Homes Plus
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/134616
WAUKESHA COUNTY OZAUKEE COUNTY WASHINGTON COUNTY HOMES us l P Your Guide to Homes, Home Improvement, Lawn & Garden and MORE! A publication of the Waukesha Freeman and Oconomowoc Enterprise • June 2013 CONTENTS Add economical living space with an outdoor room ■ Flowering perennials for shady garden ■ Designers work with clients every step of the way ■ Contractor tips from the experts ■ Aging-in-place upgrades Home construction doesn't have to be daunting Builders offer tips and expectations to make the process run smoothly By Jody L. Mayers SPECIAL TO HOMES PLUS WAUKESHA – John Stoker, president of Victory Homes of Wisconsin, said most people have a need that causes them to consider building a new home, such as a growing or shrinking family, aging, the need for more space or larger garages. "Once they become interested in a new home construction project, they typically will do their homework and research several builders," he said. "This may include interviewing them, going to their models, and call- Photo courtesy of Belman Homes Construction workers from Belman Homes build a new home in Waukesha County. Local experts recommend being prepared and patient during the new home-building process. ing the Metropolitan Builders Association." Stoker said once customers have a comfort level with a builder they typically engage in a design process which may be a simple as choosing one of builder's designs or as complex as a complete custom drawing. Most often it's somewhere in between, Stoker explained. "Meanwhile, the homeowner will typically have begun looking for land to build the home on," he said. "Most often, our customers have not yet secured their land and this is actually a good thing. This enables us to examine the land and give the homeowner an accurate assessment of what, if any challenges and costs may be associated with their land." David Belman, vice president of Belman Homes, said people considering building a home need to understand that the process takes time from when you select a home to when you can actually start building. "I generally suggest starting one season before if you are building off a builder's plan and six to 12 months ahead if you are doing a custom home," he said. Belman said it takes quite a while to obtain the various permits and suggested that consumers look into the Metropolitan Builders Association for builder members first. Belman said members of the association are better educated See CONSTRUCTION/Page 3