Custom Remodel at Veer Towers
This Custom Remodel at Veer Towers, which is at the heart of the City Center overlooking the Las Vegas Strip, was originally a grey shell (empty space) high-rise. Carpenter Sellers Del Gatto and the owner designed the custom remodel and Merlin made it a reality. The original Custom Remodel at Veer Towers was damaged by flooding, so it needed to be repaired and restored. Read More…
Building Success 101
Q: How much do codes vary from place to place?
A: In the United States, the International Residential Code serves as the model code. States, and sometimes localities, can adopt all, part or none of it, which means that requirements can vary somewhat from one jurisdiction to another. Politics can come into play here, but code variations also depend on local conditions: a home in Las Vegas and San Francisco will need more seismic bracing than one in St. Louis. Professional custom home builders and remodelers will understand the code requirements for the jurisdictions where they work.
Understanding the variables that affect a custom home schedule
Many clients approach a luxury custom home builder with an idea about how long it should take to finish their new custom home construction. Some underestimate the time the project will require, while others expect it to take a lot longer.
Every custom home builder loves being able to deliver a quality custom home on budget and ahead of schedule, but the truth is that it’s better for everyone when the clients have an accurate understanding of how long the project will take.
Custom Home Designs Matter
The biggest variables in project duration are size and design. It’s no surprise that a big, complex custom luxury home will take longer than a smaller, simpler one.
If the custom homeowners already have a complete set of plans and specs from an architect, that will speed up the custom home builder’s design phase. If not, they need to include time for that planning and design work.
Ballparking a timeline is straightforward when the home’s size, layout and specifications resemble others the builder has completed in the area. For a unique custom home, however, the builder, the client and perhaps the architect will need to work together to develop a realistic timeline.
One thing to take into account is the homeowner’s expectation – when does the homeowner want the home to be ready? Do they want to move in by next August so their kids can start the school year in that town? Do they want it done by May so they can host a family reunion? The custom home builder can work backward from that, but with a firm deadline, it’s best to first complete the design, specifications and plans then start the project as soon as possible. That includes building in extra time to account for unexpected delays.
Keeping the Authorities Happy
Another scheduling factor is the permitting process. The number of permits and approvals required affect the time a project will take. Depending on the custom home’s location and governing body (Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Clark County), you may need signoffs from the zoning board, the building department, the health department, the fire department and the homeowners association.
The process is usually straightforward and predictable, or frustratingly slow, but sometimes it can be a wild card. The municipality might normally have a two-week lead time for reviewing and approving plans, but that time can stretch out if the building inspector has unexpected questions or concerns.
While the luxury custom home builder can’t eliminate permitting delays, it’s important to remember that bureaucracies are staffed with human beings. It is human nature to give better service to someone you know and who has made an effort to understand your processes and priorities. One easily overlooked advantage of working with an established professional elite custom home builder is that its people will have created good working relationship with the local authorities.
What Custom Homeowners Can Do
Once the project gets underway, the most important thing homeowners can do to reduce the chance of delays is to make design and product decisions on or before the deadlines set by the custom home building company. These decisions range from choosing custom cabinets early enough for them to be built and delivered when needed, to making sure the electrical outlets are placed to accommodate the preferred furniture layout so that the outlets won’t have to be moved later.
Custom Homeowners who want the project to keep humming along on schedule won’t change those selections after making them. Changes made late in the design stage can delay plan completion; those made after project kickoff can delay the finish date. Homeowners who understand this will invest the time and effort needed to make firm decisions.
The homeowners who enjoy the smoothest projects take a partnership attitude. They understand how seemingly small decisions can have cascading impacts on the custom home schedule, so they work with the architect and the custom home builder from the initial design concept all the way to the final punch list.
It should come as no surprise that this partnership works best when you choose a professional luxury custom home builder you know you can trust and someone who would stick to the custom home schedule without any deviations.
Warm Regards,
Steve Jones & Bart Jones
Merlin Custom Home Builders
6408 S. Arville Street
Las Vegas, NV 89118
702.257.8102 – Phone