Newsletter
Merlin Ranks Among the Top 3 Custom Home Builders in Las Vegas
Merlin is proud to be considered among the Top 3 Custom Home Builders in Las Vegas. Ranking among the top Design-Build Custom Home Builders along with Sun West Custom [...]
The Importance of Custom Home Framing
Building Success 101 Q: How much energy will a high-efficiency HVAC system save? A: That depends on the home’s energy detailing. These details include properly sealing the ductwork, eliminating [...]
Hidden Benefits of Building a New Custom Home
The advantages of a new home go beyond the obvious. The allure of a new home fires the imagination and ignites the spirit. We’ve all dreamed of living in a home with our version of the perfect gourmet kitchen, a beautifully appointed office, and a luxurious master suite. Having everything just the way you envision it is reason enough for most people to consider a new home over an existing property.
Controlling Custom Home Project Costs
NAHB Builder 20 Group Spring Meeting in Lake Tahoe In Las Vegas we have been experiencing an unusual spring this year. We’ve been enduring cool temperatures ranging in the [...]
Custom Home Price Reality Check
Consulting with a builder before drawing the plans will save expense and headaches. Most custom builders have had clients show up at their office with a set of finished plans that, in reality, will cost 25% to 30% more than the clients’ target budget. Fortunately, this problem is easily avoided. Working with the builder on a pre-budget can eliminate unpleasant surprises and help the clients get the home they want at a price they can manage.
The Problem with Competitive Bidding
Some big obstacles stand in the way of the three-bid advice. Folk wisdom, online articles, and basic instincts advise homeowners to solicit bids from several qualified contractors. But three major obstacles get in the way of making those bids realistic and useful: the need for detailed plans and job specifications, the need for comparable bidders, and the need to structure the bids for easy comparisons. Getting all three right is rare.
Controlling Custom Home Allowances
Strict allowance policies benefit homeowners as much as builders. Why does the Merlin Custom Home Builders team and other builders prefer that the homeowners choose every single item that will go into the house before they break ground? It’s not just for the builder’s convenience. A choice postponed may end up being made at a time when the homeowners are feeling a lot of construction stress. Decisions made under stress raise the chance of buyer’s remorse.
Custom Homes Built for Las Vegas Climate
Creating a durable and efficient Las Vegas home is no job for amateurs. In 1985 Las Vegas was home to 562,280 Southern Nevadans. In that ancient time—30 years ago—someone with basic construction knowledge could build a serviceable home. No more. Today, the combination of contemporary building materials and code-mandated construction practices have made homes more complex with less margin for error.