The Importance of Communication in the Custom Home Building Process

Homeowners may see the custom home building process as one filled with excitement while at the same time filled with anxiety and stress. We have been through the process many, many times, but most of our homeowners haven’t been through it at all. To be good stewards of our relationship, as the builder we need to be proactive about communicating with our clients. This is especially true in regard to topics that we know will likely be concerning to the homeowner.

The Selections Process

The homeowners we work with each have their own style. During the selections process for the products and finishes that will make their home uniquely theirs, we typically don’t push them in one direction or another. However, if they choose a product that we think might not completely fit their lifestyle, we will let them know.

Take this example. If a couple chooses a hardwood floor that is a softer wood and we know they have active kids and dogs, we will point out that softer woods tend to scratch easily and recommend a product with a similar look but a higher durability. For some people, it won’t matter. For others, the higher scratch resistance will be important. But it’s the act of communicating up front instead of leaving them wondering what happened to their floor that matters the most.

The Cracked Truth About Concrete

There are basically two types of concrete – cracked and waiting to crack. Each day after it is poured, concrete gets stronger, but it also loses moisture content. This loss of moisture is what leads to hairline cracks in concrete floors, basements, driveways, etc., and these cracks are perfectly normal. Explaining this phenomenon up front in an act of simple, proactive communication (and setting expectations) often eliminates undue stress and worry on the part of our clients.

We have been through the custom home building process personally and understand that it can be inherently stressful in nature. So, we make sure to inform our clients of these potential stress traps ahead of time.

Good communication and setting the correct expectations are key to our clients having a positive building experience. These are just a couple of examples of the extra steps we take to ensure that your project goes as free of heartburn as possible.