Building a custom home (CONSTRUCTION)
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PHASE 6: CONSTRUCTION
We encourage our clients to be involved during the construction process and want your new custom home to be everything you hoped it would. And while we go to great lengths to clarify things in written plans and specifications, we will stay in constant contact throughout the construction process. Your project manager should be your main contact and can be reached by phone and email. In the rare instance that he is not the appropriate person to provide you with the requested information, he will direct you to the right contact.
By the end of the building phases, we will have gotten to know each other pretty well. Usually that's a good thing! In fact, we maintain long- term relationships with many of our clients, so Sendero is their homebuilder of choice when they build another custom home. This is not to say there will not be challenges during the construction period. Custom homes are unique and are often created from floorplans that are being built for the very first time. In addition, these homes are designed and built with imperfect materials by imperfect people. There are thousands of moving parts in building a custom home. To date we have not built a perfect home ... and don't know of anyone who has. When the inevitable challenges arise, we will gladly work with you to find a resolution that is fair for all parties. Ours is a commitment to open communication; it has served Sendero well — as our long list of completely satisfied customers will attest.
STAGES OF CONSTRUCTION - Timing may vary depending on the complexity of each home, but the order of stages generally stays the same.
1) Lot clearance and site preparation. We meet at your site to discuss lot cuts, trees to be saved and your overall vision of the project site.
2) Foundation
3) Framing. This is where your vision starts to become real! You get a feel for room sizes and the flow of the floorplan as you walk from room to room. Windows and exterior doors are installed at this stage.
4) Rough-in mechanicals
• Plumbing topout
• HVAC rough
• Electrical rough - Your project manager meet you to walk the house and verify positions for light fixtures, electrical boxes and switches. Positions can generally be changed for a minimal charge as long as the flow of construction is not disrupted.
• Low-voltage - includes your telephone, TV, security, stereo and home theater needs. Our contractor will be happy to meet you on site to determine your needs for each room.
5) Pre-drywall
• Mechanical and framing inspections - A government or third-party inspector will examine your home and note corrections needed to meet building codes. Due to the custom nature and the complexity of our homes, there are almost always items to correct. It is critical that these corrections be make before proceeding. After an initial flurry of activity progress may seem slow during this time.
• Exterior paint - We can prepare up to three samples for your inspection and will need your approval before proceeding. There will be a charge for additional samples.
• Roof installation
• Stucco - We can prepare up to three samples for your inspection and will need approval before we continue. There will be a charge for additional samples.
• Stone - We can prepare up to three samples for your inspection and will need approval before we continue. There will be a charge for additional samples.
• Insulation - Several types are available with a range in cost and energy efficiency. Your project manager can advise you on pros and cons.
6) Drywall. If special textures are wanted, we will need you to approve a sample before we begin work.
7) Cabinets, trim and interior doors
• Cabinets installed.
• Interior doors installed.
• Interior trim installed.
8) Tile
• Floors, backsplashes installed.
9) Interior paint and stain. We can prepare up to five samples and will need approval before applying. There will be a charge for additional samples. Please keep in mind that once paint covers a large wall area it will appear darker than the sample. Our typical contract allows three paint colors and one stain color. Additional colors cost $300 each.
10) Driveways. Your project manager will meet you on site to verify driveway layout. With the house under construction it will be easier to assess ingress and egress needs. There may be ways to improve the driveway or save trees.
11) Setouts
• Plumbing fixtures installed.
• Electrical fixtures installed.
• HVAC condensers and grilles installed.
• Landscaping and plantings installed.
12) Carpet
• Carpets installed.
• Glue-down wood floors installed.
13)Punchout. By this time the house is basically complete, but a number of miscellaneous deficiencies are being remedied, such as paint touch up, drywall repair, door and drawer adjustment and a thorough cleaning. Our goal is to complete all punch items before you move in because it's much tougher to correct blemishes once you've moved in. However, due to the complexity of many of our homes, a few minor items typically need to be addressed after you're in your new home. For this step, both parties agree to and sign a list of the remaining items before closing.
14)Final walk-through. Prior to closing, your project manager will schedule a final walk through with you to discuss any questions you have regarding your new home and identify any deficiencies that remain. The walk-through will take place several days prior to closing, which gives us time to make the fixes.
15)Closing and move-in. Congratulations!! You have worked hard and made what feels like a thousand decisions and you are now ready to spend your first night in your new Sendero custom home.
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