The Comito Column ~ Custom Building Exposed

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.

“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.

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.

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.

Debbie Comito – Client Coordinator

Comito Building and Design, LLC

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.