• design studio
  • woman-centric philosophy
  • home designs
    • featured plans
    • our signature features
    • for sale
  • tips & resources
    • tips & resources
    • f.a.q.s
  • homeowners circle
  • contact us



  • How do I know that I am hiring the RIGHT contractor?
    • For starters, you are beginning that process right now since you are checking out contractors on-line. That is always I good place to start, however, I will be honest and tell you that not all great contractors have great websites! So, you should also ask around for other references. I will also be honest and tell you that selecting a contractor is the absolute most important step in the construction process. It is a personal decision and it is very important that you hire the contractor that feels most comfortable for you and your family. Building a new home or remodeling an existing one is a very personal experience. Your home is where you live! You make memories there! It is your haven! You should feel in charge of each decision that you will have to make. Do not hire a contractor that seems forceful in making your decisions. You will also need to spend a bit of time with a contractor prior to hiring them. This might include something as simple as a preliminary consultation, but you will KNOW when you have found the ONE! Remember that you will be working closely with this person for the next several months and you will be making decisions that you have to live with for the next several years. As much as we would love your business and the opportunity to help you with your project needs, if you don’t feel comfortable talking to us…don’t hire us. It is in your best interest to meet with at least two (2) contractors prior to hiring them or signing anything. Consider personalities, references, experience, cost, and standard offerings for that contractor. Also, beware of contractors that want payment if full prior to starting your project. It is acceptable to ask for a deposit that is appropriate for your project, but established and respectable contractors do not ask for payment in full prior to start. In addition, never submit final payment until the job is actually completed and you feel comfortable with the quality of the job.
  • Can you help me with custom designs?
    • Of Course! We have unlimited resources available that enable us to customize your new home design, remodeling project, or room addition.
  • Where can I get references or client testimonials?
    • We are more than happy to provide references and client testimonials. The first several years, our business survived on “word of mouth” advertisement, so we are proud of what our homeowners have to say about us personally and professionally. We ask our homeowners to complete a “Measuring Up?” survey at the conclusion of each project. These surveys are readily available in our design studio location. We are also able to provide a contact list upon request.
  • Is My Project too Small?
    • Please call or visit our design studio and let us help you make that decision. We have many resources available to us that can help you with your project if you decide to try it on your own or we can play matchmaker and find you the perfect contractor/vender to complete your project. Just Ask! We would love to help in any way that we can.
  • Can I live in my home during a remodel, renovation, or room addition?
    • Most of the time, the answer is “Yes!”. However, we will discuss the project with you and your family and inform you of the possible challenges that you might face during the project. We work very hard to make your project experience comfortable so that you can stay focused on your daily routines and obligations. If everyone is prepared, and the project is planned appropriately, there should be little “down time” during the construction process, therefore, getting your home back to normal on schedule. We will spend a good amount of time planning your project, collaborating with our subcontractors, and pre-ordering all project materials prior to the actual construction process. This minimizes delays and inconveniences to your lifestyle.
  • What types of decisions to I need to make for my remodeling or custom home project?
    • This is the fun part! You will have full access to our design studio for the duration of your project. At the design studio, you will have your choice of cabinetry, plumbing fixtures (sinks, faucets, toilets), flooring options (carpet, wood, tile), exterior house finishes (stone, brick, siding), lighting fixtures (chandeliers, pendants, sconces, bathroom lighting) and many, many others. In addition, we have unlimited design resources, idea catalogs and magazines, reference books, home plan books, etc. We are just as excited about your new project as you are! We offer complimentary design consultation and expertise. You may use our guidance as little or as much as you would like!
  • How do I use the design studio?
    • The design studio is fully accessible to you anytime you need it. There are planning areas for our homeowner’s to store selections and information. We offer a comfortable working environment for you to come and spend time anytime that you would like. When we begin to plan your project, you will receive a “Homeowner Selection Guide”. This guide will help you understand what decisions that you will be making for your project. Our design studio offers a space to see, touch and feel your options. Pulling a cabinet door and matching it up to tile flooring or wood…..”No Problem”! Matching door and cabinetry hardware to lighting fixture finishes…..”Piece of Cake”! Coordinating your exterior stone with brick selections….”Perfect”! Bring your friends for their opinions if would like! You will love it here!
  • How can I get financing for my project?
    • We have reliable and trustworthy bank references that we can provide to you. If you are looking for a new custom home, you will be looking for a Construction Loan. If you are remodeling or adding square footage, you might consider an equity line of credit or a home improvement loan. We do not offer direct financing. However, we do work closely with many of the local banks and have consistent, long standing relationships with those on our banker reference cards. Please visit our design studio for more information or to pick up a Banker Reference Card.
  • How do I decide on a house design for my custom home?
    • We have many, many, many designs to choose from here at the design studio. All of our designs are woman-centric designs, which simply means that they are very organized, well thought out plans that feature most of the woman-centric home criteria (see Woman Centric Home Criteria). In addition, we can help you decide which features are most important to you in terms of homes designed for entertaining, homes offering lots of storage, home designs that allow for flexibitly of living space, and those that focus on outdoor living. We have a LifeStyles quiz that is fun to take, plus it helps us guide you to the perfect home design for you and your family.
  • Last time I built a home I was overwhelmed at the number of upgrades and change orders. What are the standard features/selections for your new homes?
    • This is a great question! I will begin to answer by mentioning that our selections are the same for new custom home construction as they are for remodels, renovation, and room additions. Our design studio showcases these selections and gives you an opportunity to review our “Signature Features” prior to even signing a contract with us. Our “Signature Features” are easily upgraded if you wish…however, I am so confident that we have the best selection EVER offered in our package that you wouldn’t even entertain the thought of upgrading. We have successfully partnered with many high quality suppliers that allow us to offer their products at prices lower than most other contractors. Therefore, our “Signature Features” might be considered “Upgrades” by other companies. We exclusively offer the following product lines as “Signature Features” on each and every project contract: Kohler plumbing, Minka Lighting, Maxim Lighting, Nailite and Hardi (exterior siding), Columbia Flooring, Mosaic Tile, Custom Stone granite, Kraftmaid Cabinetry and Hardware, R.K. International Cabinetry Hardware, Kwikset Door Entry Hardware, Anderson Windows, Timberline (GAF) Roofing, and many more.
  • How long does it take to build a custom home?
    • Once a plan is selected and the land/lot is purchased, it is usually 3 months before construction can officially begin. Your home design/plan selection must be approved by your local municipality prior to issuing a building permit.
  • How do you communicate with your homeowners during projects?
    • Homeowners have 24/7 access to a password protected web-page that contains up to date project information. This tool is used to communicate any questions or concerns during the project. We list project reminders and track any changes to the plans etc during the process. You can see an example of this on our “Homeowner’s Circle” page.