Unlike the sleezy, money-grubbing image portrayed on TV, reputable home builders do not want all your money. Let me say that again, I do not want all your money. In fact, I often try to talk clients out of spending more money. As a home builder who utilizes a cost-plus contract, this may sound a [...]
When discussing house building, others often comment, “How fun!” While the house building process is exciting, it can also be stressful. The pressure arises from the fact that there are hundreds of decisions that must be made when designing and building a custom home. Because of this, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, losing the joy [...]
Have you seen house after house, but not one is just right? Well, you might be looking for a unicorn. No, we aren’t talking about the mythical horse-like creature! In real estate, a “unicorn” is a home that professionals know you are never going to find because your requirements are just too strict. Unfortunately, you [...]
When considering building a custom home, the cost to build a house is forefront in clients' minds. Initial inquiries often include questions such as, "What is your price per square foot" and "How much is the builder's fee?" Because Elements believes in transparent communication, I have written eight articles, covering various aspects of the cost [...]
The cost to build a house is an extremely important consideration when deciding to build a custom home. So important, in fact, that this is the eighth article I've written on the subject. The previous seven, however, considered the cost to build a house in terms of money. While the bottom-line in terms of dollars [...]
When building a custom home, not only is cost an important consideration, but time as well. Most (dare I say, all) clients have a targeted move-in date. Of course, this is understandable, as coordinating selling a current house, packing, and moving into a new home takes a lot of scheduling. In the zeal to begin [...]
The location of your custom home is no doubt very important. Many amenities can be upgraded in the future. For example, if you decide that you don’t like a paint color or want a nicer light fixture, you can alter those details. The placement of your home, however, cannot be changed. Because of this, purchasing [...]
Whether already built or going to build, when you purchase a brand-new, never-been-lived-in home, you will pay a builder's fee. If the home is already built, the question about how much the builder will be paid is often not a concern. This makes sense because the customer knows the price of the home, which is [...]
Potential clients often ask about price per square foot. Many believe that this is a “good way” to compare builders. In reality, there's a secret about price per square foot that the building industry would rather I didn't share with you--it's a game that home builders use to reel you in. Honestly, using price per [...]
Once you've approved the floor plans and materials selections, custom home builders will charge for change orders. Why? Because changes cost time, slowing the project. Often, they also cost money, requiring completed work to be re-done and/or more expensive materials to be purchased. One simple way to avoid the price of change orders is good [...]
