March 2007

Listen (lis’en) - verb
1. To make an effort to hear
2. To pay attention to; heed
3. Something your builder should do more of

Builder News

The good news is that lumber prices are down. The bad news is that concrete, copper, and roofing products are up. The national housing slow down is starting to relax some of the price pressures on building materials which could bring some much needed relief for home buyers. Demand in the Hill Country, however, is relatively strong and labor continues to be in short supply. If you already own a home in the Hill Country, you will likely see it continue to appreciate in value. If you are building a new home, you may see a temporary lull in prices but will likely see prices continue to escalate over the long term…. hopefully at a slower rate.

How to Build a Better Home…… With Less Time, Effort, and Money!

If you are getting ready to build a custom home there is something you should know; you can get a better home, build it faster, spend less effort, and less money by taking this one simple step……..hire a Design/Build firm.

As the name implies, a Design/Build firm is a company that handles both the design and the construction of your home. Using a Design/Build firm has several advantages over hiring a designer and builder separately.

• Improved communications – the same team is with you through the entire process so they can better understand what you want and expect. You don’t have to waste time meeting and communicating with two different groups
  
• Seamless transition from conception to construction – all of the little details and expectations you share with your designer have to get translated to the people in the field in order for them to happen. Plans are not enough. A design/build approach allows information to flow seamlessly from design to the construction process.
  
• Alignment of purpose – designers want to create a home of beauty; builders want a design that is practical to build and to control costs. When you align the two you get a beautiful home that is practical to build at the best possible price.
  
• Costs are considered through the entire process – having the designer and builder involved through the entire process allows you to examine costs and make value decisions during the design phase avoiding costly redesigns or a plan that can’t be built within your budget
  
• A more efficient process – less duplication of effort, less mistakes in the field, less changes in plans, faster decision making add up to less time, less effort, and less money out of your pocket

On the downside, finding a company that designs AND builds well can be a challenge. Also, you will have to place a lot of trust in your Design/Build firm so, make sure you do your homework before you choose. Next month we will help with that homework by answering: “What questions should I ask a Design/Build firm before making my decision?” Please contact either Kurt Walker or Harry Craig at our firm if you would like to find out more about the Design/Build experience. Until then…

Warmest regards,


Israel Pena, President