Start to finish. The process to get you there.

Today I'd like to discuss the basic principles behind my process in building a new home for my clients.  One of the first steps in any project is to determine what it is that we are all trying to accomplish.  My initial meeting with my clients typically revolves around trying to lay the foundation for what it is they really want to do.  Many times they already have ideas of what they'd like to build and I then take these ideas and lay my foundations for what I'd like to present to the draftsman or architects.  Most of the time, we start an idea from nothing more than a penciled drawing on a notebook.  This is what a truly custom project is stemmed from and the most enjoyable way for me to create the vision.  A typical timeline for getting the prelim plans back in hand can be less than a week depending on how complex the design is.  Establishing prelims will now allow me to more accurately bid the home the way the client described to me in the first meeting.  Once we have started to create the template for the specifications and the floor plans, we really start to dial in the pricing.  We do this by beginning the selection process prior to signing any contracts.  I like to take my clients on a one or two day tour to the vendors I have had the greatest success with.  At this time, we really pin point the details of what is to be built into the new home.  As we go through the process, I enter all the information into the book of information we create to organize the details.  This book ends up being what is ultimately faxed to all of our subcontractors as well as placed on the job site for their review.  Once this part of the process is completed, we incorporate the selections into the existing spec sheet and blueprint.  This is when we get the project nailed down as far as the overall price.  The best advantage I have found in doing the process this way, is it allows my clients to walk into the actual purchase agreement with near to exact pricing.  Thus eliminating the need for change orders along the way.  Once the purchase agreement has been signed, I am able to begin the finalization of the plans and ready them for permit.

Building begins once the lot is officially closed and the permit package is ready for pickup.  Through this part of the process, I meet the clients at the site to determine the best placement for the home on the lot.  As we begin the actual construction, I then develop the written schedule for the entire project.  This allows the client, myself, and the subcontractors to be able to follow a timeline that insures completion dates are met.  It allows the subcontractors to order in pertinent items that could have possibly held up the construction process.  It also and most importantly helps you, the homeowner, to better understand the process and allows the homeowner to know what is being done on a particular day so they have the option of going to the job site to see progress being made.  My major focus on any job I supervise is to always have activity regardless of what it is.  On days where work is not being completed, it typically means that it is filled with inspections.

Once the new home is completed, we prepare the home for closing.  As we have gone through the process, we have met with the clients along the way.  As we get to the end, I set up pre-closing walk throughs to uncover any minor defects that can be taken care of prior to closing.  This is typically done a week or so before closing.  This allows us to have ample time to complete the work.  As the closing date approaches, we also conduct a final inspection to insure all of the work is done to the home owners satisfaction.  At closing, I furnish the homeowner with a packet of information discussing warranties, spec sheets, State warranties, the timelines for my 30 day post closing inspection, and the 1 year post closing inspection.  These 2 last inspections are great ways for me to come back to the home and discuss any questions you as the home owner might have after you have settled in.  Many times, it revolves heavily on the complex heating systems we install as well as the Energy Star ratings which I typically have in hand.

In a nutshell, our relationship with you begins at the first meeting but lasts many years after.  I often tell my clients that we have just became married once we have signed the final agreements.  As a builder, I'm responsible for portions of their new home in upwards of 10 years.  I hope this helps better understand a typical building process in the life of one of my clients eyes.

Happy new cabin owners!!!!

Below is a testimonial that we just recently received from one of our clients.

Greetings Andy,

I want to say thank you to you and your people for the excellent job you did with our cabin. So, please forward this letter to all of your people. First, a little personal history that will underscore my heightened appreciation for all you have done. 

The past several months have been challenging for me as I was assisting my father with seeing mom through her final months of life. Mom passed away on December 27^th following an intense battle with Multiple Myeloma. She endured five types of chemotherapy in less than two years and tolerated many weeks of daily radiation treatment. For mom the disease was both debilitating and extremely painful. As their only child living within 2,000 miles I did everything I could to help.  I cooked them dozens and dozens of renal meals, cleaned for them, attended countless medical appointments, shopped, offered help with difficult medical and legal decisions and provided emotional support.  My job, our home and children and the needs of my parents demanded enough time, energy and emotional investment that it was impossible for me to prioritize the cabin. I knew taking on this cabin build was risky during such a busy and difficult time.  Building construction has the potential to be highly stressful.  A bad construction experience for us could have been the virtual “straw that broke the camels back.” Fortunately, for me, that was not the case. 

Therefore, I owe you all, and my husband Greg, my greatest thanks. You all went the extra mile and built a truly beautiful, cozy cabin.

Andy, Thank you for being the organized leader.  Thanks for all of your insights and suggestions.  Thank you for listening to us and honoring our needs and ideas. Thanks for your patience and flexibility.  We could not have had the cabin we wanted without your willingness to continue working with us on the details. I appreciate the excellent choice in subs and the good relationship you must have with your subs as they did what you asked, what we asked. Thank you for doing the build so quickly, that still amazes me! Greg and I have high standards and Greg is both meticulous and highly intelligent.  It takes a quality builder to satisfy us.  You have succeeded. I would definitely do another build with your company. 

Greg and Sharon, Long Lake

New Listing!

http://homesite.obeo.com/641882

Spring is upon us!!!

This sounds a little crazy to post in the middle of January, but what a difference a year makes.  Since December, I have seen numerous web leads and the same goes for the phone inquiries to build this upcoming spring.  As it sits now, Med City Builders of Rochester has 3 new starts in the next 4 weeks!  We also have several pre-sold custom homes for this upcoming March through May.  All of this before the Rochester Area Builders Home Show and the Spring Showcase, which leads me to believe 2011 is going to shape up to be a great year.  Thanks largely in part to the overwhelming influx of referrals from our loyal past customer base.  Our hats go off to our past customers for that.  With Spring coming earlier than normal this year for us, we urge you to start getting your building plans in order now.  The 3 new homes we are soon to be starting have little to no frost in the ground, so it will make for ideal winter building conditions.  So if you're in the market to begin the building process, feel free to drop us a line now.  You can figure a month of preparation and another week or so to begin the process.  That puts you at March 1 if we started the project today and the end of June for your new homes closing date!  Let's get building!!!!     

Expect lumber prices to spike in early Spring of 2011!!!

Recent sources indicate a spike in lumber prices nationwide are going to occur in the very near future of 2011.  According to Pro Sales Online which is a well known trades web site for the lumber industry, we can expect this.  According to a recent published report by Jim Haughey, Haughey believes one such spike will occur in lumber as housing starts increase; he expects they'll rise from an annual rate of around 600,000 today to 800,000 by year-end 2011. "A sharp price spike for lumber is likely in the spring or summer until additional mill capacity is restarted," he said. "The price surge will ebb after a few months, but prices will remain clearly above the pre-spike level."
Along with this a few words have buzzed in the industry with China and Russia no longer having as solid of a relationship as in the past.  If this trend continues, China could start to purchase materials for their ever growing appetite for growth through other countries.  One major candidate for these purchases could be just to the north of us, Canada.  With Canada and the US currently having a smaller than average work force, the demand could cause prices to jump faster than predicted above.  All hear say, but something to consider if even considering the thoughts of building a new home in the spring of 2011.     

Why wait?

Many have been hearing this in the real estate world, but many still don't understand the significance of the statement.  Even if rates do continue to drop which is highly unlikely, keep in mind the rates of today are so far under the historic average it makes no sense to hold off.  If we combine this with the lower subcontractor costs and lower building material costs, we have a perfect storm in your behalf.  As I have progressed through the years in this business, I have noticed one thing that has always baffled me.  I am always busier when the rates are on the rise vs when they fall.  When my clients have done this, they buy out of fear rather than logic.  I have always tried to counsel my clients to take their time and make this process a methodical one, but when forced to build in a time just to capture a good rate we don't see that happen.  The real estate industry is no different than the stock market, yet people tend to think it is sure fire money maker.  Granted today you will sell your home for much less than you would have a year or two ago, but you are also building a home for much lower than you would have as well.  Like the stock market, you will more than likely make money on your home if you let time be in your favor.  Another idea is the thought of buying bank owned properties.  Many of my clients have started the searches this way and have soon realized that even though they buy at a discounted price, the needed enhancements to the property they are looking at adds cost back to the home as if it where a home sold at the market rate.  We have never seen new home prices be so close to current market prices on comparable homes, so building is a super option to get what you want, have all of your warranties in tact, and have a home live the way you have always dreamed of!     

Financing Information

This week we are excited to have Roxanne Hellickson join our blog postings! 

 

When it comes to choosing your lender, Roxanne Hellickson at Associated Bank gets the job done!  She will meet with you at your convenience.  Nights and weekends too!  Call today – 507-259-2000

 

At Associated Bank, the construction financing process is simple.

Andy at Med City Builders of Rochester, LLC will get me the bids/estimates and plans.

My borrowers provide documentation for income and downpayment along with a complete application

I, as your lender, take the paper work and get it processed and approved.

It’s as simple as that!

 

*One set of closing costs

*Long-term rate locks

*Interest rates at historical lows

*Interest only- payments during construction

*Loans available to fit your financial situation

*Local decisions – we drive the process.  We know our customers and our market area.  We process and service your loan locally!

*Commitment – We do all the paperwork for you!  Fast turnaround time from application to closing!

 

 

Call Roxanne Hellickson at Associated Bank 507 259 2000!