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So far Ashley has created 194 blog entries.

The Role of the Custom Home Builder

April 1st, 2014|How to Choose a Custom Home Builder, Newsletter|

A lot of people don’t understand the sheer complexity of the builder’s job and the systems required to build a house from scratch. Many analogies have been used to describe the professional builder: the conductor of an orchestra, the captain of a ship, even a general executing a military campaign. The point is that the builder is the one who must coordinate the innumerable players and products needed to transform a set of two-dimensional drawings into a finished home. The builder has to make sure that everything happens just when it’s supposed to, and that the end result is exactly what the clients envisioned.

How to Check References on Custom Home Builders

March 4th, 2014|How to Choose a Custom Home Builder, Newsletter|

Strategies for getting the most from this important step The vast majority of builders are happy to provide prospective clients with a list of people for whom they have recently built homes. They encourage prospective clients to call these references and ask about their experience and level of satisfaction.

How long will building a custom home take?

February 18th, 2014|Commonly Asked Questions, Newsletter, Tips and Tools for Building Your Custom Home|

Builders hear this question a lot. The answer, as with most such questions, is “It depends.” But on what? People who haven’t built before often have an unrealistic concept of how long it can take to plan, budget, and build a home. Many variables can affect the timetable. Three that stand out are design, permitting, and site work.

Why Change Orders Are Costly

January 7th, 2014|Commonly Asked Questions, Newsletter, Tips and Tools for Building Your Custom Home|

Even small changes made after work begins can have surprising effects on the budget. Here’s why. Minimizing change orders is one of the most effective things homeowners can do to control costs. The reason is that seemingly small changes can have cost impacts beyond the builder’s control—costs that ultimately are borne by the customer.

Nailing Down a Competitive Bid

December 3rd, 2013|How to Choose a Custom Home Builder, Newsletter|

A well-defined process can make bidding more accurate and productive. Homeowners see the competitive bidding process as a way to get the most value for their money. But it doesn't always work that way. Bids are only useful if they come from comparable companies, and if they are structured so that they can be accurately compared. Most owners, and even some architects, don't do a good job at this.

Custom Home Construction – Plan to Succeed

November 5th, 2013|How to Choose a Custom Home Builder, Newsletter, Tips and Tools for Building Your Custom Home|

A complete set of plans and specs will eliminate problems and help ensure a smooth project. Never underestimate the importance of good plans and specifications to a successful new home build. These crucial documents need to be fully completed in order to generate a realistic price, schedule, and contract. Too often, however, they're left undone.

Why the Time to Build a Custom Home in Las Vegas is NOW

October 8th, 2013|Newsletter, Tips and Tools for Building Your Custom Home|

New homes won't be any more affordable in a year or two. Potential Las Vegas homebuyers who are waiting for costs to come down before building their dream home might want to reconsider. The fact is that the past year's rise in new home prices will most likely continue. While higher interest rates and a weak dollar could play a role, the biggest factors will likely be the most basic ones of supply and demand.

Size Matters: Choose Your Custom Home Contractor Wisely

September 11th, 2013|How to Choose a Custom Home Builder, Newsletter|

The low-bid, budget company may cost more in the long run. Here's why. The Las Vegas housing market is improving with good values for existing homes playing a big part. Buying an existing house for a great price is only the first step in creating your new home. Many of today’s homebuyers are getting such a good deal that they have the ability to customize the new home to fit their family’s, needs with their aesthetics. Home construction, both new and remodeling, is increasing and with fewer custom contractors left after the recession the competition has increased. It is more important than ever to find the builder/contractor whose skills, staff and expertise is a match for your home.

The Successful Outdoor Kitchen in a Custom Home

August 30th, 2013|Newsletter, Tips and Tools for Building Your Custom Home|

Creating a backyard gathering space that works hard and looks great. Outdoor kitchens in Las Vegas are “cool” even in our summer heat. In a 2012 survey by Professional Builder magazine, a fourth of the respondents named outdoor kitchens as one of their top selling features. There's no shortage of ideas for these spaces, as a simple online search will show, but the best ones have some important things in common: they're easy to use, work well in less than ideal weather conditions, and are outfitted with thoughtfully chosen appliances and materials.

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