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Q. How much do your homes cost
per square foot?
A. Any legitimate builder will
cringe upon hearing this question. Not because they are
hiding anything, but there are so many unknowns at that point in
the conversation. It is a reasonable question from prospective homeowner’s point of view. They have
an idea of how large the home will be and want to know how much
it is going to cost them.
The truth is, there is no way a builder can
honestly answer this question. The cost will directly vary
depending upon the type of flooring, counter tops, plumbing
fixtures, light fixtures, number and colors of interior paints,
type of doors and trim (paint or stain), type of texture, type
of windows (wood or vinyl), even the type of appliances. The
cost will also vary based upon the size of the living area
compared to the total size of the house including porches and
garage, number of interior walls. Even the type of soil and the
amount of dirt work necessary prior to pouring the foundation
will impact the cost.
For these reasons alone, a builder with integrity
will not be able to tell you over the phone how much a home will
cost to build. Many builders will give a low number at
this point just to get a customer in the door.
Q. I have my plans; may I bring them
to you and get a price today?
A. You are more than welcome to
bring your plans for an estimate. But understand that to
generate a price estimate first requires an understanding of
what you expect in the home. Plan on a discussion of your new
home so we understand the vision you hold for your new
home. Then we will need to discuss the finishes you want. We
then take the plans, make copies, and get them to our
subcontractors. They each evaluate their portions and return
estimates. We combine those with all the other costs associated
with constructing your new home and put together a specification
sheet and a project estimate. The whole process from start to
finish usually takes two to three weeks.
Q. I have a friend who is a framer
(electrician, plumber, painter, etc…) and I want him to do part
of the house. Is this okay?
A. Preferably not.
While your friend may be perfectly competent, our subcontractors
are both highly skilled and have been working for us for years;
possessing a strong understanding of the requirements Brian has for
the work done on one of his homes. Of the more than sixty
subcontractors and suppliers only six have been working with
Brian for less than six years.
Q. A friend of mine built a home only
a few miles from where I want to build. His builder said
everything would be just fine. Why should I go to the expense
of a soil report?
A. Texoma soil varies a great deal in
consistency. There can be significant variation within less
than a mile, sometimes even less than 100 yards. Poor site
preparation or a poorly conceived foundation will result in
cracks in walls and brick along with windows and doors that
don’t close properly. The only way to warranty a new home is to
have a soils analysis done and the foundation designed by a
registered engineer.
Q. What is your new home warranty?
A. In 2002, the Texas
Residential Construction Commission was formed as a result of
law passed by the Texas Legislature. This piece of
legislation was one of the best things to happen in the housing
market. It forced all builders to build homes to a written
workmanship standard. Unfortunately for the home buyer,
the Texas Legislature, bowing to pressure, saw fit to close down the TRCC.
We at Shadden Custom Homes are so committed to quality that we
are continuing to use this document in our warranty.
Q. How much will my house cost?
A. We can provide you with a firm fixed
price cost for your home, subject to modification upon receipt
of the soils report and foundation engineering. We can also
build your home on a ‘cost plus’ basis, whichever you prefer.
Q. I’ve heard you are more expensive
than other builders, is this true?
A. No, as long as the
housed are built the same, with the same quality materials, they
should cost the same. If another builder prices the home for less, it stands to reason they are leaving something out or
using lesser quality materials. Granted, there are large tract
builders that may buy in bulk, but do you want a tract builder
building your dream home?
Q. So just what might another
builder leave out of a home to reduce cost?
A. We couldn't begin to list all the
possible differences in the limited space here, but for an
example does the other builder...
...have a soil engineer evaluate your
property for potential ground displacement? ...have a
structural engineer design the foundation, taking into account
the tested soil on your lot? ...use smaller or shallower
foundation beams? ...place studs on 16" centers for
both exterior and interior walls? ...cover all exterior walls with oriented strand board 100% or just
the corners? ...add a layer of foam insulation under the
siding, whether it is brick or stone veneer or cementuous
siding? ...use metallic foil
backed decking on all of the roof? ...use engineered
trusses under second story flooring? ...use TGI trusses and OSB
decking for storage above the garage? ...use 20 amp
circuit breakers and appropriate sized wire throughout the whole
house?
There are a large number of things
affecting the quality of the home that a homeowner will never
notice. These things can lower the cost to build the home
while lowering the quality of the home. Carefully review the
Construction and Features pages of this site to see more reasons
why we are
Texoma's QUALITY home builder.™
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