Question 1

Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  Construction Project Managers in the State of Washington are required to be licensed General Contractors.  However, our owner/builder program releases us from the standard liability a GC carries onto your build.

If you want us to carry all the liability, hire us as your General Contractor, not your Project Manager.

Question 2

How is the Owner/Builder program different than hiring a General Contractor?

Accepted Answer

Two things: bid markups and quality control.

Bid Markups:
Most GCs charge a 15–30% markup on every subcontractor bid. The bigger the home, the bigger the markup.  We charge a flat $25,000 fee to manage the build process.  That saves most of our clients, on average, $100K!

Quality Control:
What we don’t do: enforce jobsite safety, handle cleanup, or perform quality control.  You will be the one doing the walk-throughs with your contractors.  If you see a chipped tile piece, call us, and we'll get the contractor back out there to fix it, but the quality control is on you.

If this type of attention to detail isn't for you, hire us as your full GC instead and we'll handle the quality control, cleanup, and enforce jobsite safety.  We'll also charge the traditional cost plus bid markup.

Question 3

Can I put in sweat equity to save even more money?

Accepted Answer

Go for It!
Tackle any finish work you’re qualified to do, just stick to the schedule we launch for you!

Question 4

Do I have to choose finishes that you provide?

Accepted Answer

NO!
One of the great parts of our program is that after our budget and design meetings, we guide you to suppliers who provide finishes within your budget.  (of course, budget restraints are yours to keep).

We don't require you to choose 1, 2 or 3 when it comes to cabinetry, flooring, lights, tile, etc.  You can purchase supplies from anywhere...just bring your budget with you so that you don't go crazy.

For example, if you're at Costco and flooring is on sale, buy it.  If you're at the Restore and you see tile that you love on sale, buy it.  Simply store it off site until we're ready for it to be installed on the jobsite.

You have options and can purchase finishes from anywhere...some clients make their own cabinets or mill their own lumber.  The sky is the limit!

Question 5

Will my house be 5-star energy rated?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  Washington State requires all homes to undergo a test at the end of their build which will ensure your home is 5- star energy efficient.  You will receive a certificate that is required to be handed into the county or city before they'll give you an occupancy permit.

Don't worry!  We know when to order this test and the steps during your build that need to be taken so that it passes the test at the end.

Question 6

Will my house have a warranty?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!  We provide access to a 10-year home warranty program.  Ask us for details as to what's included.

Question 7

Do you have references?

Accepted Answer

For sure!  Our clients rave about us.  You can drive by homes we've managed the build of, and some past clients have given us permission to give you their contact information.  They're happy to share with you their experience with us.

Owner/Builder Program