FAQs About the Building Process - Part 2
Navigating all the details of the home construction journey can be overwhelming for some prospective homeowners. It's normal to encounter questions at every phase, and obtaining clear answers can greatly enhance the overall experience. To support you in the journey of custom home building, we’ve compiled a list of common questions regarding the construction process.
Q: What’s the difference between working with a production builder versus a custom builder?
A: Buying a production home is like buying a car from a dealership. Customers sit down with a sales consultant who helps them choose from one of the builder's stock plans and then from a limited menu of design options. It's a well-defined process that works great for some people. By contrast, professional custom builders create one-of-a-kind homes where anything is possible, so their customer service is, by necessity, more personalized and in-depth. They spend as much time as needed to ensure that the home satisfies the customers' specific needs and wants. The experience of working with a reputable custom builder is designed for people who want a home that matches their exact dreams.
Q: My builder seems far removed from the construction process, and I deal primarily with the site superintendent. Is that normal?
A: Builders understand they are responsible for every home their company builds. A successful builder is also a successful manager and business owner. When you buy from a professional builder, you are investing in a company of professional support, as opposed to a contractor trying to build your dream home from the back of a pickup. Increasingly, today’s builders focus on managing their company systems and delegate on-site construction responsibility to trusted employees. In this way, custom builders can assign your home’s construction to a superintendent who can keep you informed, facilitate changes, and manage the day-to-day happenings on the job site.
Q: What is the role of a superintendent?
A: A superintendent is the person in charge of managing the day-to-day activity and progress on the job site during construction and is typically the homeowners' primary point of contact with the building company. Often, builders hire superintendents to manage the day-to-day activities on the site. This frees the business owner to stay connected with a number of customers and concentrate on business management issues.
Q: Who ensures a quality job?
A: While the owner of a small contracting company might be on site every day, a professionally managed company will usually assign a dedicated project manager to the job. This person has in-depth knowledge about the project as well as solid working relationships with the company’s regular subcontractors. The site manager’s primary responsibility is to make sure that the project gets built to specifications and that it meets the contractor’s quality standards.
Q: Who is responsible for the work of subcontractors?
A: The general contractor (your builder) is responsible for the quality and timeliness of all subcontracted work. That's why a professional hires reputable subs with a proven track record. And that's why you hire a pro to manage your job rather than trying to do it yourself.
Q: Who will be in charge of my job?
A: It depends. The owner of a small company might be on location every day, but a well-staffed, professionally managed builder will have an on-site project manager. This person typically brings years of experience and extensive training to the job. He will be the hub for all project stakeholders and will become the expert on the intricacies, details, and schedule of your project.
Q: How important is time in business?
A: Local track record is an important thing to ask about when choosing a contractor. A company that's firmly established in a particular market will have an interest in protecting its reputation and will have built a network of reliable subcontractors that help it maintain that reputation.
Collaborating with the right builder can transform the home-building experience into a fulfilling journey. An experienced contractor prioritizes transparent communication, efficient project oversight, and tailored attention during every construction phase. From the first design conversation to the concluding walkthrough, homeowners should feel assured and enthusiastic about their investment, trusting that their vision is being realized by dedicated professionals committed to excellence and craftsmanship.
For more answers to frequently asked questions about the building process, read part one from our home builder blog, or contact TM Grady Builders today.
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