Homes Plus
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/134616
JUNE 2013 HOMES PLUS 3 Construction continued from Page 1 with the use-approved forms, and can also offer mediation and arbitration services. "You may have a building permit, zoning permit, septic permit, erosion permit, plus wall bracing and heat loss calculations to do before you get permission to build," he said. Stoker said interestingly there is no "typical age" for people looking to build. "We have built for people in their late teens and early 20s, as well as people in their 70s," he said. "Many of our customers are second- or third-time homebuilders." Stoker said there are some major benefits of constructing your home, including efficiency, customization, home automation, and green practices and reliability. "New homes are constructed under much more stringent standards for health, safety, and energy efficiency," he said. "I feel our business is unique due to our ability to offer customers pretty much the whole spectrum of homes from smaller starter homes to complete custom homes and everything in between." Belman said people looking to build should ask a lot of questions, get everything in writing and never rely on verbal promises. "It is also a good idea to check with someone else who built with the compa- Photo courtesy of Belman Homes Belman Homes created this Tuscany style home in Pewaukee. ny and also to try to catch a couple of the builder's contractors on the site and see if the builder pays their bills on time, if they are good to work for, and have satisfied customers," he said. "Also clarify what items are allowances and are those allowance items realistic for what they really want. Check the builder's rating on the Better Business Bureau, as well." Stoker said it's not uncommon for people to be working with several other builders simultaneously, sometimes up to 10 at a time. "It can be quite challenging understanding the differences between processes and inclusions from one builder to another," he said. "I think having a comfort level with your builder is very important." The market is very strong, making it a once-in-a-lifetime chance right now with historic low interest rates, favorable lot pricing, and decent material and labor cost, Belman said. "There is not a good quantity of existing homes on the market which is enticing more people to build to get exactly what they want," he said. "Pricing is starting to rise right now on materials especially lumber. Since the beginning of the year it has went up $100 per 1,000 board feet, which would equate to roughly $3,000 to $5,000 per home." Stoker said the amount of time that customers spend in going through the process from the first meeting to having their keys handed over to them at closing is the most daunting. "These homes do not come out of a mold, builders need a lot of Stoker input from the homeowners," he said. "We have seven mandatory site visits and the customer can have as many as 12 vendor meetings." Stoker explained that all of these require the commitment of the homeowner to make the time available for these site visits and vendor meeting, which can be daunting for people given most peoples hectic lives. "A customer building with The Victory Companies can expect total flexibility in design, a very systematic process throughout the building experience, See CONSTRUCTION/Page 4 REMODEL • REPLACE • RETHINK REMODEL. REPLACE. RETHINK your windows. Bliffert Lumber offers quality products from Marvin®. Call or visit us today to learn more. 548 W. Sunset Dr. Waukesha, WI 53189 (262) 542-6666 www.bliffertlumber.com 232551005 231557002 Marvin Windows and Doors, Warroad, MN 56763 ©2011 Marvin Windows and Doors. All rights reserved. ® Registered trademark of Marvin Windows and Doors