Pick three out of four: Quality, Speed, Service, Price

Pick three out of four: Quality, Speed, Service, Price

Jim and Susan had six—count ‘em, six—separate flooring companies at their home in a three week period providing estimates to sand and refinish their hardwood floors. About a month later, an unusual sound came from Jim and Susan’s house, loud enough that everyone in...
Do I have to like my builder?

Do I have to like my builder?

So now you’ve selected a competent builder. But you may ask, “Do I have to like the guy? If he has a good reputation as a builder, does it really matter if I like him?” Yes, it matters. Don’t sign a contract with a builder you don’t like, trust, or respect. If you do,...
Forcing a square peg into a round hole

Forcing a square peg into a round hole

Jim and Linda were the kind of people who refuse to give up. Sometimes persistence is a good thing, but there are times when pushing too hard is unwise. This couple, for instance, were unwilling to listen to sound, professional advice. They forced their opinions and...
Which comes first: the builder or the designer?

Which comes first: the builder or the designer?

Just like the proverbial “chicken and egg” question, “Which comes first?” is a question that confuses some people, but must be answered before you start the custom, homebuilding process. While the answer may seem obvious, it’s important to know...
Should I build, or should I buy an existing home?

Should I build, or should I buy an existing home?

To build or to buy: that’s the primary question to answer before building a new custom home. To help you decide, ask yourself these ten important questions. Be very honest. Answer each one carefully. Keep in mind that there is no right or wrong answers. You’re simply...