the developer or homeowner’s association.
While the process varies from community to community,
it typically involves review of your plans, specifications,
exterior colors and materials and your site development
plan by an architectural review board. You are responsible
for the cost of the review.
Can I supply some of the items
for my home?
In general, it works best if
we supply all components for your home. Client-supplied
items require additional logistics for shipping to
ensure we have them available right before we need
them. We will gladly accommodate your request to install
selected items such as a Foyer or Dining Room chandelier
from your former home provided the fixture(s) meets
local code requirements. Please note that any items
you supply are not covered under our limited warranty;
you would need to work directly with the manufacturer
if there are any issues.
Can I do some of the
work myself?
For safety reasons and to ensure
the on-time delivery of your home, we cannot permit
you to perform any of the work during construction.
We will, at your request and subject to the limitations
required to obtain a certificate of occupancy for
the home, leave portions of the home for you to complete
after move-in.
I’d like to defer moving
to Williamsburg until after my home is built. How
many times do I need to visit during construction?
About half our clients continue
to live outside the Williamsburg area during construction
of their custom home. We suggest at a minimum that
you plan to join us for three walk-through inspections
during construction: 1.) When framing is substantially
complete, please plan to attend a framing walkthrough
at which we review the placement of all windows, doors,
door swings, location of electrical receptacles, lighting
fixtures, heating/cooling supply and return grills,
etc. before rough-in. 2.) When drywall is completed,
please plan to join us for a post-drywall, pre-paint
walk-through to review the specific interior trim
pre-selected for each room and to approve interior
paint color samples applied by our painter, and 3.)
About a week prior to completion of your home, please
plan to join us for a punch list walk-through to identify
any incomplete items or quality issues. Prior to your
move-in, we’ll perform a pre-settlement inspection
with you to verify that all punch list items are complete.
How are payments made during construction?
We request payment after key
milestones are achieved during construction. The amount
to be paid for any item is listed on our construction
draw schedule. If you are financing your home, we
make draw requests directly to your lender and provide
a copy for your records. When the lender receives
our request, they schedule an inspector to verify
the work is completed prior to authorizing payment.
We also inform your mechanic’s lien agent (a
local real estate attorney) when we request a construction
draw. Your mechanic’s lien agent ensures that
the title to your property is free of any construction
liens before payment is made.
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