What are the responsibilities of the owners during the construction of a new custom home in Winter Park, Orlando and Central Florida?
We've made this comment a few times in other blog posts: Every project that we've completed on time or ahead of schedule, had an organized and decisive owner.
As the builder, our ability to perform is very dependent on the communication and information we receive from the owner. The owner's role in a new custom home project can be tedious so they need to be prepared for the amount of work and the time commitment required. That may sound daunting but would you believe that some of our customers even enjoy the process?
We frequently team up with "qualified" interior designers that work with our customers. Tools to create "Mood Boards" and the concept of a themed design help our buyers through the process.
Communication Protocols
We have formal processes for documenting decisions and information as part of each project. Since there are multiple people involved on a project and multiple types of communication, it's easy for information to be lost or overlooked. In the best interest of everyone involved, we need to follow formal communication protocols in order to prevent mistakes.
Orientation Meetings
We have a series of mandatory meetings between the owners and members of our staff. These meetings include: design and drawings review; contract documents review; making selections and decisions; pre-construction review; jobsite meetings; monthly budget reviews; completion and commissioning, and; demonstration of the new home.
Selections and Decisions
The owners are responsible for meeting deadlines associated with the various products and systems that make up their home. We've organized the process into four groups with deadlines that tie into phases that are specifically set up for each new home we build.
Prior to starting the home
By slab pour
By roof dry-in
By drywall
Authorizations and Sign Offs
Looking at tile and cabinets and plumbing fixtures can be fun but many of our customers find it a bit more challenging to actually sign off on the selection. We need signed authorizations before we can place orders and make product selections a formal part of the new home project. This commitment can be surprisingly difficult.
Progress Payments and Deposits
Cash greases the wheels that keep the project moving. We have cash flow to keep things going but rely on our customers to keep the project checking account funded. Frequently there are deposits required when placing orders and we need to be able to pay promptly in order to keep the best trade contractors. We are pretty good at estimating and budgeting but there are almost always requested upgrades and unforeseen additional costs.
We educate and advise you about the numerous options and features available, and explain how to achieve the best price. Our resources and expertise help you make cost-effective decisions for both short- and long-term value.
We have an “open book” project management system. There are no secrets or hidden pricing. You have access to every document and can see every proposal and payment. Transparency removes the cloud of uncertainty that is common between some owners and builders.
Some additional articles that compliment this topic:
Little is more meaningful and personal than a home, and the experience of designing and building your own home should be rewarding and enjoyable. Choosing a builder is difficult. The process of designing and building a home involves numerous decisions about components, systems and services selected from criteria that includes price, quality, appearance and performance. How can you possibly understand everything unless the builder is willing to share all of the information?
Allow us to introduce you to The GCH Way of building your next home. Please let us know if you have any questions. Keith Groninger