Our Process |
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Building your own home should be an exciting experience; you will have the opportunity to make it exactly as you want. You not only choose your homes design but you also get to choose the fixtures and finishes as well.
Building a new home also means choosing components that are state of the art of the latest designs. Our experience and knowledge will assist you in making all these decisions.
The our mission is to provide the finest quality and the highest value in each custom home we build. To do this, a unique methodology is applied to the design, pricing and construction processes.
Building a new home also means choosing components that are state of the art of the latest designs. Our experience and knowledge will assist you in making all these decisions.
The our mission is to provide the finest quality and the highest value in each custom home we build. To do this, a unique methodology is applied to the design, pricing and construction processes.
Design and Pricing
A) Client Architectural Profile We have developed a questionnaire that allows us to develop an architectural profile for each client. It details the aspects of the client’s taste, life style, and desired living spaces. It is very specific about the type, arrangement, and size of various living spaces as well as the level of finish detail desired.
From this information we can accurately estimate the size, form, and complexity of the structure. It is at this point that we begin to make some suggestions on how to maximize value relative to cost.
B) The Price Point From the information gleaned from the architectural profile we work with the client to establish a price point for the project. It is a target that fits the client’s budget while at the same time meeting the requirements established in the architectural profile. Both the architectural profile and development of the price point are done prior to meeting with architects.
C) The Architectural Process At this point the client begins the process of interviewing architects. Factors to consider include architectural design preferences, personal chemistry, availability, and fees. There are a number of architects that we refer clients to with whom we have existing relationships.
We are also happy to work with others if the client prefers. As the architect develops the design we provide assistance and insight to ensure that it is compatible with the price point that has been established. We will also attend all Architectural Review Board meetings with the architect to ensure that any ARB required changes are also compatible with the price point.
D) Hard Allowances Custom home bids from builders almost always contain allowance numbers that cover such things as plumbing and lighting fixtures, kitchen cabinets, appliances, floor coverings, built-ins, and a multitude of other items. These figures tend to be guesstimates at best and it is not unusual for the allowances to be exceeded, thereby increasing the actual price relative to the contract price. At Brassfield & Fulk, we use hard allowances in our bids. We personally take you to our suppliers and help you select exactly the items you want included in your home. During the process we provide guidance to help you stay near the determined price point. After you have made your selections we obtain firm prices from our suppliers which form the basis of the allowances included in our bid.
With this method unpleasant surprises can be avoided. You may wish to have your architect or interior designer provide some input as you make your selections. You are free to change you mind about your selections anytime prior to actual ordering. We always review the selections with you prior to placing an order. If you do change your mind we are more than happy to accommodate you.
E) The Bid
When the plans are in the final approval stage with the ARB and all prices are available for the hard allowance figures, a detailed bid will be finalized. Full details of what is included will be provided.
F) The Contract
At this point the client enters into a contract with Brassfield & Fulk to construct the home. We offer three contract options:
1) Fixed fee/Fixed price contract.
2) Cost plus percentage fee contract.
3) Cost plus/Fixed fee.
We are confidant in our ability to control project costs, and feel there is little difference between the two options. The client should choose the method they are most comfortable with.
The Construction Process
A) The Team
We employ a team concept to the management of your construction project. Chris Brassfield, will be directly responsible for the on site management of your job. He will supervise and coordinate all the work at your site. In addition, Bernie Fulk will provide oversight, quality control checks, and weekly client updates on the project. The rest of the tea m is comprised of our capable subcontractors and suppliers with whom we have long-term relationships. They are great craftsmen who stand behind their work, honor the bids that they give us, and fulfill their commitments in a timely manner.
B) The Schedule
In addition to the uncertainty surrounding the cost of a custom home project the second biggest worry is the length of time to complete construction. The standard language in our contract states that we expect to complete a home 12 months after the foundation is finished. We review every project on a periodic basis to reinforce where we are in the schedule and to ensure we have not overlooked any vital step that would cause a delay.
C) Client Liaison
One of our top priorities is client liaison. We want to keep clients in the loop about progress on their project, answer their questions in a timely manner, get timely design decisions from them when specific questions arise, and review progress bills to their satisfaction. To this end we have established a formal client liaison function and dedicated a significant block of staff time to it. In addition to phone calls you will receive weekly e-mail updates, with photographs where appropriate. We will also be happy to meet you at your job site at your convenience and will make every effort to respond to all your inquiries on a same day basis.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about our exclusive approach to realizing your dream home.
A) Client Architectural Profile We have developed a questionnaire that allows us to develop an architectural profile for each client. It details the aspects of the client’s taste, life style, and desired living spaces. It is very specific about the type, arrangement, and size of various living spaces as well as the level of finish detail desired.
From this information we can accurately estimate the size, form, and complexity of the structure. It is at this point that we begin to make some suggestions on how to maximize value relative to cost.
B) The Price Point From the information gleaned from the architectural profile we work with the client to establish a price point for the project. It is a target that fits the client’s budget while at the same time meeting the requirements established in the architectural profile. Both the architectural profile and development of the price point are done prior to meeting with architects.
C) The Architectural Process At this point the client begins the process of interviewing architects. Factors to consider include architectural design preferences, personal chemistry, availability, and fees. There are a number of architects that we refer clients to with whom we have existing relationships.
We are also happy to work with others if the client prefers. As the architect develops the design we provide assistance and insight to ensure that it is compatible with the price point that has been established. We will also attend all Architectural Review Board meetings with the architect to ensure that any ARB required changes are also compatible with the price point.
D) Hard Allowances Custom home bids from builders almost always contain allowance numbers that cover such things as plumbing and lighting fixtures, kitchen cabinets, appliances, floor coverings, built-ins, and a multitude of other items. These figures tend to be guesstimates at best and it is not unusual for the allowances to be exceeded, thereby increasing the actual price relative to the contract price. At Brassfield & Fulk, we use hard allowances in our bids. We personally take you to our suppliers and help you select exactly the items you want included in your home. During the process we provide guidance to help you stay near the determined price point. After you have made your selections we obtain firm prices from our suppliers which form the basis of the allowances included in our bid.
With this method unpleasant surprises can be avoided. You may wish to have your architect or interior designer provide some input as you make your selections. You are free to change you mind about your selections anytime prior to actual ordering. We always review the selections with you prior to placing an order. If you do change your mind we are more than happy to accommodate you.
E) The Bid
When the plans are in the final approval stage with the ARB and all prices are available for the hard allowance figures, a detailed bid will be finalized. Full details of what is included will be provided.
F) The Contract
At this point the client enters into a contract with Brassfield & Fulk to construct the home. We offer three contract options:
1) Fixed fee/Fixed price contract.
2) Cost plus percentage fee contract.
3) Cost plus/Fixed fee.
We are confidant in our ability to control project costs, and feel there is little difference between the two options. The client should choose the method they are most comfortable with.
The Construction Process
A) The Team
We employ a team concept to the management of your construction project. Chris Brassfield, will be directly responsible for the on site management of your job. He will supervise and coordinate all the work at your site. In addition, Bernie Fulk will provide oversight, quality control checks, and weekly client updates on the project. The rest of the tea m is comprised of our capable subcontractors and suppliers with whom we have long-term relationships. They are great craftsmen who stand behind their work, honor the bids that they give us, and fulfill their commitments in a timely manner.
B) The Schedule
In addition to the uncertainty surrounding the cost of a custom home project the second biggest worry is the length of time to complete construction. The standard language in our contract states that we expect to complete a home 12 months after the foundation is finished. We review every project on a periodic basis to reinforce where we are in the schedule and to ensure we have not overlooked any vital step that would cause a delay.
C) Client Liaison
One of our top priorities is client liaison. We want to keep clients in the loop about progress on their project, answer their questions in a timely manner, get timely design decisions from them when specific questions arise, and review progress bills to their satisfaction. To this end we have established a formal client liaison function and dedicated a significant block of staff time to it. In addition to phone calls you will receive weekly e-mail updates, with photographs where appropriate. We will also be happy to meet you at your job site at your convenience and will make every effort to respond to all your inquiries on a same day basis.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about our exclusive approach to realizing your dream home.
