CSB Construction, Inc.

Crystalbeachhomebuilder.com

5555 Clinton
Beaumont, TX 77706
ph: 409 860-3636
fax: 409 860-5860
alt: 409 454-7349
sshelander@crystalbeachhomebuilder.com

The Bid Process 101

Shopping for a builder can be a daunting task. There are so many factors to consider when choosing the people you will be working closely with for the next two to three months.

Price is usually one of the first things that come to mind for all of us. Those of us who lost our home in Hurricane Ike know all too well that we have not received the support we expected from TWIA and, therefore, a strict budget is necessary when rebuilding.

There are many home builders in Crystal Beach. Unfortunately, each builder bases their price on the materials and workmanship that go in to a home, and each one of them chooses what that material will be. There is NO strict standard, only a range of required materials. If you don't ask, you may end up with untreated lumber, minimal strength floor joists, smaller pilings and an unexpected bill for surveys and inspections. This is where, as the home owner, you should feel comfortable in inquiring exactly what the builder's quoted price will include. Don't assume anything!

After talking with many of our current clients, we have become more aware than ever how overwhelming the bid process can be. You hear terms such as dry in, turn key, modular, stick built and the list goes on. Below you will find a glossary of building terms. We have also included a step by step guide for going through the bid process. Our guide is simply that. There are many ways to navigate the bid process, but we believe this is one of the simplest and most efficient ways to accomplish getting fair and comparable bids.

It is our personal belief that we should do everything in our power to build a home that will weather any storms that come our way. We encourage our customers to place the most value on building a strong and stable home. You can save money in other areas of your home building and we are happy to make suggestions in that regard.

We truly believe that we can build you the highest quality home at an affordable price! Contact us today for a free consultation!!

Click here to visit our Contact Page

Click here to view a Builder Questionnaire

you can use when comparing builders

THE BID PROCESS 101

Here is a guide to help you navigate the bid process. It is our hope this will increase your knowledge and confidence when shopping for a builder. Keep in mind this is only a guide with our recommendations. We hope this helps smooth the process for you.

Have your plans drawn. Without a set of plans as well as the specifications for your home and the details of what you want, a builder will be guessing at some things when giving you a bid. You can get a bid on a simple floor plan, but it won't be a firm price.
Make certain your are comparing "apples to apples" when comparing prices. Is each builder using the same material, cabinet quality, ceiling height, exterior wall plate size, what type of subfloor and flooring type? If you are using laminate and/or tile, what thickness did your builder use in his bid? You should also inquire as to who engineers his plans and if the fees and inspections are included in his bid. Check references on his engineer. Our Builder Questionnaire might be helpful.
Some builders may present a price which requires them to choose all of the flooring, appliances and light fixtures while others will give you a budget so that you can choose those things. Be sure you know what is included in each bid.
You should request and receive a spec sheet from each potential builder stating every detail of what is included in his bid. If he doesn't want to give you this then you should look elsewhere for your builder.
Check references on your potential builder! There are numerous stories of people signing with a builder, paying a substantial amount of money to him and then never hearing from him again. Many of these builders had completed some homes in the beginning. Please check references and visit his current job sites.
Make certain you are comfortable with the builder you choose. Does he seem like he will be readily available to you during the building process and will you feel comfortable asking questions and pointing out concerns to him?
Once you choose a builder, your home will need to be engineered. You can certainly have it engineered before seeking bids, but most builders have a preferred engineer and your plans will likely be processed more quickly if your builder takes them to his engineer.
Once your plans are engineered, you will need to apply for your permit. Once again, you should have made sure if this was included in the bid you received BEFORE signing the contract. This process can be tricky, especially if your permit needs to go before the GLO. It truly is best to let your contractor handle this for you and there shouldn't be an "extra fee" charged to you should your plans have to go to the GLO. The GLO does not charge a permit fee.
Once your permit is received and construction begins, make a point to check on your home at least once a week if possible. Your contractor should welcome your presence, but remember it is a job site and can be dangerous. All caution should be taken to stay out of the way of the workers.

Glossary of Building Terms

Turn Key: your builder will complete every detail of your new home. You will simply be handed the keys and it is ready to move in.

Dry In: your builder will install your pilings and complete construction of your home to the point of installation of exterior walls, windows, doors, roof, deck and stairway. There will be no interior walls, plumbing or electrical. This can vary with each builder, so verify what dry in includes for each bid you receive.

Modular Home: modular homes are sectional prefabricated houses that consist of multiple modules or sections which are manufactured in a remote facility and then delivered to their intended site of use. Modular components are typically constructed within a large indoor facility on assembly lines. They typically have a definite "modular look" to them and will have a seam running down the middle of the home where the two halves have been joined together. You must choose one of the pre-designed floor plans.

Stick Home: stick homes are traditionally built homes. They are put together with lumber, screws and nails on site. These homes can have any type of unique look that you can imagine. The time frame to complete one of these homes is comparable to the time frame of completing a modular.You can have any type of floor plan, flooring, wall covering, cabinets, etc. The price is also comparable to a modular home.

Per Square Foot Price: When you receive a per square foot bid from a potential builder, you arrive at the total cost of building your new home by multiplying that price by the square foot of LIVING AREA of your home. The living area is considered that which is heated, so decks, garage and storage is not included in your living area. Enclosed porches may be considered part of the living area, so check with your potential builder. You should also use our Builder's Questionnaire to ensure you are equally comparing each builder and what he will provide to you in his price.

Cost Plus Price: At first glance this may seem like a great way to go. You will know exactly what your home costs and the builder won't be making a huge percentage in profit, but "Caveat Emptor". Your builder will more than likely not shop price on his subcontractors. He has no incentive to. After all, the more your house costs to build the more money his "small percentage" will earn him for less work on his part.

More to come...

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5555 Clinton
Beaumont, TX 77706
ph: 409 860-3636
fax: 409 860-5860
alt: 409 454-7349
sshelander@crystalbeachhomebuilder.com