Category: home construction

10 Questions to Ask Your Custom Home Builder

Posted on June 11, 2024 by CODESM Support - building a new home, home construction

Renovation supervisor or builder in hardhat meets with happy young woman homeowner and shows her painting and decorating process in new empty house or apartment, with ladder and bucket in background

So you’ve decided to build a custom home for yourself and your family? Great.

A custom home allows you to personalize your home as per your preference. It’s a great way to showcase your creativity and fulfill your needs that ready-to-move houses may not meet.

The next step is choosing a custom home builder. Truth be told, it’s easier said than done. It’s a high-stakes task that requires you to quiz like FBI officers to contractors.

In this article, we will list 10 questions you must ask potential customer home builders before handing over your luxury custom home project.

1. How long have you been building custom homes in RGV?

Mature woman engineer constructor talking phone with client while works on project from home office

The first thing you’d want to ask a custom home builder in Rio Grande Valley is how long they’ve been in the business. Usually, experience equates to expertise. For building your dream home, you should work with folks who have the expertise to handle the complexities that come with custom home construction.

Seasoned builders (think 10+ years) have likely encountered and overcome most challenges that can arise during construction. Think of unexpected soil conditions, tricky layouts, or integrating complex features like home theaters. Their experience acts as a vast problem-solving toolbox, ensuring they can navigate obstacles efficiently and effectively.

The builders should also have sufficient experience in the local market, i.e., the place where they’re building the house.

Thus, ask for the established date, the date of incorporation, website details, affiliations, portfolio, and references, among other things. Get to know them better and their work.

2. What recent projects have you completed?

You’d have to ask for builders’ portfolios to gauge their competence and experience in the field. But put focus on the most recent projects. The latest projects demonstrate how well they are in tune with the market needs of today.

Most custom home builders have a portfolio section on their website or have a brochure displaying the same. So ask for them. You should go over 3-5 recent projects they have completed. If possible, visit the property once to get a good look over everything. Does their style align with your vision? Look for variety and the ability to handle projects similar to yours in size and complexity.

3. What safety protocols do you follow?

Builder And Inspector Looking At New Property

Safety always comes first – not only for you but for the on-site workers. Therefore, safety protocols are among the first questions you should ask custom home builders.

Remember, accidents on a construction site can lead to lawsuits. A builder with a poor safety record puts you at greater risk of legal and financial burdens. Therefore, ask about the past mishaps the builder may have experienced and how they are tackling those mishaps.

A strong safety record is a good indicator, but it’s also crucial to understand the specific safety protocols a builder follows. Does the builder have a process for identifying potential hazards on the job site and implementing preventative measures? This could include proper fall protection, trench safety protocols, and safe handling of hazardous materials.

Builders must provide and enforce the use of appropriate PPE, such as hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toed boots. PPE is essential for protecting workers from injuries.

So go over the safety protocols builders are going to employ.

4. Are you familiar with local laws on building custom homes?

Every locality has its own set of building codes that govern everything from structural integrity and fire safety to plumbing and electrical systems. For example, McAllen requires you to obtain a building permit before constructing a custom home. To obtain this, you’ll need to submit detailed plans of your home along with proof that it complies with building codes and any local zoning regulations in your specific city or county.

A builder who is familiar with the local laws ensures you get the permit on time and attracts no legal penalties down the line.

Therefore, inquire about the home builder’s knowledge of the local laws and if they can guarantee compliance with those laws.

5. How do you handle site cleanup and waste management?

A construction site can be a minefield of debris – scrap lumber, protruding nails, and leftover building materials. When you enter your dream custom home, you want to enter a home that’s clean and free from pollutants. Therefore, site cleanup and waste management should be the task of the builder. And more important, they should dispose of it by adhering to the local waste laws.

Inquire about their strategies for reducing waste, how they handle different types of waste, and their compliance with local regulations. What percentage of your construction waste is recycled? How do you handle hazardous materials on-site?

You should get more clarity on such issues.

6. How do you ensure the quality of your subcontractors and materials?

Wood Home Framing Abstract At Construction Site.

Custom homes are complex projects that often require specialists like electricians, plumbers, and roofers. The quality of the subcontractors a builder uses directly impacts the final product of your dream home.

So, unless you’re sourcing those services, you should ask the builder about the subcontractors involved.

Request a list of subcontractors the builder regularly works with and ask about their selection criteria. Inquire about the suppliers they use for materials and their quality assurance processes. If you visit previous projects completed by the builder, you should assess the quality of materials and workmanship firsthand.

7. How will you keep me updated on the project’s progress?

Construction engineer and architect in vest and helmet discussing blueprint with construction manager, standing on construction site

Regular updates from your builder are crucial for maintaining open communication and fostering trust throughout the process. Knowing the project is progressing smoothly and according to the timeline can alleviate potential anxieties.

So go ahead and inquire about their update process. They might give a brief at the end of the week or send daily updates through email/chat.

Regular communication empowers you to stay connected to the project’s progress. You’ll be aware of upcoming milestones, potential delays, and any decisions that might require your input.

8. How are your payments structured?

The cost to build a custom home in RGV is significantly high, and a clear understanding of the payment schedule is vital for proper financial planning.

In the construction industry, invoicing is an aspect that fluctuates the most. Some builders take half of the amount upfront, while others demand less upfront capital. A well-defined payment schedule eliminates any potential confusion about what’s expected from you financially throughout the project. This transparency helps avoid unexpected invoices or cash flow issues that could disrupt the construction process.

9. Do you offer warranties?

Warranties are a testament to quality and superior workmanship. Builders that do top-notch work and engage the best subcontractors do not shy away from offering warranties. A solid warranty protects you from unexpected financial burdens in the event of defects or malfunctions.

Therefore, ask if the custom home builder offers any warranties. Please note construction backed by warranties may call for a premium construction price. But in any case, it’s well worth it.

10. How do you handle conflict?

Construction projects involve many moving parts, and unforeseen situations can pop up. Delays, rise in material cost, natural disasters, anything can happen. Moreover, you may find out that the work being done isn’t up to mark.

A good contractor should be open to discussions and differences in opinion. Therefore, ask builders how they engage with conflicts. By asking how they handle conflict, you’re gauging their ability to work collaboratively with you and other parties involved (subcontractors, architects, and others) to reach a solution that benefits everyone.

Choose the Right Custom Home Builder

Asking the 10 questions mentioned above will help you find the right luxury custom home builder to work with. Besides that, do not hesitate to ask questions specific to your case.

That said, Trevino Construction ticks all the right boxes when it comes to experience, safety protocols, local expertise, local laws, construction materials, warranties, waste management, and more. Contact us today to learn more about our construction process.

Structural Warranties: Understanding What They Are and Why They Matter

Posted on September 29, 2023 by CODESM Support - home construction

Couple with realtor signing mortgage contract

What are Structural Warranties?

A structural warranty, also known as latent defects insurance, is a type of insurance policy designed to protect investors and homeowners from underlying structural defects that may arise after building work completion. Under California Law, the builder must provide a limited written warranty on the quality of completion of cabinets, flooring, mirrors, walls, countertops, and paint finishes – inside and out. It covers the foundation systems, concrete or strip footings, load-bearing brickwork, structural timbers and steel in-wall or roof framing.

Why do I need a structural warranty?

You want your luxury dream home to be aesthetically pleasing but also sound and durable. When moving into your newly built luxury home, all might seem well, but structural defects can be made evident any time after the construction work finishes. It is, therefore, advisable to have a structural warranty of at least ten years to cover the cost of fixing any issues that may arise.

Mortgage lenders require a structural warranty to sign off on a mortgage. If it is in place, the property sale will be completed on time, even though selling a house under ten years old will be challenging.

A structural warranty offers the following to a homeowner:

Quality Assurance: A reputable builder willing to provide a structural warranty is confident in the quality of their work. The structural warranty reflects the quality of work and the lasting construction quality. It ensures the standard of work the contractor delivers is of excellent quality.
Long-Term Protection: A structural warranty extends coverage of structural issues experienced due to weather, soil conditions, and settling over time. This warranty gives the homeowner peace of mind that he will be covered and have the backup support of the contractor if anything goes wrong.
Legal Protection: Structural defects can lead to disputes between contractors and homeowners. However, the process of a claim and repair can be streamlined with a structural warranty in place. It provides the framework for resolving the issues without lengthy and costly legal battles.

Selecting the Right Structural Warranties

California has several contractor warranties – one-year, four-year, and ten-year warranties. Before signing a structural warranty, you must know what protection they offer, the obligations, and the construction quality that is covered.
Other factors to consider:

The Warranty Provider Reputation: Read reviews about the company providing the warranty, ask for references, and ensure they fulfil their warranty obligations.
Coverage Detail: Carefully review what structural coverage is included and excluded.
Transferability: Check if the warranty can be transferred if you sell your home.
Additional Coverage: Consider the extra cost with additional coverage, such as water infiltration or structural design effects.
Duration: Verify the warranty time, if it can be extended or renewed, and the cost.

There are different requirements for warranties in California.

One-Year Warranty: This warranty covers craft and material. It assures the homeowner that the project will remain defect-free for a year. It includes aesthetic and minor structural issues. It excludes wear and tear, misuse, and homeowner-supplied materials.
Four-Year Warranty: This warranty safeguards the homeowner against hidden structural defects and internal system issues such as plumbing and sewer systems.
Ten-Year Warranty: This warranty covers the construction durability. Load-bearing components that ensure long-term structural stability are covered.

This article briefly overviews structural warranties and why they are essential when building your luxury home. Contact Trevino Construction for expert advice and guidance to protect your investment in your luxury home for many years.

Chef’s Paradise: Creating a High-end Gourmet Kitchen

Posted on August 29, 2023 by CODESM Support - building a new home, home construction

A luxury home has almost everything the homeowner wants. One thing that can complete the luxury home is creating a stunning, high-end gourmet kitchen with a state-of-the-art culinary set-up. You can do several things to transform your kitchen into the ultimate chef’s paradise.

Install a High-End Cooking Range

A high-end kitchen cooking range is more versatile and provides the ideal equipment and space for the gourmet cook. It has a contemporary look with lots of technology for high performance. The high-end cooking range has more cooking power, precision, and versatility. Some tasks are much more manageable than lower-end ranges, like searing meat or melting chocolate without scorching. They are solidly constructed and made of heavier, longer-lasting material. Overall, installing a high-end cooking range will improve the look of your kitchen and, ultimately, the resale value of your home.

A Double Oven

A double oven would allow you to prepare different dishes simultaneously. It is ideal to entertain guests or prepare a meal for your family in a limited time. Double ovens come in various options – standalone units or built-into countertops. Your kitchen layout will determine the best option for you, although it is recommended to have an eye-level design that is easiest to monitor progress. Families or partners who like to cook together will find the double oven convenient for various cooking preferences. One of these ovens should be a convection, helping to cook food uniformly and efficiently.

Another option is a range cooker, preferred by many chefs. A range cooker is more versatile as it offers more settings, functions, and cooking options. Many even feature a separate grill, which means you can grill and roast simultaneously.

The Gourmet Kitchen Layout.

The layout of your gourmet kitchen should focus on different zones to prepare various dishes, store appliances and ingredients conveniently, prepare meals, serve, and clean up. The layout should accommodate easy, economical movement for the chef between various zones in the gourmet kitchen.

The Galley kitchen layout provides space for movement and can include a long island as a workspace or for the family members to gather and chat while the chef prepares the food. Consider your kitchen layout by drawing a model with windows, entrances, and access to the rest of the house. Place the appliances you wish to have in your gourmet kitchen on the model and move it around to determine which space is the best option. Decide what will work best for you and the family.

Sustainable Flooring Options

It is essential to select your flooring wisely. Your kitchen will experience moisture from cooking, appliances, spilling food and drink, and washing. An easy-to-clean option that will not be damaged is the obvious choice. Yet, the kitchen flooring must suit the style of your kitchen, whether contemporary or traditional style. Linoleum works traditionally best. On the other hand, for a natural aesthetic look, natural stone, wood, cork, or even bamboo flooring can enhance your natural gourmet kitchen.

Select the correct surfaces

Selecting the correct countertops is vital as the working space and as a statement piece in the functional kitchen. When selecting surfaces for the countertops, make sure it is:

Beautiful in appearance.
Extremely durable.
Resistant to scratches and stains.
Resisting mold, mildew, and bacteria.
Providing longevity.
Low maintenance and easy to clean.
Not in need of a sealant.

It is wise to use durable materials such as granite, quartz and stainless steel for a healthier, better workspace with stain resistance while at the same time having aesthetic appeal.

Lighting

Gourmet kitchens are well-lit. It provides the chef’s paradise ambience and brightens the areas where they chop, prepare, and cook food with task and pendant lighting. The functional and aesthetic illumination is essential for the cooking process and entertaining. A gourmet kitchen should include task, mood, and feature lighting. Task lighting for the practical working space, mood lighting to create a different atmosphere, and feature lighting to be eye-catching and give your gourmet kitchen that extra splendor.

Optimize Organization with Ample Storage

A gourmet chef has a meticulous way of using the latest and most advanced appliances. With that goes a well-stocked pantry with the necessary herbs, spices, and flavors to add to dishes. All ingredients must be kept in one place, visible and organized, so it is at hand while cooking. A good chef will organize the content of the kitchen rigidly to know where to find the butcher knife or chopping block or that piece of equipment to enhance the preparation, appearance, and flavor of the food. The space in the gourmet kitchen must be utilized and well-planned to be easily accessible to the chef. The ultimate organization of the kitchen will maintain function and space without compromising the appearance and functionality of the kitchen. Plan your kitchen considering all the extras you need to accommodate to cook that gourmet meal.

Designing a gourmet kitchen is an exciting endeavor that requires careful planning and attention to detail. With your aim in mind, contact the professionals in design and planning of luxury homes to assist you in transforming your kitchen into a Chef’s Paradise.

5 Defining Traits of a Great Home Builder

Posted on October 1, 2022 by CODESM Support - home construction

5 Defining Traits of a Great Home Builder

When you want to start building that dream house of yours, it is essential to find the right builder. But where do you start looking? What qualities should you look for?
Here are five of the defining traits of a great home builder, to ease your way in finding a successful home builder.

1. Experience and Reputation

Without a doubt, the first thing to look for in a builder that will make that company a cut above the rest, is experience and reputation. What is their reputation and how many years of experience do they have? Do they have experience in the area where you want to build? This will give them the advantage to know all there is to know about permits, licenses, and legal matters that a builder must comply with in that specific county. You can then be assured that all requirements for your home will be adhered to, without fees and penalties popping up to be paid later. If they have built houses in that area before, they will also have knowledge of the terrain, sand type, and physical surroundings. This prepares them to know what to expect and plan. Don’t be afraid to drive around, ask around and see the builder’s completed projects and gain some insight into their work and get external reviews and testimonials.

A builder that has been in business for many years and has been awarded numerous awards for their building projects certainly has a good reputation and reason to stay in business.

2. A strong support system

A great builder who has been in construction in a specific area for many years will have a stellar reputation with past clients and past collaborators, and a strong support system. When maintaining healthy relationships because of exemplary work and services, they will be able to negotiate best prices on your behalf, while not compromising quality.
The internal team of this experienced and successful home builder has the skill in handling all matters relating to building your dream home. They will stay on track with timelines of design, construction, and project management from start to finish.

3. Proper Communication and Documents

The great home builder will have the documents readily available from the start of the project. With your initial meeting, every requirement and need from your side will be noted. Quotes will be accurate and complete, including all aspects, and guaranteed as part of the project.
The complete process and timeline will be stipulated in writing, as well as features, decorative surfaces, colors, and fixtures according to your taste and selection. The cost of the complete building process fulfilling your needs and essential must-haves for your new home will be detailed.
A great home builder will not only have the contract and specifications between you and their company but also their own warranties and their worker’s compensation and liability policies available for you to see.
Clear and thorough documentation gives you the peace of mind that you have an honest and transparent builder you can trust with one of the most expensive personal endeavors in your life.

The building team, architect, and project manager will collaborate closely with you with an understanding of your needs, providing unique ideas, expertise, and insight with high-quality home specs. You will have details of a contact person who is involved from the start, and available to answer your questions with knowledge of your house design and the building process.

4. Quality-focused and detailed orientated

The great home builder will have quality standards that match or exceed your standards for your new home. The builder and your direct contact at the company will have the necessary information at all stages of the building process, nothing should get by them.
They can foresee possible problems and find solutions even before it occurs, without placing an extra financial or emotional burden on you.
An efficient home builder will have systems and processes in place to streamline the complex process of building your home on time.

5. Committed to Customer Service

The great home builder will have you in mind when planning anything regarding the building of your luxurious family home. They are aware of your timeline, your budget, your preferences, your personality, your family – and anything else influencing the designing and building of your home.
Honesty and sincerity will be part of the negotiations and execution of the building process. The home builder will be open and honest about customizations, timelines, costs, unforeseen problems, and solutions.
Where to find a great home builder? With social media today it is easy to do research and find a builder online, read testimonials and see their work. Search on the internet, get a recommendation from an acquaintance or family member or check out this link for a personalized home building experience.