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Author Archives: boisebuilder

What Makes Fountain Hills Ideal

Posted in Uncategorized |

December 2, 2021

| by boisebuilder

Imagine leaving the hustle and bustle of a crowded city to live in Fountain Hills, Arizona. Instead of only seeing concrete sidewalks and high-rise buildings, imagine a view of the Four Peaks and Mazatzal mountain ranges with pleasant year-round weather. Not only is the air fresh and clean, but you can also relax in your backyard at night and actually see the stars.

Sounds nice, right? At Mark Barber Custom Homes, we’ve helped clients from other states realize their dreams of building a custom home in Fountain Hills. If you’re thinking about relocating, we’d like to provide you with a few things residents love about living in the Maricopa County area.

Fountain Hills Is No Ordinary Place

With more and more people discovering what a wonderful location Fountain Hills is to live, work and play, it’s no wonder this oasis in the desert is growing in popularity. With the perfect mix of outdoor activities and city life amenities, Fountain Hills offers an amazing array of things to enjoy like shopping, dining, swimming, golfing, and more. With so many things to do and places to explore, there are endless reasons to relocate and build a custom dream home here.

Top Things To Do In Fountain Hills

Music & Entertainment

  • Fountain Hills Theater
  • Fountain Hills Artist’s Gallery
  • Fountain Hills Great Fair
  • The River of Time Museum

Shopping

  • Plaza Fountainside
  • Four Peaks Plaza
  • Bealls Outlet

Outdoor Adventure

  • Fountain Park
  • Fountain Hills Botanical Gardens
  • Golf Courses
  • Dixie Mine Trail
  • Saguaro Lake
  • McDowell Mountain Regional Park
  • McDowell Sonoran Preserve
  • Pinnacle Peak Park

Events

  • Spring Fountain Festival
  • Fountain Hills Day
  • Oktoberfest
  • Fall Fountain Festival
  • Stroll in the Glow

Fountain Park

Fountain Hills has the ideal climate for hiking, biking, and exploring. As a beautiful backdrop that inspires and soothes the soul, Fountain Park offers a 29-acre, 100 million gallon effluent lake. Its world-famous fountain goes off every hour for 15 minutes, shooting up to 500 feet in the sky. Fountain Park also features 35 acres of turf, an amphitheater, splash pad, an 18-hole golf course, children’s playground, veteran’s memorial, and walking trail. With countless opportunities for outdoor fun and recreation, Fountain Park is the perfect place to explore without straying far from home.

Community Schools

Of all the things that can influence your decision to build a custom home in Fountain Hills, the proximity to good schools is one of the most important. The good news is that Fountain Hills generally has a lower student-to-teacher ratio with wonderful ratings compared to other areas. Schools include McDowell Mountain Elementary, Fountain Hils Middle Shcool, and Fountain Hills High School.

Fountain Hills Custom Home Builders

Thinking of relocating? Whatever your interests may be, Fountain Hills is a fabulous place to live, work, and play! When you consider its thriving economy, top-rated schools, vibrant neighborhoods, and fantastic views, it’s no wonder people choose Fountain Hills when they are looking for a change in scenery.

If you are considering building a custom home in Fountain Hills, Mark Barber Custom Homes can help. As custom home-building specialists, we strive to provide excellent service beyond your expectations to build you a unique, custom-built home with top-quality materials to meet your exact taste and needs. For more information to get in touch with one of our custom home design professionals, contact us today by filling out our online form or give us a call at (480) 826-2424.

Best Eco-Friendly Features for a New Home

Posted in Uncategorized |

November 25, 2021

| by boisebuilder

There has never been a better time to incorporate eco-friendly features into a home than now. Energy efficiency and environmental changes are driving people to choose better options when building or remodeling a home. Not only will you enjoy substantial savings in energy bills, but you’ll also increase the overall value of your home. That’s why Mark Barber Custom Homes would like to provide you with some of the best eco-friendly features to consider when building a new home.

Home Design

Constructing an eco-friendly home begins with its design. For example, smaller rooms are much more energy-efficient than larger spaces. However, this doesn’t mean you need to design tiny, cramped rooms. Instead, you can incorporate more creative designs that make better use of the space. Eco-friendly design principles also incorporate the characteristics of the land, a home’s orientation, and landscaping. This might mean building a west-facing home to reduce sun exposure or planting a shady landscape to help keep your home cool, depending on your lot.

Eco-Friendly Insulation

When you think of insulation, you probably envision pink fiberglass insulation. After all, most homeowners leave the insulation process to the contractor building their home. However, when it comes to more eco-friendly options, spray cellulose, and open/closed cell foam insulation are both eco-friendly options that have truly revolutionized the way a home performs. Spray cellulose is made up of recycled paper that would have otherwise gone to the landfill, releasing harmful greenhouse gases. Open/closed cell foam insulation is made with recycled plastics and vegetable oil. Both boast a higher density and greater airflow resistance when compared to traditional fiberglass insulation. Not only will you reduce the number of toxins in your home, but you’ll also save thousands of dollars in expensive energy bills over the long run.

HVAC System

Over the years, many home builders have sized HVAC systems for homes by taking simple estimates. While these calculations may seem reasonable enough, they often result in drafty homes that make it hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. At Mark Barber Custom Homes, we know rough estimates are way too inaccurate for today’s energy-efficient building methods. With them, you’ll probably end up with an undersized or oversized unit that either runs forever or shuts off before your home reaches an optimal temperature. Furthermore, this constant cycling will end up wearing out your HVAC system, reducing its lifespan in the process. Needless to say, you’ll end up spending thousands of dollars in energy bills over the course of its lifetime. That’s why we carefully calculate and size the HVAC systems in our homes and make sure all ductwork is properly sealed to achieve maximum energy efficiency. The bottom line here is that a well-designed HVAC system is an eco-friendly feature that will not only save you money but keep your home as comfortable as possible during the winter and summer months.

Fountain Hills Custom Home Builders

If you’ve been considering building a custom home with eco-friendly features, Mark Barber Custom Homes has got you covered. We would be more than happy to explain all of the different options available to you and provide you with the home of your dreams. For more information to get in touch with one of our custom home design professionals, contact us today by filling out our online form or give us a call at (480) 826-2424.

Top 5 Mistakes To Avoid When Building A New Home

Posted in Uncategorized |

November 18, 2021

| by boisebuilder

When looking for the right home builder in Fountain Hills, it’s essential to hire a contractor who’s experienced, reputable, compatible, communicates well, and provides a fair price. That’s why Mark Barber Custom Homes would like to provide you with the following top 5 mistakes to avoid when building a new home. This will help you to avoid being taken advantage of and any other potential pitfalls.

Hiring An Inexperienced Builder

If it’s your first time building a custom home, you probably aren’t an expert in the complexities of home construction and building materials. But, you probably do have a design in mind and want to find someone who can turn your vision into a reality. One of the most important parts of finding the right custom home builder is making sure they’re experienced. While working with a new company doesn’t necessarily mean they are bad, they probably don’t have the systems and procedures in place that an established, experienced contractor does. This can result in more time and money spent building the home of your dreams.

Not Researching a Builder’s Work

Even if you find a quote that fits your budget, that’s not the only thing you should do before hiring a builder. Take the time to research their business and its owner’s names and see if they have any online reviews of their past work. You should also ask a builder for a list of their most recent projects and go look at them yourself. Viewing their past work and reading reviews left by their customers will tell you if a project was on time, budget, and built with quality effort.

At Mark Barber Custom Homes, we are an experienced, fully licensed, and insured home builder. We also have many 5-star reviews from our recent and past customers. But don’t take our word for it. Check out the following testimonials from some of our recent customers on Google. We would also be more than happy to provide you with a list of references of past projects for you to view yourself.

No Compatibility

It’s essential to find a home builder that you can envision working with on a long-term basis. Projects of this nature can take place over a year. During that time, you’ll want to make sure you feel comfortable and compatible with your builder. When you communicate with them about your project, you want to feel that they share your vision for the home you are building. You should never get the feeling that they are prioritizing their own aesthetic preferences above your own. When hiring a custom home builder, you should have peace of mind knowing they are open, trustworthy, transparent, and prioritize your needs.

Lack of Communication

Nothing is more frustrating than a lack of communication with your custom home builder. If you find yourself waiting a long period of time between responses, then you’ve probably hired the wrong builder. Builders should have open lines of communication at all times, ensuring your project goes the way you want. While you may not always get through to them, they should return your phone calls or emails in a timely manner. An inexperienced company is more likely to have communication problems, which can result in problems throughout the building process.

Going with the Lowest Price

When building a custom home in Fountain Hills, you should always choose the highest value over the lowest price. Many people are tempted to go with the lowest quote they can find, which can end up costing more in the long run. If you end up choosing the lowest quote, you could end up spending thousands trying to fix problems after your home is built. Make sure to hire a custom home builder you can afford but don’t prioritize price over quality.

Fountain Hills Custom Home Builders

At Mark Barber Custom Homes, we have worked with a wide variety of clients, and experience has taught us to adjust to each one. We know that building a home or remodel is a lengthy process. That’s why we do our best to make it as enjoyable for our clients as possible. For more information to get in touch with one of our custom home design professionals, contact us today by filling out our online form or give us a call at (480) 826-2424.

Choosing a Neighborhood

Posted in Uncategorized |

November 11, 2021

| by boisebuilder

If you plan on building a custom home, the neighborhood you choose can be just as important as the choice of a design. So, how do you choose the right one? Choosing the right neighborhood means different things to different people. For some people, a beautiful view is a must, while others may want the convenience of local amenities and schools, or privacy and seclusion. When it comes down to it, there are usually trade-offs that you will have to make, but if you are patient and diligent, you will find the right property.

Start by creating a list of the things you want in a neighborhood. Take the time to consider the pros and cons of each neighborhood you are interested in and its surroundings. What stands out? Furthermore, look closely at the property values, types of homes, schools, proximity to work, comforts, and other life avenues.

Ask Yourself the Right Questions

When considering what neighborhood you want to live in, it’s essential to ask yourself the right questions when building a new custom home. What type of neighborhood do you envision? An urban or downtown vibe? Do you want a neighborhood that blends both city and suburban life? Or do you want a more country-like setting?

Furthermore, what types of amenities do you want nearby? A coffee shop? Shopping? Restaurants? A theater? Nearby park or sports field? Library? These questions are all related to the ones listed above and will help you determine what matters most to you and your family.

Additionally, many new neighborhoods offer a wide variety of amenities that support the interests or hobbies of their community. These include pools, clubhouses, tennis courts, and other facilities. Take the time to think about what leisure activities you enjoy and what you would like in a neighborhood. The best part? Communities with these types of amenities make it easier to meet and get to know your neighbors. If you’re more of a private person, you may want to choose something more secluded.

Last but not least, how far do you want to commute to work? Do you work from home? Or do you have to drive frequently and need quick access to the freeway or airport? Make sure to choose a neighborhood that provides the ideal commute traveling to and from work.

Fountain Hills Custom Home Builders

In conclusion, choosing your perfect neighborhood is the first thing you should do once you’ve decided to build a custom home. In Fountain Hills, Arizona, there are a wide variety of wonderful neighborhoods to choose from, making it easy to find one that’s suitable for you. At Mark Barber Custom homes, we recommend choosing a lot with some character and a high resale value when the time comes to move. Contact us today by filling out our online form or give us a call at (480) 826-2424 for more information or to get in touch with one of our custom home design professionals.

Building Vs. Buying

Posted in Uncategorized |

November 4, 2021

| by boisebuilder

Determining whether you should build or purchase a pre-existing house is a classic problem. That’s why Mark Barber Custom Homes would like to provide you with the following benefits of building a new custom home vs. buying a pre-existing one in Fountain Hills, Arizona. While there are pros and cons to each option, there are a few key things to consider before making a final decision.

Customization

If you want to build your dream home, working with a builder like Mark Barber Custom Homes ensures you’ll get a home that reflects your unique personality and lifestyle. You simply won’t find a pre-existing home that will meet all of your individual preferences. From square footage to the number of bedrooms to the finishing details, you’ll have full control over what you want in your new home. It’s that simple.

Furthermore, the advancements in building products, such as windows, insulation, appliances, heating, and air conditioning over the last 10-20 years have impacted how a house performs. This provides a more comfortable home and lowers energy bills over the long run. Last but not least, modern technology gives you the ability to control your home’s audio, security, and lighting with a touchpad or smartphone, making life easier and safer.

Location Flexibility

In real estate, the old saying goes, “location, location, location.” When you decide to build a custom home instead of purchasing a pre-existing one, you get to choose what community you are a part of and how close you are to local amenities. With pre-existing homes, you won’t get that kind of location flexibility, limiting your distance to the things you love. That last thing you’ll want to end up with is a pre-existing home that doesn’t quite suit your preferences in a location that’s less than desirable.

The Sky’s the Limit

When you work with a Fountain Hills home builder like Mark Barber Custom Homes,, you will work with an expert team of home-building professionals to create the custom home of your dreams. With us, you’ll have unlimited possibilities to link outside the box without any set boundaries when it comes to the design choices you want. With a pre-existing home, you’ll be limited with what you get. Furthermore, building instead of buying means that everything is new, so there won’t be any necessary repairs that need to be done. Instead, you can start enjoying it from the moment you move in.

A Home That Will Grow with You

When you build a custom home, you can create a design that allows for future modifications. This means that if you plan on starting a family down the road, you can plan for extra space for a nursery. The same goes for your outdoor space if you plan on adding a pool later on. Whatever the modification may be, Mark Barber Custom Homes can provide you with the property design and infrastructure now so that you can add to your new home later.

Fountain Hills Custom Home Builders

If you’re in the market for a new home, building a custom home instead of purchasing a pre-existing one is the best way to get the features, style, and amenities you desire. At Mark Barber Custom Homes, we will help you design a home that suits your specific needs for years to come. If you have any questions or would like more information about our custom home process, contact us by filling out our online form or give us a call at (480) 826-2424 to get in touch with one of our custom home design professionals.

Where to Save Money When Building a Home

Posted in Uncategorized |

October 28, 2021

| by boisebuilder

With so many things to consider when building a custom home, you may be worried about it all becoming a little too expensive. When it comes down to it, the true cost of building a custom home depends on your choices when designing and constructing it. When you work with Mark Barber Custom Homes, you will have the power to customize the design and dictate the things you want and need. That’s why we would like to provide you with the following tips on where to save money when building a new home.

Set a Budget & Stick to It

The most important way to save money when building a custom home is to determine how much you can afford and stick to that budget. Take the time to meet with a financial advisor before purchasing a lot or hiring a home builder. Once you set a budget and communicate it to your builder, stick to it. While more expensive options can be tempting, abiding by your budget prevents you from spending more than you can afford in the long run.

Choose Your Builder Wisely

Certain homebuilders can make or break your budget. That’s why it’s essential to find a respected contractor that you feel comfortable with. You not only want someone you can trust to provide you with quality work but someone that will stick to your budget without going overboard. At Mark Barber Custom Homes, it’s our job to schedule the trade partners and order materials. We know that there are countless details that need to be in place for a project to run smoothly. If another contractor that you hire isn’t organized or paying close attention to the details, your building project will quickly become chaotic, which can cost you thousands of dollars in wasted time and materials.

Save Where You Can

When designing your custom home, take the time to determine which features are must-haves and what features you can do without. If you do your research, there are many ways to save on things like appliances, lighting, flooring, and window treatments. For example, you can cut costs by installing faux wood floors instead of traditional hardwood floors. The same goes with standard light fixtures and appliances that you can upgrade later on when your budget allows.

Furthermore, having all your interior and exterior selections made before you start can help you save money when you build. While there may be adjustments and changes made as you go, having a clear direction before you start will prevent you from going over your budget.

Fountain Hills Custom Home Builder

The bottom line is that building a custom home doesn’t have to break your wallet. Take the time to research and make cost-effective decisions in order to stick to your budget. With Mark Barber Custom Homes, our process is transparent and straightforward, and we do what it takes to stay within your budget while bringing your vision to life. Contact us by filling out our online form or give us a call at (480) 826-2424. We look forward to getting started on your new project and building a beautiful, high-quality home you’ll be proud of

Top 4 Most Popular Requested Features & Designs

Posted in Uncategorized |

October 21, 2021

| by boisebuilder

When you decide to build a custom home, there are a wide variety of things to consider that add style and personal value. These features not only make for a well-designed home, but they will also make your daily lifestyle much more comfortable for you and your family. That’s why Mark Barber Custom Homes would like to provide you with the top four most popular requested features and designs to consider when building a custom home in Fountain Hills.

Outdoor Living Spaces

Here in Arizona, we use our outdoor living spaces as much as we do our indoor living spaces. That’s why it’s critical to plan them out properly with proper lighting, gas outlets for cooking and fire features, the right amount of covered area for shade, and water features or a pool. With Mark Barber Homes, the possibilities are endless. Our expert team of home-building professionals will work closely with you to design a unique outdoor living space that’s just as comfortable as the inside of your home.

Sliding Window Walls

In Fountain Hills, the views can be magnificent. That’s why you may want to consider sliding window walls that come in virtually any length. As a popularly requested feature, sliding window walls allow you to open the inside of your home to the outside to capture the incredible views that make this area so unique. Additionally, while searching for the perfect location to build your home, you should consider the views and the best ways to showcase them when building your new home.

Open Concepts

An open concept home combines at least two traditional rooms by removing any interior partition walls. Open concepts are very popular because they provide an abundance of natural light, easy entertaining, and more space because people don’t want to be left out of the fun when they are cooking or enjoying each other’s company. The best part? Open concepts make it the ideal way to ensure your home’s layout is optimized for flexibility and function.

Functional Amenities

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a huge shift in how people use their homes. Since people are spending more time at home, they want a house that reflects what they aspire to do. This includes gourmet kitchens, home offices, home gyms, spa bathrooms, and smart home technology. Furthermore, a separate casita where guests can enjoy their own space is very popular. That’s why it’s important to consider the functional amenities you would like your custom home to include so that the end result will be luxury you will love.

Fountain Hills Custom Home Builder

By incorporating these features and designs into your custom home, you’ll not only improve overall comfort, but you’ll entertain in style while enjoying all the spaces of your new home. If you are interested in building a custom home in Fountain Hills, contact Mark Barber Custom Homes today. Our expert team of home-building professionals will provide you with a unique, custom home that matches your exact taste and preferences.

Contact us by filling out our online form or give us a call at (480) 826-2424 to learn more about our most popular requested designs and features and to get started on your next project. We look forward to building you a beautiful, custom, high-quality house you’ll love.

Our Process

Posted in Uncategorized |

October 14, 2021

| by boisebuilder

Building a custom dream home in Fountain Hills isn’t just a process; it’s a journey. Even more, building a custom home allows you to make important decisions about every aspect along the way to make your vision a reality. However, it’s essential to do your research and plan ahead before hiring just anyone. That’s why Mark Barber Custom Homes would like to provide you with the following insight about our custom home-building process.

Our Fountain Hills Home Building Process

Set Your Custom Home Goals

The process of building a custom home should always start with setting goals. What does your vision entail? What do you want included? Where is your ideal location? At Mark Barber Custom Homes, we will help you figure out what you really want and need with a personal outlook based on your budget and vision. Not only is this important when it comes to the overall design of your home but your current and future needs as well. We treat every project as if it was our own.

Find The Right Location

At Mark Barber Homes, we will help you decide what kind of community in Fountain Hills you want to build your dream home. This includes finding the right property based on your custom home design and lifestyle as well. Our expert team of professionals know the local area, including neighborhoods, schools, and businesses, to help you choose the perfect location based on your individual needs.

Construction

Mark Barber Custom Homes is a “full-service” home builder. This means we will handle all the aspects of construction, including permitting, subcontractors, and inspections while resolving any issues through open and transparent communication. Once your final design has been approved, construction will be overseen by our expert builders, who will ensure all work is done to your specifications, using the highest quality building materials and techniques. During this time, we will also provide you with clear monthly bookkeeping where we provide an estimate to actual cost breakdown analysis that will help you to know how much you have spent and how much is left based on your individual budget.

Completion

From conception to completion, Mark and his team have been with you every step of the way, making sure that your new home meets or exceeds your expectations. Throughout the process and through open lines of communication, you will feel like you already know how your new home operates and functions even before the final walk-through. The best thing about having Mark Barber Custom Homes build your dream home is not only the quality and professional workmanship of your home, but you’ve also gained a partner that will be there long after we hand you the keys.

Fountain Hills Custom Home Builder

Mark Barber Custom Homes takes pride in the custom dream homes we provide buyers in the Fountain Hills, Arizona, area. Our mission is to make your dream a reality by paying unwavering attention to detail and having a team and process in place that provides you with the highest level of quality. With us, you’ll get the home you’ve always dreamed of.

Contact us by filling out our online form or give us a call at (480) 826-2424 to learn more about what goes into our home building process or to get started on your next project. We look forward to building you a beautiful, custom, high-quality house to call home.

Choosing the Right Home Builder in Fountain Hills

Posted in Uncategorized |

October 7, 2021

| by boisebuilder

Once you decide to build the home of your dreams, one of the first questions you’ll ask yourself is, “Which Fountain Hills home builder should I choose for my custom home?”.

If you have a vision in mind of what your dream home should be, Mark Barber Custom Homes offers much more than traditional home builders. As a Fountain Hills home building specialist, our team is committed to providing you with the best service and craftsmanship available. Every home, remodel, or renovation we do is designed with your own unique individual character. Our top priority is making the home building process as smooth as possible by listening to your needs while providing you with unwavering attention to detail from start to finish.

Advantages of Hiring Mark Baber Custom Homes

Permitting Process

If you’re planning on building a custom home in Fountain Hills, getting through the permitting process with the city, HOA, and other required agencies can be a daunting task. That said, knowing you’ve hired an expert builder to help navigate this phase can take an enormous weight off your shoulders. At Mark Barber Custom Homes, we have a good working relationship with all agencies to get through the permitting process faster and easier than other builders. By hiring us to design your dream home, you’ll reduce the risk of error and shorten the revision process your application might have to endure.

Local Expertise

The rocky, sometimes steep terrain in and around Fountain Hills makes construction a challenge. That said, it takes a little something extra to become a successful custom home builder. Not only do we have the experience working with these types of conditions, we know how to be efficient, which saves you time and money. As a local builder with extensive experience, Mark Barber Custom Homes is familiar with the Fountain Hills area and the entire home-building process. When you work with us, you are guaranteed to benefit from our industry knowledge and local expertise.

A Team of Committed Professionals

Building or remodeling a home isn’t accomplished by one person. Instead, it takes a team of committed professionals working together to bring you the highest level of quality. This means finding the right contractors and scheduling coordinators to make sure everyone is on the same page. At Mark Barber Custom Homes, we are proud of the trade partners that we work with. Not only are they licensed and insured, but they take pride in their work. By combining their talent with ours, we will provide you with the personalized service you need for a truly complete and unique home-building experience.

Seamless Lines of Communication

At Mark Barber Custom Homes, we know how lack of communication can lead to frustration and mistrust. However, you won’t have to worry about this when you trust us with your custom home. Instead, we believe that communication is key to every successful project and will keep you in the loop throughout the entire process. Whether you live two blocks away or in another state, we will answer your phone calls, respond to your emails, and provide you with progress photos and updates so you know exactly what is happening throughout the entire process.

Fountain Hills Home Builders

Hiring an experienced home builder for your custom home in Fountain Hills is one of the smartest decisions you will ever make. Our professional team of experts will provide you with a unique home with top-quality materials to meet your exact taste and needs. With our high level of communication and complete transparency, you’ll feel confident knowing you’ve chosen the right home builder to bring your dream home to life.

If you have any questions or would like more information about our custom home building and remodeling services, fill out our online form or give us a call at (480) 826-2424 to get in touch with one of our professional team members.

Clients Cannot Visualize Their Project like a Contractor Can

Posted in Uncategorized |

August 30, 2021

| by boisebuilder

I have looked at hundreds of sets of building plans during my career, so it is fairly simple for me to see how things are going to look and fit just by looking at the plan. I can turn to the floor plan page and in my mind, I can picture the room as if I was standing in it. I can see what the kitchen is going to look like, if the hallways are wide enough, and what will be visible from different areas of the home. I would bet that most Contractors are able to do the same. I would like to think that it is some kind of special artistic capability Contractors have but I think it is simply experience. After looking at so many homes and house plans, Contractors have gained the ability to see how it’s going to look before it is built.

Now try and remember the first time you ever looked at a set of blue prints, I remember my first time. I was 17 years old working during the summer for a local Contractor in town. I was digging footings, yep by hand with a shovel, when the Contractor walked up to me and tossed a set of plans down near the nice neat trench I was digging and told me to makes sure and follow the plan as not to dig the footings any wider than they had to be. I guess he thought I knew how to read plans but all I saw were blue lines crisscrossing in every direction on the pages. I knew all these lines were supposed to make sense but I didn’t have a clue what I was looking at. It wasn’t until after the boss left, when the lead man on the job saw me struggling and helped give me some pointers about reading a set of blue prints. Over time and after a lot of practice looking at plans all those lines slowly started to make sense but it takes time.

As Contractors we need to remember that most people do not know how to read a set of plans, let alone be able to visualize their home like we can, we need to help our clients visualize their homes before the construction starts. We need to start working with them early in the process and throughout the process so they too can visualize their home before it is built. If I get to the pre-construction meeting and my clients look completely confused and dumbfounded when we open the plans, I have failed in doing my job! By the time we get to the pre-construction meeting they should already have a pretty good idea of the basics, room sizes, window sizes and how they operate, direction of door swings, ceiling details, and ext.

I have built homes for clients that are on their 2nd or 3rd build and still do not have the ability to visualize how a particular aspect of the build is going to look when it’s completed but I don’t expect them to. They are doctors, teachers, lawyers, start up tech millennials worth millions, they are busy people, being able to visualize how their home is going to look and function before it’s built is not their job. I have an obligation to my clients as their Contractor, to make sure they understand what the plans are telling us to build.
It not only makes the process more stress free for them but it eliminates the headache and controversy for me. How terrible would it be to spend the time to build a very intricate coffered ceiling detail, only to have the clients hate it? Not only do they hate it but then comes the uncomfortable conversation about who is going to pay to have it redone. If the Contractor had taken the time to make sure they understood and could visualize what it was going to look like before it was built it would have saved a major headache. You might still have to rebuild it but it would eliminate the conversation of who pays for it. Making sure that clients understand how things are going to look before they are built takes time and patience but it will pay you back tremendously.

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Recent Posts

  • What Makes Fountain Hills Ideal
  • Best Eco-Friendly Features for a New Home
  • Top 5 Mistakes To Avoid When Building A New Home
  • Choosing a Neighborhood
  • Building Vs. Buying

Phone
480-826-2424

Email
mark@markbarbercustomhomes.com

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