The Comito Column ~ Custom Building Exposed

Value Engineering: The Importance & Tips

Mon, 14 May 2012 18:09:00 GMT

As part of our Design-Build process we focus a lot on value engineering the plans we design. The process of Value Engineering is closely looking at how a plan or blueprint functions in an effort to make the living space as efficient and cost effective to build while maintaining the overall feel and design of the home. In many cases simplifying the plan a little bit can save big money, in order to realize the benefit of Value Engineering it is important to have an experienced builder who has a handle on current construction costs on your team at the start of the design process. This is a great article with an example of how it is done.

Value engineering can save time and money on any size job, even a multimillion-dollar home. The key is to start early with a team that you trust and communicate well with, says Robert Hidey of Robert Hidey Architects in Irvine, CA. “We ask a lot of questions initially, trying to drill into budget issues and define the overall direction of the project,”

He recommends that construction costs be reviewed at the conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction document phases. “I’d say 50 percent or more of the time it’s not done that way, and we end up at the back end of a project when it’s very difficult to take significant dollars out. You can always dial back the finishes and minimize some of the ornamental detailing, but the sad part is you’re downgrading to hit a construction budget.”

To illustrate proven value engineering tactics for the custom home building market, Hidey put together this side-by-side comparison of two homes designed in 2002 (before VE) and 2012 (after VE efforts). The concepts include condensed program spaces (no living room or family room); simplified, functional outdoor spaces; a simplified roof structure; and the elimination of recessed and shaped window openings.

Example Before Value Engineering:

After Value Engineering:

A Time Of Great Opportunity To Build Your Custom Home

Mon, 07 May 2012 17:59:00 GMT

The husband and wife team of Claude & Debbie Comito of Comito Building and Design are feeling good about the custom home building market in 2012. With recent home sales and building permits trending upwards, land costs at relatively low levels, now is the time to take advantage of the opportunity to build a new home.

Comito Building and Design has been designing and building high quality custom homes in the Pikes Peak Region for over 29 years, they have a proven reputation for excellence and an unmatched level of customer service. They utilize a unique design-build approach that takes on the process of building a home as a team, with an architect, a builder and a homeowner. “When we take this approach, we hit our goal almost all the time of getting people what they want for what they want to spend” Claude Comito says.

Incredible Land Buys. The process starts with finding the right home site, and right now there are incredible land opportunities. Comito Building and Design is a great resource when it comes to locating a building site for your new home. They are experts in evaluating building sites and the advantages or constraints that each may present. They currently have a handful of lots that are incredible buys in the District 12 area.

Once the home site has been selected the team works with you to design a home that fits the site, your needs and your budget. Construction costs are down 15%-20% and the team at Comito Building and Design doesn’t see that lasting much longer, again making this an ideal time to start the building process. Comito Building and Design is able to build homes from $650,000; with land prices where they are, clients are able to get Comito’s top-notch quality and thoughtful design for under $800,000.

Remodel. If you are looking to stay put and update or re-invent your current home, Comito Building and Design is available to remodel as well. “We feel we offer the best value of anyone doing what we do, because you know you are getting top quality and service at very competitive prices” Comito says.

If you are interested in obtaining additional information on the custom home building process or any of our Colorado Springs luxury home sites call us at 719.219.5421 or visit us online at Comito Building and Design.

Induction Cooktops Are Hot!

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:25:00 GMT

The most exciting trend in appliances today is the proliferation of induction cooktops. At Comito Building and Design we are seeing a rise in this technology in our Colorado Springs custom homes. Once only available from high-end European manufacturers at unbelievable prices these incredible cooktops are now offered by more available brands like Whirlpool. What once used to cost $5000 is now available for $1200! Considering the unbelievable performance of these tops, especially here at altitude, even $5000 was a reasonable price to pay. An induction burner has much more power than the largest available gas burner – the more powerful induction tops, like the Thermador, would be equivalent to a 60,000 btu gas burner – and it doesn’t lose any power the further it gets from sea level. A gas burner will lose 3-5% for every 1000 feet above sea level – by the time you get to Denver there is a noticeable difference in a gas cooktops performance. Since the induction surface doesn’t heat up like a standard electric cooktop or a gas burner operation is safer and clean-up is a snap. For more information you can visit our appliance supplier Specialty Appliance.

As part of our complete design-build process our client coordinator will help you make all your selections including appliances.

-Claude Comito

Great Real Estate Recession Coming to an End?

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:22:00 GMT

As our national economy finally starts to pick up steam we have to ask the questions: Will 2012 truly mark the beginning of a real estate recovery? Will values start to turn upward? Will people have the confidence to buy or build homes this year?

I believe the answers are YES, YES, YES!

In fact the recent sales & permit data already support this. I certainly don’t think that the market will increase dramatically in the short term. Over the long term, however, events are coming together that will restore faith in the housing market. To be sure, there is still much pain to be felt; and few expect values and activity to rival the mid 2000’s anytime soon; but that’s probably a good thing.

Having lived and worked through (and survived!) three previous housing recessions, I can predict some things for certain:

The recovery will be tepid in many areas and robust in others (location, location, location)
Our “buyer’s market” will shift to a more “neutral market” in most places. Highly desirable areas will shift to a “seller’s market”
What is presently perceived as an overabundance of inventory will someday soon become a scarcity. Especially in new well priced homes, and quality building lots.
Prices of materials, labor and mortgages will go up as demand increases.
Present “below market” opportunities will vanish-QUICKLY.

If you’re still sitting on the fence and wondering if it truly is a good time and opportunity to buy or build- don’t delay- You might miss it!

Check out the latest article in Builder Magazine: 2012 Growth Looks Good

-Claude Comito

Lightning Protection ~ A Smart Investment For Your Custom Home

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:26:00 GMT

There is a lot to think about when you are building your new Colorado Springs Custom Home. From aesthetic details to ensuring your custom home is secure, the list can go on forever. One of the most common items people forget about is lightning protection. We recommend that our customers look into lightning protection for their new homes, as it is a great value considering what you are protecting and the amount of strikes we see in this area every year.

Tornadoes, high winds and snow are the most common weather related news coverage in the state of Colorado. Lightning strikes are rarely covered but account for several billion dollars annually in structural damage to buildings across the country. Colorado had on average 5.0 flashes per square mile from 1997 to 2010. Lightning related damage can be prevented. Installing a lightning protection system, which meets U.S. Safety Standards, will provide a safe path for lightning to travel to the ground and in turn will save money and possible structural damage to your new custom home.

Lightning protection systems consist of numerous components which are constructed from highly conductive copper or aluminum alloys. A lightning protection system is intended to last the life of the structure it protects. When a proper lightning protection system is designed and installed it will create a faraday cage which will protect the home.

There is also a lot of information on the hazards and damage that can be caused by lightning strikes. We recommend the following websites for more information:

Lightning Protection Institute (www.lightning.org)
NOAA Lightning Safety website (www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov)
There is also an informative video regarding lightning strikes on residential buildings

Lightning protection systems are the only scientifically proven way to prevent structural damage from lightning strikes. So when you’re building your new Colorado Springs Custom Home make sure you add lightning protection to the list of things to look into. Check out Mr. Lightning’s website at www.mrlightning.com.

Working With Architectural Review Boards

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:27:00 GMT

If I’m going to build my new custom home in an established Colorado Springs community or neighborhood, why do I have to submit my plans to an Architectural Review Board? Why can’t I just build what I want to? As a design/build firm in The Pikes Peak Region, we are sometimes asked these questions by our clients. Understanding the thought process behind Architectural Review Boards and what they actually do usually alleviates any concerns the potential homeowners may have.

These boards are set up either by the developer of the community or by the residents themselves to help maintain the aesthetic harmony of the community. Chances are, if you’re going to buy property in a community, you already like what you see – either the look of the homes, the amenities, or the feel of the neighborhood. The Boards make sure that it continues to stay that way. They establish and publish a set of guidelines which gives you the philosophy of the community and the procedures for the new property owners to follow to ensure a smooth process.

The Board usually consists of current homeowners, most of whom usually have some kind of background in residential construction, either as architects, home designers, or builders. Their main task is to protect the property values of the community while encouraging a diversity of design styles and materials. They are not there to tell you what to build, but to ensure that what you build enhances the environment. With that in mind, they may offer suggestions on how to tweak your house plans while still accommodating individual tastes and preferences.

The main items that a Board looks for when they review proposed plans are:

A home that is consistent in design and scale within its chosen architectural style;
Color and material selections that present a pleasing exterior appearance and color palette with approved building materials; and
the diversity of materials within the context of the surrounding area, more specifically the street where the home will be located.

What follows is a typical experience with an Architectural Review Board:

Final Design Review – You will submit final drawings and all applicable details of the plans, as well as final exterior material and color selections. Most Boards will require that your home and driveway be staked for their inspection before final approval is given.

Landscape Review – At some point in construction, you will submit your landscape plan for review. It will indicate which plantings you have selected for the site and their locations.

Most Boards require the payment of some type of fees. If a construction deposit is required, it will be returned once construction is complete.

At any time during construction, if the exterior design, materials, or colors change, another submittal will be required for those changes.

Just remember that the Architectural Review Board has the best interests of the community in mind when they review your plans - they look at the big picture. Ultimately, it is for the betterment of your property value as well.

Cheap vs. Value

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:28:00 GMT

As we enter our 4^th year of economic downturn with the resultant stresses in the housing market the temptation is greater than ever to go “cheap.” Cheap lots, cheap architects, cheap builders, cheap subs, cheap materials and components and on and on…..

Unfortunately “cheap” almost never equates to good value. While it’s true that many things involved in building cost less than 4 or 5 years ago, there is still no free lunch.

Do you really want to buy a lot that is cheap but offers no view, challenging conditions and is not in a quality area?

Do you really want to hire a cheap designer or architect or draftsman who can’t really spend the time necessary to sweat the details?

Do you really want to commission a builder that is foregoing a reasonable profit to survive but that will be gone soon – maybe while building your home? Or, one that hires the cheapest subs with little talent?

Do you really want to accept inferior lumber, windows, insulation, cabinetry, floor coverings, etc. etc. to save a few bucks? Only to be disappointed and face the prospect of replacing them too soon?

Common sense tells us that a superior home will cost more than an inferior home. A superior home, built by a quality builder with a proven track record, will be built with quality as its theme from the foundation to the final finish details. It will be built to exacting standards, according to a plan that has been carefully prepared by an accomplished architect and builder.

All of us have to find ways to cut cost and offer high quality homes for less in order to be successful. But we also must focus on perfecting performance and customer care as our reputation is on the line with every home we build. If you only want cheap, it’s easy to find – and it’s everywhere. I submit that value is what you really should be looking for.

Masonry Products and how they can affect the look of your Colorado Springs Custom Home as well as the budget.

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:29:00 GMT

“Will you have any masonry on the exterior or interior of your custom home?”

Most likely you architect has indicated on your plans some sort of stone or brick accent. Often times whatever this material is; it will also be carried onto your interior fireplace surround or maybe an accent wall inside, say over your range in the kitchen.

Will this material be natural stone and/or brick or a cultured stone and “thin brick” product? What’s the difference??

Using “natural stone” products are both beautiful and functional. They create a timeless and natural feeling for your home. The depth and texture that a mason creates as he carefully assembles the puzzle pieces will forever be the cornerstone for your home. Keep in mind that “natural stone” prices for both material and labor can be approximately 40% more expensive than other faux products that we will mention below. Also, in order for your foundation to carry the weight of “natural stone” a foundation “brick ledge” has to be created. The labor costs associated with the style of application (i.e. dry stack application with no grout) can also incur additional cost.

Another option would be “natural thin veneer”. There are several companies that take natural stone and create a thin veneer product. This accomplishes several things; The “natural stone” look is still there, the cost is less and the weight is now substantially less and does not require a brick ledge. The mason will still create his masterpiece stone by stone. This also applies to “natural thin brick” products. These are created by cutting off the face of a full size brick (examples of veneers and thin brick - www.telluridestone.com)

Finally there are “faux stone and brick” products that are a concrete and pumice mixture; manufactured to look like natural stone/brick. “The faux brick options are often considered more dynamic as they have more options than natural thin brick. The manufacturer can create a distressed look, various size options, rounded edges, etc.,” says Brian Johannsen of C & C Sand of Colorado Springs. The cost of faux stone and brick are substantially less than natural stone. These products are surprisingly very authentic looking and there are endless options. (www.edloradostone.com).

Visit the C & C Sand showroom at the Coutura Design Inspirations building – www.ccsand.com and take a look at all these options, you’ll be amazed at the look you can create for your new custom home.

As a third generation Colorado Springs Custom Home Builder, Comito Building and Design has been designing and crafting award winning Colorado Springs custom homes since 1983. Our luxury homes in Colorado Springs are synonymous with extraordinary design, quality, and innovation. Our team creates homes that are a solid investment for our families who live in them and a testimony to our creativity and craftsmanship. We hope you will consider us as your resource to help you make your Dream home a Reality.

Debbie Comito – Client Coordinator

Comito Building and Design, LLC

Choosing the Right Appliance

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:44:00 GMT

Another important selection for your new Colorado Springs custom home will be your appliances.

For some of you this may be a very basic and purely functional decision. But never loose sight of the fact that you may someday want to resell your home. The kitchen and its’ appliances are probably one of the most important selling features for a new homebuyer.

If you’re like our family and friends, think about how much time you spend in the kitchen. Long ago I gave up trying to guide guests to another area of the house while preparing dinner, they always seem to want to congregate in the kitchen. It’s where the action is for the most part. In this comfortable atmosphere your appliances have a starring role. i.e. food and storage, wine cooler, ice maker, dishwasher, etc.

The quality, efficiency, sustainability and affordability are all key decision makers here. The performance of your appliances, especially at high altitude here in Colorado Springs, and how it affects cooking on a gas cook top for example, are all things to consider. We work with all brands including; Kitchen Aid, Thermador, SubZero/Wolf and many more.

Another factor in today’s market is green manufacturing technologies and environmental codes. Many of today’s appliances are ENERGY STAR rated, which saves money with greater energy efficiency.

Along with function goes form. Think about whether you want to highlight your appliances and their sleek stainless exteriors or other fun colors or make them disappear? We can cover most appliances with wood panels that will create a beautiful blend with the rest of your cabinetry.

Comito Building and Design, along with our trade partners, is very familiar with all of the above and how it will fit into your lifestyle and your new custom home.

As your client coordinator I will guide you through the entire selections & building process, helping you make decisions on your appliances, this includes visiting the showrooms, trying out that cook top you’ve been thinking about, bring in something you’d like to cook to see if it works for you. Really, these showrooms have live appliances for you to try. And ask questions – we have the answers.

Choosing the right builder…

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:33:00 GMT

When it comes to choosing a builder for your new Colorado Springs Luxury Home, there are so many important things to look at. The homebuilder you choose will be the one orchestrating everything that goes into building your new custom home, from early design of the home plans to final walkthrough. The relationship and trust you have in the homebuilder needs to be strong, as the process can last up to a year and sometimes longer, plus you will want that strong relationship and trust when it comes to warranty items after your home is complete. When evaluating your options it is important to look at all aspects of each company; Who is on their team? Who will be guiding you through all the selections decisions? Who will be running the jobsite? What is their experience level? How long have they been in business? What do their past clients have to say? Have you seen their product, both under construction and complete?

The National Association of Homebuilders has released a great guide to use when interviewing potential builders click here.

Remember it is always best to do your interviewing early (even before any home plans are drawn) as the homebuilder you choose can be a valuable resource when it comes to designing a home that will fit your home budget.

This process called Design-Build is what we at Comito Building and Design strongly believe in. The team at Comito Building and Design is known for our relationships with our clients, working as a team from the beginning creates greater continuity of service and ultimately a better home at better value for our clients.

Stage your current home to Sell....

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:10:00 GMT

Ready to build the Colorado Springs Custom Home of your dreams, but need to sell your current home first. If you're ready to sell or already have your home on the market, you know all too well about today's selling challenges. When buyers have so many choices, your home MUST make a positive first impression and appeal to the greatest number of buyers.

Professional staging services are designed to do just that - and to give you a faster sale at a top dollar price. You choose whether to do-it-yourself, follow their consultation report, or have them stage the property for you.

The investment you make in staging is MUCH lower than the cost of a possible sales price reduction. For more information about this proven marketing tool for your Colorado Springs Home, call me for a fantastic resource. We are happy to be your resource for anything you need when looking to start the custom building process.

The Results Are In!
2008 ~ 18 sold ~ 94% of asking price ~ 28 DOM
2009 ~ 58 sold ~ 97% of asking ~ 34 DOM
Q1 2010 ~ 11 sold ~ 99% of asking ~ 26 DOM

Staging Statistics
Staging reduces time on the market by as much as 40%
Staged properties average 17% higher sales prices than non-staged houses
Sellers recover nearly 200% return on their staging investment on the sale of their house

At Comito Building and Design, we believe a great home at a fair price and a wonderful experience should be the desired outcome of your custom home building process. As a third generation Colorado Springs Custom Home Builder, Comito Building and Design has been designing and crafting award winning Colorado Springs custom homes since 1983. Our luxury homes in Colorado Springs are synonymous with extraordinary design, quality, and innovation. Our team creates homes that are a solid investment for our families who live in them and a testimony to our creativity and craftsmanship. We hope you will consider us as your resource to help you make your Dream home a Reality.

WHY ARE YOU BIDDING YOUR CUSTOM HOME IN COLORADO SPRINGS?

Mon, 16 May 2011 14:43:00 GMT

As a Colorado Springs Custom Home Builder, we often get asked to competitively bid out a finished set of plans for potential customers. Homebuyers use this process as a way to get a handle on what the home will cost and to obtain the best price. At Comito Building and Design, we prefer to take a different approach, called Design-Build. In this approach we formulate a team consisting of an architect/designer, the client, the builder and sometimes an interior designer. As a team, we will work together from the beginning to design a home that will fit your budget, your home site and your overall design goals.

For nearly 30 years, this approach has proven to be the best, most efficient and ultimately the least costly in time and money.

Most professional residential architects have embraced this approach because they have seen the true benefits for all involved. The ones that don’t support this approach and instead advocate the “bidding approach” should be asked this question: How many of the homes you have custom designed for your owner clients have never been built? I believe you’ll find the percentage to be quite high! The reason is that even experienced and otherwise very professional architects typically lack the knowledge of where construction costs really are, resulting in a plan that is more costly to build than what the client expects. With a builder involved from the outset, we can advise our clients as to the cost of what they are designing along the way, helping you make design decisions more informed and budget focused.

In the bidding approach; when the costs from a qualified high quality builder come in too high, the first response is to bid the project to inexperienced mediocre contractors to obtain a lower cost – at least initially. Most often the completed project ends up costing as much or more than what the more experience Colorado Springs Custom Home Builder originally quoted. Additionally, our experience has also shown that the ultimate quality of the finished product and the customers’ experience are sub-standard as well.

In my 30+ years of experience in building high quality homes, I have never seen plans and specifications for high-end custom homes be of adequate detail, quality and clarity for clients to obtain truly comparable pricing. The bidding process encourages the contractor to use inferior products, materials and workmanship to be successfully chosen.

When we manage or participate in the design-build process we are responsible for identifying early on where the budget is going. We help gather all the utility, soils, engineering, geological and other information for the best, most predictable result. Most architects are ill equipped to provide these services and if asked to do so have to charge accordingly. We also provide useful material, product, and contractor recommendations for the architect and client to ensure the best-finished product.

Let us provide you with best experience throughout your Colorado Springs custom home experience! From site selection to move-in, we will seamlessly handle all the details to ensure that you are getting the finished product and the finished price you desire.

At Comito Building and Design, we believe a great home at a fair price and a wonderful experience should be the desired outcome of your custom home building process. As a third generation Colorado Springs Custom Home Builder, Comito Building and Design has been designing and crafting award winning Colorado Springs custom homes since 1983. Our luxury homes in Colorado Springs are synonymous with extraordinary design, quality, and innovation. Our team creates homes that are a solid investment for our families who live in them and a testimony to our creativity and craftsmanship. We work with many of the top Realtors in the county. We hope you will consider us as your resource to help you make your Dream home a Reality.

If you are interested in obtaining additional information on the custom home building process or any of our Colorado Springs luxury home sites call us at 719.219.5421 or visit us online at Comito Building and Design.

Light Up Your New Colorado Springs Custom Home with Custom Lighting!

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:33:00 GMT

Many interior selection decisions have to be made throughout the custom home building process –tile, paint, countertops, flooring, cabinets, light fixtures and more. At times these decisions may seem overwhelming and stressful. But, with the help of a qualified lighting professional, the lighting decisions can be made with a certain degree of ease for the homebuyer, the homebuilder, and the electrician.

At Comito Building and Design, we use Austin Bluffs Lighting, a member of the American Lighting Association. The trained lighting specialists at Austin Bluffs Lighting recommend the following list to ensure that you properly light up your new custom home:

Think back to the homes you lived in previously and make a list of the lighting you liked and disliked. Be sure to consider closets that where too dark or a laundry room in which it was difficult to sort colors and so on. Have this list with you as lighting is planned for each room.
Make a list of special places art work will be placed in your home as these areas may require the appropriate bulbs for maximum presentation.
Walk the exterior of your home and consider home lighting mounted on your home and dramatic lighting for landscaping as well.
Tour model homes for ideas.
Collect photos for lighting styles and techniques that appeal to you.
Identify the location of electrical boxes or recessed cans. Changes to the electrical plan can be costly. And, properly placed boxes and can lighting (in the right places and the right quantities) ensure that your new home will not have the same pitfalls as your old one.

As a client of Comito Building and Design, you and your client coordinator will personally meet at the Austin Bluffs Lighting showroom for a personal lighting consultation to effectively plan the lighting for your new Colorado Springs Custom Home.

Prior to your lighting appointment, plan to spend an hour or so (the day before) wandering through the showroom to narrow down the list of items that reflect your style and taste.
While the entire showroom may seem a little overwhelming, the truth is you need only to decide between those items that suite your style and décor so you can review appropriate options with your lighting consultant.
Make sure to bring your floor plans with you to your lighting consultation. Your salesperson will be much more helpful knowing the general layout of the home in terms of spaces, dimensions and out of the way areas like closets and storage.
Bring color samples, swatches of material, paint chips, wallpaper, tile, stain samples, etc. This will help you select lighting finishes that coordinate with the rest of your home’s finishes.
Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your lighting appointment. While the lighting store will have hundreds of options in the showroom, they will have to be ordered which may take 6 – 8 weeks.
If you do not complete your selections in that one visit, don’t be alarmed. Due to time constraints with other decisions about your house, several trips may be necessary to complete your lighting selections!

By following these common sense steps and utilizing the expertise of your Comito Building and Design Client Coordinator, the lighting process can be nearly painless. Remember, lighting is the most illuminating part of your new custom home so light up your life and enjoy the process!

MAKING YOUR NEW CUSTOM HOME IN COLORADO SPRINGS UNIQUELY YOURS!

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 19:32:00 GMT

At Comito Building and Design, we have a designated Client Coordinator (Debbie Comito) who walks our customers through (and holds their hands if need be!) the design and interior selections process. Additionally, Comito Building and Design likes to enlist the creative services of award winning interior designer, Jodi Bader. Having grown up in the Colorado Springs home building arena, I’ve seen Joni’s work for years with Comito Custom Homes and Nichols & Comito. But, it wasn’t until I had the opportunity to work with her on our personal home that I truly appreciated how talented Joni really is!

Comito Building and Design has been working with Joni for many, many years. Her experienced design eye enables our clients to truly get the style and look of the dream home they have envisioned. A look that is uniquely theirs!

And that’s just what Joni is helping Mark and I do! She’s helping us select our tile and solid surface countertops, carpet, hardwood floors, paint colors, cabinet style, exterior colors and finishes, furnishings and window treatments. Yes, she’s helping us take our style and preferences and turning them into reality and a home that uniquely reflects who we are!

Debbie, our client coordinator has worked right along side Joni - guiding us through decisions that need to be made and deadlines that need to be kept in order to keep construction (and our closing date) on schedule. A real plus to having Debbie working hand-in-hand with us is that she also makes sure our selections stay within our budget (an important component of building a Colorado Springs custom home) as well as communicating all selections and decisions to the project managers in the field. (You’ll be hearing more about our Project Managers in future writings!)

This team approach to building a luxury home in Colorado Springs is invaluable. I am so excited and so confident in the design selections that we’ve made. And, we have peace-of-mind knowing that we’re staying on budget and on schedule with a home that will be built exactly as we’ve planned

Our home is really coming together beautifully! Debbie & Joni have really embraced the “Urban Colorado Ranch” style we were looking for! It’s so much fun to see our home coming to life and changing weekly! We are beyond thrilled!!

At Comito Building and Design we believe the team approach to designing and building custom homes is one of our greatest strengths. In not only saves time and money but it creates greater continuity of service throughout the process. We also believe a great home at a fair price and a wonderful experience should be the desired outcome of your custom home building process.

As a third generation Colorado Springs Custom Home Builder, Comito Building and Design has been designing and crafting award winning Colorado Springs custom homes since 1983. Our luxury homes in Colorado Springs are synonymous with extraordinary design, quality, and innovation. Our team creates homes that are a solid investment for our families who live in them and a testimony to our creativity and craftsmanship. We work with many of the top Realtors in the county. We hope you will consider us as your resource to help you make your Dream home a reality.

THIS IS THE BEST TIME IN AMERICAN HISTORY TO BUY A HOUSE

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 20:36:00 GMT

As a homebuilder, I hear this question ALL THE TIME! “Is anyone really building in the current economic climate?”

My response, “Only the smartest ones.”

Are you kicking yourself for not buying stock or mutual funds in March of 2009 (the lowest point for stock indexes in the past 5 years)?

The same relative buying opportunity to purchase or build a new home at incredible value holds true today. Even new construction, which rarely experiences significant price drops, is a relative bargain. We’ve seen overall cost decreases of 15%-20% recently.

In a recent post by Financial analyst Dr. Steve Sjuggerud, True Wealth, Sjuggerud says “Right now, is the best time in history to buy a house in America.” While many of us in the industry have been touting this for months, Sjuggerud uses century old financial facts - cold, hard facts to back up his claim.

Fact #1 MORTGAGE RATES ARE AT THEIR LOWEST LEVELS IN AMERICAN HISTORY: Investors only see a couple decades of mortgage rates on a chart but Sjuggerud accessed Global Financial Data databases that track real estate data going back centuries. The charts show mortgage rates since 1900 and as you can see, today’s rates are lower than they were in 1900!

Fact # 2 HOMES ARE MORE AFFORDABLE THAN EVER: Based on a 40-year history of the Housing Affordability Index, Sjuggerud points out that houses are more affordable than they have ever been. Affordability takes into account: home prices, personal income, and mortgage rates. Sjuggerud explains this simply, “What people think about when they buy a house isn’t the price of the house …It’s the payment. People think, “Can I afford this mortgage payment on my monthly income?”

As I said, home prices have dropped significantly – in some markets prices have fallen by one-third. And mortgage rates are at record lows. But, incomes (nationwide) haven’t fallen … which makes homes more affordable than ever.

Additionally, land prices, which again rarely decrease, are phenomenal bargains. Steals in some instances such as distressed or bank owned properties. With this combination, along with some intestinal fortitude about the future, you can get in or upgrade into a new custom home in Colorado Springs with the latest technology and energy efficiency available today.

At Comito Building and Design, we believe RIGHT NOW, is the time to take advantage of an incredible opportunity to build the Colorado Springs Custom Home of your dreams. But, industry experts say this opportunity won’t last long! As we come out of this economic downturn construction crews are slim and building supply inventory is modest. Any uptick in demand will put pressure on prices - fast!

At Comito Building and Design we believe a great home at a fair price and a wonderful experience should be the desired outcome of your custom home building process. As a third generation Colorado Springs Custom Home Builder, Comito Building and Design has been designing and crafting award winning Colorado Springs custom homes since 1983. Our luxury homes in Colorado Springs are synonymous with extraordinary design, quality, and innovation. Our team creates homes that are a solid investment for our families who live in them and a testimony to our creativity and craftsmanship. We hope you will consider us as your resource to help you make your Dream home a reality.

DO I NEED TO HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER FOR MY NEW CUSTOM HOME IN COLORADO SPRINGS?

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 16:52:00 GMT

One question we seem to hear a lot when we’re meeting with clients on their Colorado Springs custom home is, “Do I need to hire an interior designer for my new custom home in Colorado Springs?”

The Comito Building and Design team approach rings true once again! We do recommend using an interior designer and for your convenience have several on our team!

We work very closely with several Colorado Springs interior designers who understand construction and how it relates to interior selections and decorative decisions you need to make for your Colorado Springs custom home. Having this resource available is a valuable tool to all of us. Knowing the order in which selections need to be made and how they might affect the construction process is just another part of our team effort.

Most times these creative professionals are able to purchase tile, carpet, and other interior selection materials at a much lower price point than we can. Allowing our designers to purchase and install these “hard finish items” that are permanent fixtures in your home really allows our homeowners to get professional design services at virtually no additional cost. And, if you prefer, they can also offer you an hourly rate instead.

To get started on the interior and exterior choices for your new home, begin by putting together your “idea book”. This is easily done with a file folder or 3-ring binder; collect magazine and brochure clippings, photos, and swatches of fabric ideas you like. Don’t hold back, if you like it, tear it out - interiors, exteriors, fireplace surrounds, window coverings, kitchen cabinetry, plumbing fixtures, appliances, carpet, area rugs, wood… the list goes on and on. More times than not we can achieve the look you like in that photo and probably for less than you think.

Our designers personally meet with you at the beginning of your project and see it through till the last paint color is applied and the final pillow is fluffed. And, as the Comito Building and Design Client Coordinator, I’ll be there with you for every appointment, color selection, and showroom visit.

Also keep in mind if you prefer not working with an interior designer, I’m happy to work with you to provide expertise, coordinate on all of your selections, keep the project in budget and your ideas and your vision in mind.

“ Let’s get the team together and start creating!”

At Comito Building and Design, we believe a great home at a fair price and a wonderful experience should be the desired outcome of your custom home building process. As a third generation Colorado Springs Custom Home Builder, Comito Building and Design has been designing and crafting award winning Colorado Springs custom homes since 1983. Our luxury homes in Colorado Springs are synonymous with extraordinary design, quality, and innovation. Our team creates homes that are a solid investment for our families who live in them and a testimony to our creativity and craftsmanship. We work with many of the top Realtors in the county. We hope you will consider us as your resource to help you make your Dream home a Reality.

Preparing Your Colorado Springs Homes For A Successful Sale!

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:09:00 GMT

Last month we talked about the importance of pricing your existing home for a successful sale within the first month it’s on the market. Another important component for a successful sale is the condition of your home. It’s important for you to keep in mind that the moment the “FOR SALE” sign goes up in your front yard, this no longer your home but your product to sell – your show room – your model home.

In order to achieve a successful and timely sale you need to give your home a critical look. These simple tips can help you best prepare your Colorado Springs Home for a successful sale that allows you to move forward with building the Colorado Springs Custom Home of your dreams!

Exterior

House numbers should be easy to read

Place lights on timers to ensure the home is lit up after sunset

Eaves, troughs, and down spouts need to be clean and in good repair

Make sure the garage/carport clean and tidy

Pick up litter from around your home and window wells

Cracked or broken windowpanes need to be replaced

Doorbell and door hardware should be in good repair

Touch up trim paint on doors, window frames, fascia, etc.

Specifically, paint and clean the entry

Mow, edge and weed the lawn frequently until the home is sold

Overgrown shrubbery should be cut back to show as much of the exterior as possible

Plant low-cost seasonal flowers or ground cover to add a touch of color

Inspect the roof for necessary repairs and any visible broken shingles or tiles

Fences should be mended and painted

Wash all windows inside and outside

Interior

Lights should be on and drapes should be left open during daylight

Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature with the fireplace lit in cooler weather and the air conditioner on in warm weather

Place fresh flowers/plants in various rooms

Chipped plaster and paint should be touched up and repaired

Doors and cupboards should be cleaned and properly closed

Leaky taps and toilets should be repaired

Replace burned out light bulbs

Oil squeaky doors

Mirrors, fixtures, and taps should be cleaned and polished

Seal or caulk around tubs and basins

Don’t forget to clean floors and empty the dishwasher and trash containers

Closets and cupboards should be neat and tidy

Valuable property should be out of reach, out of sight, or locked away

Pets need to be absent, where possible, or contained during showings

All torn screens should be repaired or replaced

Repaint walls if necessary - white or light pastels are the easiest to work with and they make your rooms look larger

Remember what your mother always told you, “You never get a second chance to make a GREAT first impression.” The approach from the street all the way to the view from the back door must be considered in today’s real estate market.

Talk through the showing experience with your Realtor. Consider smells/scents, music, temperature, and light. Remove as many personal items as possible. You don’t want your visitors to be distracted by the hall of your family pictures or the model car collection. You want them looking at the property NOT your “stuff”

So, price your house appropriately, repair and de-personalize your house, and start packing for your move to the Colorado Springs Custom Home of your dreams!

At Comito Building and Design, we believe a great home at a fair price and a wonderful experience should be the desired outcome of your custom home building process. As a third generation Colorado Springs Custom Home Builder, Comito Building and Design has been designing and crafting award winning Colorado Springs custom homes since 1983. Our luxury homes in Colorado Springs are synonymous with extraordinary design, quality, and innovation. Our team creates homes that are a solid investment for our families who live in them and a testimony to our creativity and craftsmanship. We work with many of the top Realtors in the county. We hope you will consider us as your resource to help you make your Dream home a Reality.

Building a new Colorado Springs Custom Home: The Custom Homebuilding Process Through The Eyes of the Home Buyer - SELECTING THE FINISHES TO MAKE OUR HOME UNIQUELY OURS!

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 21:58:00 GMT

As you’ve read, Mark and I are building a custom home with Comito Building and Design. Many of you are familiar with the large, award winning custom homes by Comito Building and Design, but after months of research and planning, Comito Building and Design is excited to now offer smaller custom homes priced from the $700,000s. Our home is part of this new collection of custom homes designed for homebuyers who are looking for smaller, less expensive custom homes without compromising on individuality, quality, experience, or style.

As the Marketing Director for Comito Building and Design, it’s always exciting to see the foundation go in and the walls go up but as a homeowner, I have to tell you that the real excitement is just getting started! In the last few weeks we’ve been busy with interior and exterior selections with Joni Bader (Comito Building and Design’s award winning interior designer) making selections to create a home that’s uniquely ours. We’ve also met with Home Run Electronics for the wiring of our new home (Mark really loved this meeting).

While this is very exciting for us, it could also have been a very overwhelming experience if it weren’t for the Comito Building and Design Client Coordinator, Debbie Comito. Debbie has attended absolutely every appointment with us as we selected the decorative interior features and exterior finishes of our Colorado Springs Custom Home. Debbie has painlessly guided us through the selection process. Her extensive product knowledge and her honest approach to our budget have been extremely helpful. She’s helped us to make good design choices while being mindful of our budget to make sure that the selections we made would provide us with years of lasting enjoyment and financial success.

To date, we’ve finalized our exterior stone, stucco and paint colors. On the inside, we’ve selected our cabinets, countertops, floor coverings and tile. We could not be more excited - this home will truly be one of a kind and a reflection of our Colorado Contemporary style!

Stay tuned for more and don’t forget to follow our weekly video blog on our home building process and experience!

A third generation Colorado Springs Custom Home Builder, Comito Building and Design has been designing and crafting award winning Colorado Springs custom homes since 1983. Our luxury homes in Colorado Springs are synonymous with extraordinary design, quality, and innovation. Our team creates homes that are a solid investment for our families who live in them and a testimony to our creativity and craftsmanship.

Designing Your Dream Home in Colorado Springs

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 17:49:00 GMT

The last time I talked (in my blog) about how the custom home building process starts with the home site. Now the fun begins - Designing a Colorado Springs custom home to a budget! This task requires an honest and frank discussion with the professionals who are helping bring your dream to reality – your architect (or designer), your builder, and possibly your interior designer. Oh, and maybe your banker!

Your architect is responsible for translating wants, needs, and dreams into a great design. She/he is not responsible for meeting your home’s budget. As your builder we will help with budgetary issues and guidelines throughout the design process. We will weigh in with “ball park” estimates, more efficient ways to achieve the same goals, creativity when asked and advice on materials and techniques. And most of all – experience.

Don’t have a builder identified yet? It’s important to select the right Colorado Springs custom homebuilder from the start. Remember the part about the architect not being responsible for the budget? Many of the homes that are designed (without a builder’s assistance and expertise) are never built. And, the few that do get constructed end up going to the lowest bidder and often still come in over budget. When it comes to the most expensive and time-consuming purchase of your life, it’s important to remember that the lowest bidder is not always the wisest choice. Your home needs to be thoughtfully designed and expertly constructed by a team of professionals who will provide you with a home that will give your family comfort, livability, style, and value for years to come. The team approach from the beginning is absolutely the most efficient and cost effective direction for your new custom home. This has been proven to me over and over again during my 30-year career. Hire good people, establish honest parameters, and build trust.

Once you’ve identified the right team, you’re ready for the next step(s). Assuming you own or are buying a home site, the first meeting will likely be at the job site. In Colorado, we are blessed with a variety of home sites that offer views, privacy, trees, and sometimes “interesting” topography. Typically the design of your dream home and the positioning of your home on the home site will be determined based on optimizing the views, the slope, or the topography of the home site. Other factors that come into play include the style of the home, design guidelines, covenants, building and zoning codes, availability of utilities, access issues or challenges, soils conditions, etc.

It’s critical that your new home team investigate all the controlling factors before too much design work takes place. A prime example is the need (often times mandatory) to commission a topographical survey and tree location on a treed home site.

Additionally, most communities and municipalities have height restrictions that are often challenging to meet. Much depends on the methodology used to calculate height. It may vary considerably from one jurisdiction to another. Soils conditions also have a significant impact on the design (and budget) of your new home. It’s important to know (at least generally) what to expect. Soils conditions and makeup can vary dramatically from area to area and even from location to location.

Obtaining good information at the outset can save money and eliminate future disappointment.

COMITO BUILDING AND DESIGN PROVIDES A FULL SERVICE CLIENT COORDINATOR TO HELP WITH SELECTIONS FOR YOUR NEW COLORADO SPRINGS CUSTOM HOME.

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:20:00 GMT

“At Comito Building and Design, your have our guarantee that we will keep your home in budget and on schedule. That sounds all well and good you say, but where do we begin?”

I’m Debbie Comito co-owner and client coordinator for Comito Building and Design. For the past 25 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work hand in hand with hundreds of families to help them pull together their visions to create the custom home of their dreams! Using our easy to follow home selection guide, we seamlessly break down home selections into an easy to use schedule that the entire team will follow to keep us in budget and on schedule.

As your client coordinator, I will provide you with all the information, color samples, and pricing necessary during the selections process. Together we will meet with our dedicated trade partners to help you personalize your new custom home to your lifestyle and personality. I’ll be happy to provide you with as much or as little advise and expertise as you wish as we visit the design center, the lighting store, the stone showroom, the interior designer, the paint store, and more! The process may sound overwhelming but is really quite enjoyable and very rewarding once you see your choices come to life during the construction of your new Colorado Springs custom home.

Each month (in my blog) I will provide you with an overview of how the process works and give you examples and ideas of how to make this exciting time less stressful and a lot of fun!

This month I want to focus on one of most common misunderstandings of the process - Why the exterior choices and colors are one of the first decisions to be made.

In most new home communities, the Architectural Control Committee Board (ACC) will require approval of your exterior selections (including materials and colors) prior to the start of construction. Additionally, many of these exterior items require longer lead times to order and are actually installed sooner than you think.

As I said earlier, my primary goal is to help keep this process from becoming overwhelming to you. To make the exterior selections process easier, I suggest that you keep a simple three ring binder to collect photos, samples, magazine articles, etc. of homes and interiors that appeal to you.

To get started on the exterior, I recommend that you drive around various neighborhoods and gather ideas (and photos if possible) of exterior combinations (colors, textures, materials, stone, etc) that appeal to you. Be sure to write down addresses as well so that we can drive by if needed.

Be sure to look from the ground up – as you’ll be asked to make decisions from the ground up! For example, look at roofing materials and colors - do you prefer coordinating or contrasting the roof color to the soffit and fascia so they

are an accent to one another.

Look at the clad (the trim around the windows) color – make note of looks you prefer such as windows that look like they seamlessly blend with the home color or do you prefer a color that will accent your stucco or siding?

Pay attention to exterior doors (including garage doors) – remember your front door in the entry into your home and it should reflect your personality as well. Do you like a painted front door with a bright accent color or does your taste dictate a classic stained wooden door?

You may find that as you begin this process, some of the decisions are easy for you to make on your own and others will be challenging as you try to pull them all together to create a cohesive home that stylishly flows from the outside in. But, not to worry! That’s where age and experience are a huge benefit – at Comito Building and Design, you aren’t left to these difficult decisions on your own – I’ll be with you throughout the entire process! Together we’ll take each selection one at a time and then package them together to help you create the home that many only dream of!

Happy Building – Let’s do this together!

SO YOU WANT TO BUILD A CUSTOM HOME IN COLORADO SPRINGS?

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:57:00 GMT

You’ve decided you want to take advantage of today’s incredible home buying conditions. You’re excited about the idea of building your dream home every time you watch one of Lauren’s weekly videos. BUT you have a house to sell! You’ve heard ALL the stories and read ALL the articles that talk about the less than stellar real estate market conditions. BUT, Did you know that over 7300 residential, single-family homes SOLD in El Paso County in 2010! People are still buying homes of all ages, all styles, and all price ranges!

How are these people getting their houses SOLD?

Pricing…

Pricing your existing home correctly from the very start is the single most important thing that can be done to ensure a successful sale - one that is quick and puts the most money in your pocket.

Homeowners are often tempted to set the initial list price higher than fair market value because they think they can simply lower the price later if the property doesn't sell. In addition, the expectation is that the offers received will be low. Most people don't realize, however, that setting the price too high in the beginning can drastically increase the time it takes to sell and typically achieves a final sales price that is well below market value. Low offers will be received at any list price in today’s market conditions.

The higher the list price, the more buyers will automatically exclude your property from consideration. By pricing your property at fair market value, you increase the number of potential buyers and offers that can be considered.

A listing generates intense interest during its first two weeks on the market, but activity drops dramatically in the third week and beyond - subsequent price reductions notwithstanding. A property that is priced too high will not get the necessary attention during this critical period of peak activity.

Some buyers are wary of price-reduced property, thinking something might be wrong with it or that it may still be priced too high. This, including extended days on market, may even show distress.

Statistics clearly indicate that the longer a property is on the market, the lower the final sale price will be. Properties that sell in the first four weeks typically achieve the closest sale price to their fair market value. This discount increases every week thereafter! By pricing your home correctly from the start, you greatly increase your chances of selling your home faster and for more money.

Choose a Realtor with the knowledge and experience to choose the best list price for your property.

Comito Building and Design works with many of the top Realtors in the county. Building throughout the Pikes Peak Region, consider us as your resource to help you make your Dream home a Reality.

Building a new Colorado Springs Custom Home: The Building Process Through The Eyes of the Home Buyer

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 16:29:00 GMT

After months of planning and pricing in the Design Build Process, our new custom home in Colorado Springs is well underway. As homeowners, we are excited to stop by our home site and see our home (which is in the framing stage) starting to take shape. The excavation, foundation and backfill are all complete, and the framers are busy building the main level walls. On the other side of the process, as the Colorado Springs custom homebuilder, we’re excited to set roof trusses by the end of this week so we can get the home dried-in and protected from the winter weather which seems to be hitting this Colorado Springs custom home site every week!

This part of the process, has been the most exciting so far – now that the walls are framed, we can actually see how our home will look, how the rooms will layout, and our actual views from every window in our new home in Colorado Springs. We can now envision our life in our home - entertaining guests, holidays with family and friends, kids and dogs in the backyard. This is what home is really about and this stage really brings the design we created to life.

Stay tuned for our view on the building process with Comito Building and Design.

Starting the Custom Home Building Process

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 18:02:00 GMT

So, you’ve worked your entire life, have lived in many homes, and now you’re ready to build “your home” – the home of your dreams – the one that perfectly suits your lifestyle. You’ve saved, you’ve talked to your friends and family, you’ve listened to the media, and you know that rates aren’t going to get any better. But, you still have one nagging questions – How? How do we start the process of building our own custom home?

The answer is CONGRATULATIONS and IT’S SIMPLE! You are now ready to experience a process many can only dream about.

First, think global. What area? Where do you really want to live? Do you already own your home site or do you need assistance in selecting the ideal neighborhood and the perfect home site for your new custom home? What price range are you comfortable with? (Are the two compatible and realistic?) Remember, everything starts with the home site.

It’s important to make sure that your chosen home site will accommodate your dream home and your budget. Typically the home site should be no more than 20%-25% of the overall budget. Of course, there are exceptions.

Get professional advice (a “builder’s eye”) before you start the purchase of your homesite. An honest, professional builder can guide you through the questions related to topography, utilities, construction costs, and any site challenges that may have to be overcome.

Next comes the really fun part – the design of your new Colorado Springs luxury home! But, that’s another topic for another week….

If you are interested in obtaining additional information on the custom home building process, consider Comito Building and Design. A third generation Colorado Springs Custom Home Builder, Comito Building and Design has been designing and crafting award winning Colorado Springs custom homes since 1983. Our luxury homes in Colorado Springs are synonymous with extraordinary design, quality, and innovation.

For additional information on the building process, contact Comito Building and Design at 719.219.5421 or at http://comitobuildinganddesign.com/contact.

The High End Custom Home Market

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 23:16:00 GMT

The question I am most frequently asked these days is: How is the high end custom home building market ? The answer: Getting better -much better!

We are busy. Many people understand that current conditions (buyer's market, great deals, low interest rates) offer the best opportunity to buy or build a high-end home in many many years.

Our clients are choosing to build new because they realize that building costs may never be as low as they are now. We are able to build the same high quality homes today for 20-25% less than several years ago. Some lot prices have dropped as well, making building even more attractive.

Many people want new and the benefits that come with a new home; Spray foam insulation (something that was not available even a few years ago) is revolutionizing the energy performance of our new homes. Quality windows, low maintenance exteriors and the latest high efficiency heating and cooling systems are just some of the benefits our homeowners are realizing.

Call or contact us to find out more about the tremendous opportunities out there. I don't know how long conditions will remain this favorable but I know from experience that once things start heating up prices can change rapidly.

~Claude Comito

Change Orders ~ What are they

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 21:06:00 GMT

Change Order – those dreaded words. Change orders are probably the most misunderstood area of custom home building and definitely one of the most problematic for builders.

First, the definition of a change order. As I define it, a change order is any change, addition or deletion to the contract specifications and allowances. This would include upgrades, color changes, overages (or underages) to allowances, etc.. A change order doesn’t necessarily have to cost more, but most do. Some are actually credits to the contract price.

They can be problematic for builders because they can be requested by owners at any point during the construction process. Many require fast response (drop everything else we’re doing) and careful coordination to make sure the cost is agreed to and that all parties (builder, owner and subcontractor or supplier) are on the same page.

Many times I’m asked, “Why am I getting a “change order” for upgrades to plumbing fixtures (or appliances or lighting, etc.) and paying the extra cost plus a builder’s mark up when it’s roughly the same work to install?”

The answer is that, even though the upgrade may not involve more work, it still requires revised pricing, preparation of the paperwork, coordination of owner, supplier, field staff etc. and more risk for us if something bad happens. (I hate to admit to how many scratched microwaves I’ve replaced over the years.)

The other part of the answer is that if the upgrade were part of the original contract scope, we would have added our margin to that as well.

We can be flexible however. If a change order involves minimal work and risk we will add markup very minimally or not at all. If on the other hand a change order is requested that involves a lot of work and coordination but very little extra cost – we will have to change accordingly.

Nobody should fear change orders. They are part of Custom Home Building. You’ll be thankful that your organized builder or contractor lets you know, as you go, where the changes and costs are. Nobody wants unpleasant surprises and misunderstandings at the end.