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Webster's Dictionary defines custom as "…made to
one's specifications". That definition applies to Timberland's
homes as well. We expect to build each home to our clients
own unique tastes, preferences and specifications. That is
what you should expect from the custom home building process.
Before you even begin the search for a builder, you should
have a general idea of what you would like to see in your
new home, where you would like to build and what your construction
budget is going to be. We recommend making two lists - one
consisting of items that you need
to have and a second list of items
you would like to have.
With those steps completed, you are ready to search for your
builder.
We believe every job runs better if the builder is involved
from the very beginning of the project. An experienced contractor
can help ensure that your house plans and property conditions
work well together. Builders can also assist with the permitting
process and streamline the budget and estimating process prior
to the start of construction.
A relationship of mutual trust and respect must be established
between the builder and the homeowner in order for any construction
project to be successful. It is wise to start the builder
selection process early in the design phase of your home in
order to ensure the proper fit prior to the start of construction.
You should also be aware that using a price per square foot
rationale to compare builders only works on homes of the same
style, size and specifications. Everyone notices the dollars
spent on the final finishes, yet we also stress the importance
of reviewing the structural aspects of your home - the design
of the floor system, the exterior wall thickness, the design
of your roofing system are all among the many areas that we
emphasize in our bid process to make your home superior to
others. Unless your plans are complete, obtaining bids from
several builders only provides a rough estimate. Competent
and reputable builders will provide very similar bids when
working off your final set of plans. If one bid seems substantially
lower than another, be aware that the lower bidder may be
using substandard labor or materials to complete your project.
Timberland
offers two delivery systems to constructing a custom home:
the Construction Management
delivery system and the traditional General
Contractors delivery system. Each
method has it's pros and cons depending on the client involved.
Construction Management
Construction Management
is a delivery system that has been extensively used in the
commercial construction field for years. We believe on certain
large scale residential construction projects, the construction
management delivery system can yield the same end project
result while also generating significant cost savings to the
homeowner.
Timberland offers
Construction Management
services on a project by project basis. Typically these projects
tend to be longer duration projects and larger in scale and
scope. The Construction Management
system is not for everyone, but if you think your project
is a candidate, then we suggest you take a moment to review
some of the aspects of Construction
Management and give us a call -
we would be happy to review your project with you further.
Significant Aspects of Construction
Management -
| 1. |
Client acts as their own General
Contractor. |
| 2. |
Timberland
is retained as the Clients construction manager for a
fixed fee.
a. Prepares overall construction budget
b. Oversee all jobsite activity
c. Provide all construction administration services
d. Schedule all vendors and order all materials per clients
drawings and specifications
e. We are your builder. |
| 3. |
Typical Average cost savings
on a project of 5-7% versus general contracting approach. |
| 4. |
Timberland
maintains an open book policy on every vendor estimate
and invoice. All vendor and subcontractor invoices are
copied to you with each draw for your final review and
approval. |
| 5. |
There is no incentive to the
builder to shop other subcontractors for the best price
and sacrifice quality of craftsmanship for price savings.
We share all contractor bids and pricing with you and
work with you to obtain the best price for the level of
finish desired. |
By now, you're saying
to yourself that you can build the same house, with the same
level of quality and achieve some significant cost savings…there
must be a catch, right?
The catch to the Construction
Management Delivery System is that you act as the general
contractor. That is a legal relationship between you and your
subcontractors and constitutes an additional level of risk
in certain cases. For example, lumber pricing is volatile.
It can go up one month and down the next. In a general contract
relationship, if lumber pricing drops after you contract with
a builder, those cost savings are kept by the builder. Consequently,
if pricing goes up, the builder has to pay the additional
costs. In this case, you are the builder. You bear the risk
of such items as material price increases or omissions of
work from a subcontractors bid. In essence, you take on a
bit of extra risk to realize those additional savings.
If you do not feel the Construction
Management Delivery System is right
for you, Timberland
also builds homes under the traditional General Contract System.
That approach will provide you with a fixed price for your
home and will protect you from the risks discussed above.
That added degree of security comes at a bit higher price,
but we assure you that we will never sacrifice quality craftsmanship
for the sake of a few extra dollars in profits.
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