What should customers look for in a custom builder? What questions should they ask?
Jan. 28, 2013
Trends in Customer Homebuilding in Orange County
What should customers look for in a custom builder? What questions should they ask?
Obviously, experience should be at the top of the list. And not necessarily just experience building custom homes, but experience in high-end materials, finishes and the ability to purchase those materials at competitive prices.
The stability of the builder is also key. It has been a rough few years for everyone in this business and the last thing that a homeowner needs is to have the contractor close up shop in the middle of construction due to financial difficulties.
Finally, customers should look for a builder who they can be personally compatible with. Ask to meet the person who will be in charge of their home on a daily basis. Most clients don’t realize how much of building a new custom home is a collaborative effort. If you don’t get along with the project manager, it will be a long process for everyone involved.
MARK WHITEHEAD, VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS FOR BRANDYWINE CUSTOM HOMES
The attention to quality construction and detail that Whitehead brings to his role with our company is one of the reasons many of our customers have purchased second and third Brandywine homes.
As vice president of operations, Whitehead’s duties include overseeing construction, purchasing and customer service. Since joining our company in 1995, he has established long-term relationships with material suppliers and subcontractors which have allowed Brandywine Homes to benefit from master contracts. This helps to minimize construction costs while maintaining a quality that shows in every completed home, which is a testament to the quality control and attention to customer service that Brandywine demands.
Whitehead learned the business from the ground up by working as a field superintendent overseeing daily operations and construction of various communities in Southern California.
His ability to work closely with municipal officials during the entitlement process sets the stage for Brandywine and cities to work together to create cohesive communities.
