Why work with a Custom Home Builder and how do you find them?

January 13th, 2015|How to Choose a Custom Home Builder, Newsletter|

How homeowners benefit from the established builder’s systems and relationships. The first question is what defines a professional builder and then it is how to find the right one. The State Nevada has a great resource for evaluating general contractors and homebuilders in Las Vegas and throughout the state. The Nevada State Contractors Board provides a wealth of information about current and past licensed contractors. It notes when a contractor became licensed and if they are still licensed. It states the construction amount limits the Board approved for each contractor, the exact trade their license covers and lists all disciplinary actions the board applied to licensed contractors.

Custom Home Construction – Avoid Costly Mistakes

November 18th, 2014|How to Choose a Custom Home Builder, Newsletter, Tips and Tools for Building Your Custom Home|

How professional builders avoid some of the most common and costly construction mistakes. Most homeowners judge a home by the obvious: a floor plan that’s a joy to live in, a streetscape that wows passers-by, great natural lighting, and lots of storage. The list goes on. But some less obvious details have as great an impact on the homeowners’ satisfaction over time. While homeowners have little control over these details, a professional builder with a sustainable business will make sure they get done right.

Effective Communication: Key to a Successful Custom Home Building Process

May 6th, 2014|How to Choose a Custom Home Builder, Newsletter|

Communication is important in all relationships, and your relationship with your builder is no exception. Effective communication between client and builder will reduce concerns and stress before, during, and after the building process. Here are some tips for keeping the lines of communication open at key points.

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.

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.

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.

Eliminate Surprises by Clearly Defining the Job

July 2nd, 2013|How to Choose a Custom Home Builder, Newsletter, Tips and Tools for Building Your Custom Home|

Steve, Bart and the Merlin Custom Home Builders team understand that building a new home is one of the most important investments a family will make. In many cases it represents the single largest financial investment. The home is designed and built to provide years of pleasure, comfort, and security. It is the physical manifestation of "family" and the place where celebration and joy are expressed and experienced.

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