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Editor's Pick
Check out the Burgandy by Garrell Associates, Inc. Learn More |
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LUXURIOUS BATHROOMS
Do you ever look at the pages of home plan magazines, see the featured bathrooms and wish you could live like that?
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SMART HOMES
Want an efficient house? Smart homes are the way to go!
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FInding a Reputable Builder
A conversation with River City Homes builder, Robbie Richmond
We sat down with Robbie Richmond of River City Homes, and the builder for the Lavelles new home to discuss the how-to’s of finding a reputable home builder.
DDH: What do you recommend people look for when trying to choose a builder?
RR: I would say the number one thing people should look for when selecting a custom home builder is to get an accurate read on the builder’s desire to discover the vision they have for their new home. Builders will sometimes try to convince them to construct one of their stock floor plans when it does not fit their wishes. This is because it is much easier for a builder to get a homeowner to go with a plan they already have designed and priced out. This is not to say there is anything wrong with going with a builder’s stock plan — it may match your wish list perfectly. But the builder’s first job should be to find out what that wish list consists of prior to searching for the correct plan design.
DDH: What should be a red flag when talking with builders?
RR: A builder who tells you how much the “cost per square foot” is going to be on a house you have yet to design. I realize there is a misconception among many people today that a builder can quote square foot pricing off the top of his head and have it be correct, but nothing could be further from the truth. Please remember we are speaking of a newly designed custom home. There are literally thousands of pieces and parts that go into constructing a home, and until a builder knows what you want those pieces and parts to be there could be a dramatic variation in the “cost per square foot”. So please don’t think a builder is hiding something if he won’t quote square foot numbers in your initial meeting. That is actually a good thing.
DDH: What has been your experience with Sater Design plans?
RR: We have built Sater Design Plans in Hammock Beach, The Tidelands, Shelter Cove (which was featured on the cover of Designer Dream Homes Presents: Luxury Homes last year), Flagler County and Indian Springs in Volusia County. Sater Design Collection is always the first resource I go to when trying to help a customer find their dream home. Sater offers a wide variety of architectural themes and their attention to detail is excellent. I love how many of their plans are designed to take advantage of the rear views of a home and also encourage an outdoor lifestyle.
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