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Thursday, April 25, 2013

This is an article from Fine Homebuilding that was published a few years ago. The ideas presented are excellent advice for everyone who is or will be building and/or remodeling their home. We want to bring it out again so we can all benefit.


20 Considerations that help a project run smoothly

In building and renovation, few rules hold true all the time. However, a number of useful notions lead to predictable outcomes most of the time. Unfortunately, many of these notions are forgotten when we concentrate on making ideal decisions throughout the course of the work. We lose sight of how each decision relates to the bigger project picture.

The following is a list of some commonsense ideas that almost always have a positive impact on a construction endeavor.

Maintain the right attitude

·         Building anything is an act of joy and optimism. It’s also a learning experience. Anxiety is a normal part of that experience, but anxiety must not control the outcome of the work.
·          The only adversarial relationship that is productive on a building project is the one that everyone should have with the artistic, technical and financial challenges that the work itself presents.
·          Excellent people make mistakes. Expect that they will continue to do so.
·         Building a house is not an industrial process. It is hand labor, at a site, involving dozens of components that have to work and fit together as well as possible. Expectations for the quality of the work should reflect these characteristics.

Choosing a design consultant and a builder

·         When selecting a professional with whom to work, the first criterion should be character; the second, competence; the third, dedication.
·         Clients are in the difficult business position of dealing with people who know more about design and construction than they do. In this vulnerable situation, the best strategy is to choose professionals of unquestionable integrity.
·         To secure the greatest benefit from the knowledge that consultants and builders possess, allow them do their work in the manner that their training and experience have shown will be most effective.
·         Clients who receive the best service are those from whom trust is ample, enthusiasm is overt, information is complete and payment is prompt.

About project costs

·         Accurate cost estimates are based on facts; inaccurate estimates are usually the result of guessing. Financial risk in building is reduced by developing as much specific design information as possible before construction begins.
·         Comparisons between seemingly similar projects often lead to incorrect expectations rather than provide useful information.
·          “You get what you pay for” applies to building. Designing and building quality take care; care takes time; time costs money.
·          When a project’s cost exceeds its budget, it is usually because (1) the budget was optimistic and not realistic, (2) the changing cost of the evolving design was not monitored, and/or (3) the client’s needs and preferences were not fully articulated before the start of the work.

The design and building process

·         There are three interconnected variables in every building project: quality, quantity and cost. If any one of these variables is held constant while another is changed, the third must change as well.
·          The complexity of both design and construction work is often underestimated.
·          Many people believe that they know a good deal about architectural design. What they do not realize is how much more they need to know to do design well, with distinction, refinement and grace.
·         Architects have the patience to plan. Builders have the savvy to improvise. Improvisation, however, is not a substitute for planning. The purpose of planning is to achieve predictable results. The purpose of improvising is to maintain work progress.
·         For construction to be done efficiently, most design decisions need to be made in advance of building. If made during construction, these decisions can interrupt the work flow and increase its cost. Late design decisions are also more difficult to incorporate into the rest of the design.
·         A construction project involves people with wide variations in skill, experience, intelligence and desire. Effective project management optimizes the conditions that allow people to perform at their best.
·         Frequent, candid communication is vital to minimize construction problems.
·         Good people care. The end result usually shows why.

by John McLean
From FineHomebuilding 155 (Houses), pp. 24-28
July 1, 2003

Finnish Sauna


This past fall we built this custom sauna for a client. He has traveled to Finland and provided the information for the true Finnish style sauna. He had the stove shipped in from Finland.

We milled the lumber and built all the benches and windows from Alder. The wall panels are Aspen.  The floor is tile.

This was a great project to build. See more photos on our Houzz Profile and on our Facebook Page.



Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Heritage Foundation Award


We are pleased to have one of our projects win the 2012 Utah Heritage Foundation Award for Stewardship.

The Porch restoration project in Provo won the award. Our clients are amazing people who go to great lengths to preserve the historic nature of their home and we are pleased they have been recognized for their efforts. To see more photos of the project including before and after photos visit our Facebook page. To learn more about our historic restoration services contact Matthew Harper at (801) 472-1211

Monday, February 20, 2012

Spring is on its way... Already!

The start of the new year has been a whirlwind of activity for us. We have obtained the construction rights to several building lots in Utah County and have built a partnership with Bank of American Fork to help our clients obtain the financing you need for the new construction and remodeling projects.

The addition of these new business partners enables us to provide additional solutions to help solve your needs and desires and better serve you.

It is an exciting time to be in business. Things are still difficult in the construction industry but the market appears to have stabilized somewhat and new construction and land development is moving forward again. We have personally seen an increase in clients moving forward with their project planning and also starting their projects. We are especially thankful for each of you, your business, your referrals, and the help we have received so we can continue to grow and better serve you, our clients.

We have also been busy working on two renovations and permitting a new home. We are updating our blog and our Facebook page with information about these projects. It is a great time to get your new home built or your remodeling/addition project started before the summer rush begins.

If you would like to discuss your upcoming project(s) please call Matthew Harper at (801) 472-1211.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Merry Christmas



To our valued clients and associates,

We are grateful for the many blessings we have received this year. We have been blessed with good work and excellent clients. We appreciate you and your business! 2012 is shaping up to be another blessed year as well. We hope each of you are blessed with success, health and happiness. May the Spirit of Christ and His joy fill our hearts during the holidays and throughout the year. We thank you for the blessings each of you has brought into our lives.

Merry Christmas and a successful New Year!

Monday, November 14, 2011

10% Home Design Discount



With the housing market in Utah stabilizing and beginning to grow slowly again the cost of construction is also begining to creep up slowly. If you are thinking its time to move forward with you project in the next several months get the ball rolling now to take advantage of the lower materials and prices before they begin to rise next spring and summer.



To add a little extra motivation we are offering a 10% discount on our new home and remodel/addition design services between now and December 30, 2011.



If you would like more information about building and/or remodeling your home give us a call ar send us an email.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Added Design Services

We are pleased to announce that we have recently added the services of the Joe Carrick Design to our team of design professionals. Our partnership with them has enhanced our ability to design and build the custom homes, additions and remodels, and historic restorations you are looking for. You can learn more about them at their website http://www.jc-design.com/

We have also been busy with restoring and replacing windows in a historic home in Springville. To see pictures of the project visit our Facebook page.

We will also be posting information about two new custom home projects that will be starting in the next few weeks for those who would like to follow along.

Happy Thanksgiving season to all. We are extremely grateful for your business and friendship!

Success to all,

Matt-