The Advantage of a "Single-Source" Builder

Tested and proven work, products, and materials

As a professional builder, we understand the importance of meeting or exceeding the expectations of our homebuyers. We stay current with trends in residential design and construction. We offer choices that fit each client's budget and lifestyle. At the same time, we commit to high quality standards—both for our work and for the components we use to build each new home—and to staying on schedule and within budget.

To achieve these goals, we have to be choosy about the materials and products we recommend.

Occasionally, a homebuyer may suggest something that’s not in our package of standard, upgraded, or optional products. We’re open to new and better ideas, but sometimes these products and materials don’t meet expectations for lasting performance and cost-efficiency.

To better understand the value of our role in offering a market-savvy selection of finishes, products, and materials for new homes, consider the following questions and answers.

Q: My builder insists that I choose products and finishes by a certain date after signing the contract. Why is it so critical to meet those deadlines?

A: Making product selections early in the construction process, often before your home is started, allows us to be sure that the products will get to the job site on time and within budget. Coordinating vendors and trade contractors requires lead time—the time it takes to receive a product from a supplier and schedule an installer. When the client chooses products on time, we can keep the project on schedule and avoid paying extra for rush deliveries.

Q: A contractor in my area says he’ll roof my house for a lot less than what my builder quoted, but my builder advised against using him. Why?

A: As with most things in life, a lower price doesn’t necessarily mean lower overall cost. We seek out the best trade partners (like roofers) and negotiate the price of their work based on a variety of considerations. These include their availability, skills, experience, and ability to meet our deadline and quality standards. A low-priced roofer may not be sensitive to our schedule. They may leave the job unfinished or fail to meet our quality standards. This delays construction, often resulting in higher overall costs and extra work. Simply put, if the contractor is unknown to you and us, that’s a risk we’re uncomfortable taking on your behalf.

Q: I found some great outdoor light fixtures that would be perfect for my house. Can I use them instead of the ones being offered?

A: Some builders provide their clients with allowances to purchase certain products (usually finishes, like light fixtures) on their own. Even in those cases, however, we’re going to point our clients to the showroom of a reliable supplier—one we work with regularly who can stay within budget and guide an owner in the right direction. An off-the-shelf or mail-order item, even a brand name, carries some risk for both builder and homebuyer. The builder must guarantee its installation and durability without truly knowing how it will perform in your home. It may also be more difficult to install than the line of products we offer, raising costs.

Q: Why does my builder charge more for the same faucet I found online for less?

A: A builder’s cost is more than just the price of an item. It may include the cost to ship, install, and service it, and a nominal markup to cover overhead costs, insurance, storage, and profit. For all the products and systems in a home, we assume certain risks and costs on your behalf.

To give reliable assurances and properly install and support the products and features of your new home, we must coordinate every aspect of the construction process. We strive to provide plenty of choices, based on extensive market analysis and years of experience in offering the most valuable commodity of all: your peace of mind.