• Gather a List of Names:The best way to build a list is by asking friends and neighbors. If that doesn’t work, check local directories or service providers.
• Check Backgrounds:With your list in hand, make a few calls to weed out service professionals with questionable records.
• Get Estimates:At least three service professionals should bid on your home. Be sure to spend enough time with each bidder. When you prepare to get bids, describe your project clearly. Ask for an approximate start date. Keep in mind that many contractors have busy workloads and may not be able to start for several weeks or months. Ask for samples. Most service professionals have portfolios containing photographs of past work.
• Make your Decision:Don’t immediately select the lowest bidder for the job. Make sure each estimate details your specifications. Look at the estimates and see where cost differences exist, then ask the contractor. Consider the time frame.

• • Some custom builders offer limited selections of floor plans, options, etc. We do not limit the choices and are not limited in final design.
  • Many other builders have salespeople or estimators who do not have the experience to actually design a home or manage the building process, and this limits their ability to properly plan and price the home you desire
  • As a smaller builder we have more control over the many aspects of the job, including subcontractors actions and design changes; we have long-standing relationships with the subcontractors we use
  • We will be on the jobsite every working day from foundation to closing.
  • We offer a standard one year warranty on your home should anything need some fine tuning.

www.homesneedpeopletoo.com

Energy Star Certified

2×6 Construction Exterior Walls

Low E Windows

90 + Furnace

Upgraded Insulation

Fully landscaped front and rear yards.  (Sod, plants, trees, cement curbing, large rocks and rock bark.)

Front and rear auto-sprinklers

Christmas light circuit and outlets in soffits

Freezer circuit

6 can lights for exterior eves

Photo cell on front exterior lights

Cat 5 wiring with structure wire panel

Phone and TV in all Bedrooms

Hand Texture Walls Throughout

Three color interior paint (wall, ceiling, and trim different colors)

Covered patio with pre-wiring for speakers

Whole house audio pre-wired for speakers

Full exterior stucco

All interior windows wood wrapped

Extensive trim and finish work

10 foot ceilings

8 foot interior doors

Upgraded carpet pad (8 lb.)

Garage

Finished and insulated 3 Car Garage

Epoxy painted garage floors

Garage door 16 feet wide, 8 foot tall opener included

Rough in water softener and central vacuum

Entry

8 Ft Solid knotty alder front door

Extensive hardwood through dining, entry, walk ways, kitchen (see plans for area)

Kitchen

Knotty alder cabinets (Raised panel with arch or Shaker style with lighted glass boxes above.)

Under mount cabinet lighting

Granite Slab Counter Tops

Travertine/Glass Backsplash

Kitchen Aide Architect 2 series appliances

Roll-out shelves on lower cabinets

Hardware on cabinets and drawers

Laundry

Cabinets above washer and dryer

Granite counter top folding table

Sink

Tile Floors

Mud bench

Kids Baths

Tile flooring in all baths

Tile surround Tub

Single Vanity with solid surface counter top (granite, travertine, marble)

Master

Coffered ceiling with “mood lights” and crown molding

Sound Wall from Master to Hall (insulated)

Large walk in closet with mirror

Walk-in Tile Shower with 2 Heads

Alder wrapped mirror in master bath

Solid surface counter tops (granite, travertine, marble)

Plumbing

Kohler sinks and tubs in baths

Kohler 5 star rated toilets

Moen plumbing fixtures

1. Do you have a lot?
2. If not, do you need to look at lots? Where, or in what area, do you want to live?

We have access to information about available lots and will have an understanding of costs and cost factors.  There are many variables existing on a lot that affect the cost of the home.

3. What style home do you need?
   • Single level or ranch – empty-nesters may need additional adjustments, such as wider hallways, easy accessibility, etc.
   • Master on main level with other bedrooms upstairs – families with older children may want bedrooms on     separate level
   • Master upstairs along with the other bedrooms – families with young children tend to want all bedrooms on same level
4. Do you have plans already drawn?

Most home buyers do not have existing plans, just some initial ideas of what they like or want

5. Will the house you envision fit on your lot as designed?Physical challenges, utility paths, and zoning requirements frequently force the need to alter plans or apply for variances
6. Do you want help designing the house?

We prefer the three of us client, designer and builder) work as a team to keep your home how you would like and in the budget you are comfortable with.

7. What is your budget?

Understandably many prospective clients do not want to reveal their budget.  Some may fear they are “giving up their hand.”  At James Clyde Custom Homes we have a straight forward approach to price.  We have a list of standard amenities included in your home for a pre-determined cost per square foot.  Therefore cost adjusts according to size.  Should you desire to add additional features or choose not to include other features, we will modify the price based on those changes.  We do not believe in “marking up” upgrades.  You will only be charged the cost of materials and labor for your upgrades.

Based on the answers to these and other questions, we can start developing initial design concepts in preparation for the next phase.

PHASE TWO -The next meeting(s) will be to look at lots, if necessary, or begin the design phase in preparation for determining the cost of the project.  During this phase of the process we focus on:

• • Selecting lots and the cost variables associated with each lot under consideration
  • Designing plans and working with our designers
  • Reviewing and revising your plans with the designer
  • Determining the price of the custom home based on its specifications:

1. • Design Services
   • Drawings and printing of plans.

Note: If at this point you decide NOT to have us build, certain costs may be incurred for:

We will clearly inform you of this policy prior to any work performed. Any charges are handled on a case-by-case basis.

PHASE THREE - At this point, we will do all of the paper work and make it official so we can begin construction of your new home!

1. • Client provided with an itemized list to begin selection process.  List includes budget and where selections can be found.
   • Arrangements are made for client to visit showrooms to preview and select items for their new home.
   • We begin building!

However, before embarking single-handedly on the adventure of building a home, take some time to consider your decision carefully. While acting on your own could be an exciting experience, it is also a complicated, technically demanding and time-consuming commitment.

For many reasons, hiring an experienced professional to handle the day-to-day aspects of the building process can be an excellent decision.  Ensuring the end result is a comfortable, well-built home for you and your family.

• A general contractor has significant experience in the actual home building process.

A General Contractor is a professional multi-tasker, and building a home is a complex activity. Although your subcontractors will provide specific expertise in areas like pouring the foundation and wiring the house, if you act as your own contractor you will need to consider your ability to manage the overall process. Do you know the order in which activities must be completed, and have the technical know-how to oversee the construction of your home from start to finish? If you are unsure about your expertise in some areas, it pays to hire a general contractor to direct the building process; he or she will be familiar with both the big-picture activities and the smaller details that are equally important to a well-built home.

• Building homes is a general contractor’s “day job.”

Building a home is a full-time job. If your “day job” is demanding and allows you little free time, consider hiring a general contractor, since it can often take 11 months to a year of daytime supervision to build a home.  Just as you have significant expertise in your field, general contractors are well-versed in the day-to-day activities of home construction. For example, a contractor will know how to find qualified subcontractors, ensure that they arrive at the right time, in the right order, with access to the right materials; he or she then will oversee their work.

A general contractor is also responsible for securing any necessary permits, building to the specifications of your plans and local building codes, and scheduling the inspections by various agencies that must be completed before work can continue.

Finally, when it comes to everyday troubleshooting, a general contractor can be priceless. Small setbacks can turn into much larger issues if they are not handled quickly, and a contractor will spend much of his or her day smoothing out any wrinkles that arise.

• A general contractor has the relationships to get the job done.

When you hire a contractor, you also obtain access to a specialized network of information and resources. Professional builders generally have well-established relationships with reliable subcontractors like electricians and plumbers, and familiarity with the time it takes to complete various phases of the building process, which a novice owner-builder can lack.  For example, a contractor will have a pool of subcontractors who will be willing to work on your project, even if that means working extra hours in order to finish a job. As a homeowner, you may not have such an advantage. Subcontractors are aware that this is probably a one-time job, which can result in you being low on the priority list for scheduling. When you work with a contractor, you benefit from the higher scheduling priority given to well-known professional builders who need services on an ongoing basis.

• A general contractor is prepared to deal with complications and delays in construction.

An experienced contractor already knows about the pitfalls involved in building a home, and can find solutions more easily because he or she deals with these problems every day.

• A general contractor knows about building codes and other legal issues.

Construction in virtually all jurisdictions is regulated by building codes, primarily for the purpose of providing minimum standards of health and safety for the public. A general contractor deals with building codes in your area daily, and likely has learned the best and fastest ways to comply with the maze of rules and requirements.

However, building codes are just the tip of the legal iceberg when it comes to constructing a home. What happens if you, your neighbor or someone you’ve hired gets injured while your home is under construction? Proper liability insurance is essential, and may be complicated and expensive to obtain on your own; however, professional contractors generally carry both worker’s compensation and liability insurance to protect themselves—and you—against any unfortunate events.

Finally, remember that if you build your home yourself there is no warranty for your work, and you are ultimately responsible for the quality of your project.  Also, keep in mind that many homeowners acting as their own general contractor will spend more money and time. (Excluding you do not do all the labor yourself, free of charge.)  You can ease much of this burden and place your home in the hands of an experienced professional who can quickly and efficiently address any problems.

Task/Job

Duration

Grading & Building Permits

7 days

Stake lot

File Building Permit Application

Walk Lot w/ Owner

County Permit Process

Building Permit Approved

Pay Permit Fees and Excise Taxes

Building Permit Issued

Site Work

4 days

Stake Lot for Excavation

Excavate for foundation

Foundation

21 days

Layout footings

Dig Footings & Install Reinforcing

Footing Inspection

Pour footings and Walls

1st Floor Deck Framing

Your selections need to be made for: Framing alterations, mechanical systems, cabinets, plumbing fixtures(Toilets, sinks, tubs, plumbing hardware) and kitchen appliances

1st Floor Wall Framing

2nd Floor Deck Framing

2nd Floor Wall Framing

Set Roof Trusses

Frame Roof

Install Roof Plywood

Install Windows & Doors

H.V.A.C.

7 days

Your selections need to be made for:

Exterior paint colors, exterior rock/brick colors/ style and lighting fixtures

HVAC Rough-in

HVAC Set Indoor Units

Plumbing Rough-in

7 days

Plumbing rough-in

County Plumbing Rough-in Inspection

Electric Rough-in

7 days

Set Electric Boxes

Install Electric Service Panel

Electrical Walk-through

Electrical Rough-wire

Specialty Rough-ins

3 days

Central Vacuum Rough-in

Telephone System Rough-in

Television System Rough-in

County Electrical inspection

County Framing Inspection

Roofing

3 days

Roofing Paper Installed

Stock Roof Shingles

Install Roof Shingles

Exterior Finishes

21 days

Stucco

Siding

Cultured Stone/Brick

Your selections need to be made for:

Interior paint colors, interior trim package (base board, doors, crown molding) floor coverings (Carpet, tile, hardwood) countertops and backsplashes.

Insulation

2 days

Caulk & Air Seal

Draft & Fire Stop

Batt Insulation

County Insulation Inspection

Energy Star Inspection

Drywall

9 days

Stock Drywall

Hang Drywall

Remove Scrap Drywall

Tape and Finish Drywall

Sand Drywall

Interior Trim

8 days

Interior Trim Delivery

Install Interior Doors

Install Interior Trim

Paint

8 days

Prime Paint Drywall and trim

Prep Trim for Prime Coat

Finish Coat Trim

Finish Coat Drywall

Caulk Exterior Windows & Doors

Finish Coat Exterior Trim & Siding

Floor Finishes

14 days

PorcelainTile

Install Hardwood Floor

Sand, Stain, Seal Hardwood

Install Carpet

Final Coat Hardwood

Install Cabinetry

Template Granite

Install Granite

Install Appliances

H.V.A.C. Trim

3 days

Install Grills & Registers for Paint

Set Outdoor Units

Plumbing Trim

3 days

Set Fixtures

Connect Appliances

County Final Plumbing Inspection

Your selections need to be made for:

Landscape design or materials

Exterior Landscaping

4 days

Rough Final Grade

Patios

Porches

Sidewalks

Driveways

Final Grade and sprinklers installed

Plants, grass and trees planted

Electrical Final Trim

4 days

Switch & Plug

Install Fixtures

Connect Appliances

Your selections need to be made for:

Mirrors

Hardware

2 days

Door Hardware

Bath Hardware

Mirrors

Shower Doors

Final Building Inspection

Use & Occupancy Certificate

First Walk-thru

Final Punch-out

1 day

Punch Out Walk-thru List

Trim and Adjust Doors

Paint Touch-up

Cleaning

4 days

Windows

Rough Clean

Final Clean

Energy Star Test

Final Walk-through

Move-in

90 days from Contract

The majority of people who build may not understand the construction process; that is why you hired us.  We understand that just because you don’t know much about this process, doesn’t mean that you don’t care.  So just what is going on with your home during that time?

To give you a better idea of what to expect, an average sized home (about 2500 sq ft.) will typically take about 3 months from start to finish. (This is about 8 months faster than the industry average!)  There are exceptions which may delay construction however.  Size, difficulty of the structure, site and weather conditions, material availability and the number of changes you will inevitably make after construction has already begun.

Please note, many different crews will be working on your home to complete their jobs simultaneously.  The Construction Timeline will give you a general idea of about how long each job will take and roughly the order in which jobs will be performed.  The timeline does not show which jobs are happening at the same time.   If you have any questions regarding this, please feel free to ask us.

Month 1

Often, construction cannot begin until the proper permits have been obtained. Once obtained, you’ll see a flurry of activity. Excavation begins, and the construction crew pours the foundation, frames the floors, walls and installs the roughed-in plumbing, electrical and HVAC.

You will have needed to make final decisions on:

• • any framing alterations
  • the style and finish for your cabinetry
  • which plumbing fixtures you will use (Toilets, sinks, tubs, plumbing hardware)
  • kitchen appliances

(First set of selections must be made no later than the framing stage, prior to any rough-in work.)

• • Exterior paint/stucco colors
  • Exterior rock, brick colors and style
  • Lighting fixtures

(Second set of selections must be made no later than rough-in’s, prior to insulation and drywall.)

Month 2

As you walk-through the job site checking progress, you’ll see lots of exciting changes. At this point, it is easier to visualize how your new home will look and feel.  You can expect that your windows and doors will be in, drywall will have been hung and crews are busy cutting and installing your finish work. You will also see shingles on your roof and stucco in progress.  There will be inspections for the mechanical rough-in and exposed structural work as well.

You will have needed to make final decisions on:

• • Interior paint colors
  • interior trim package (base board, doors, crown molding, door hardware)
  • floor coverings (Carpet, tile, hardwood)
  • countertops and backsplashes.

(Third set of selections must be made no later than drywall stage prior to paint)

Month 3-completion

The final month is exciting as everything comes together.   The crews have finished all the trim work, painted, lain tile and hardwood, and your kitchen looks like a kitchen with cabinets and countertops. Next will come the hardware and appliances you selected.  Where you once saw a dirt yard, it has been replaced with a plush looking oasis.

You will have needed to make final decisions on:

• • Landscape design or materials
  • Mirrors

(Fourth set of selections must be made prior to final bump or trim.)

As your closing date approaches it may seem like everything won’t come together on time.  This is when we “magically” button up all the remaining projects and put the final touches on your new home. The city inspects the work and you get a final walk-through with us to address any further concerns.  That’s it! After closing, you can move into your new home.  Feel confident knowing that you are getting the very best house for your dollar. We will be there after closing should your new home need any adjustments or fine tuning.

• Some custom builders offer limited selections of floor plans, options, etc. We do not limit the choices and are not limited in final design.
• Many other builders have salespeople or estimators who do not have the experience to actually design a home or manage the building process, and this limits their ability to properly plan and price the home you desire
• As a smaller builder we have more control over the many aspects of the job, including subcontractors actions and design changes; we have long-standing relationships with the subcontractors we use
• We will be on the jobsite every working day from foundation to closing.
• We offer a standard one year warranty on your home should anything need some fine tuning.