A custom home builder constructs homes on scattered lots, often using designs selected by the homeowners themselves. A general contractor like Doble & Son is responsible for the means and methods to be used in the construction execution of the project in accordance with the contract documents. Said documents usually include the contract agreement, including budget, the general and special conditions, and the plans, with call-outs and specification of the project, which are generally prepared by a design professional such as an architect. Home buyers contract with a general contractor to build what they want, where they want. At Doble & Son, we build most of our homes on land already owned, or soon to be purchased by the homeowner. From time to time, we do offer a number of our own lots. We also assist in locating a piece of property that will fully satisfy your desires and fits your conceptual design. Interested buyers should contact us to determine availability.
Basics
SERVICES
- Custom home builder and general contractor management services
- Prime contractor for home additions, remodeling and renovations
- Assistance in selecting the architect
- Coordination and consultation with design professionals such as the architect, engineers, interior design and other consultants
- Sub-contractor selection, bidding, and negotiation
- Supervision and inspection of all sub-contractors’ activity
- Site evaluation and master planning
- All necessary consultation and planning sessions with architect
- Eight hours of design time consultation with a professional interior designer
- Construction documents preparation (blueprints and specifications)
- Coordination and communication with all parties involved
- Documentation of all paperwork necessary to obtain a building permit
- Compilation of a detail budget and construction schedule
- Preparation of documents for draw-downs of construction loans (if applicable)
- Ensuring required inspections by certified inspectors during every major stage
- Coordination of payments and release of documents for completed work upon inspection and acceptance
- Completion of your project under the guidance of our company principals
FEATURES
- Superior quality materials and excellent craftsmanship throughout
- All foundations, slabs and frames designed and inspected by independent engineering firms
- Upscale custom cabinetry throughout home
- High-end, state of the art appliances
- Installation of double pane low-e insulated windows
- Pre-wiring and installation of surround sound, home network, central vacuum and burglar alarm systems
- Quality lighting fixtures
- Distinctive fireplace surrounds
- Top of line plumbing fixtures
- Programmable thermostats
- Dazzling entries and foyers
- High quality doors and windows
- Upgraded architectural elements (trim, crown moldings, baseboard, columns)
- Liberal inclusion of architectural stone throughout the home
- “Smart-house” and “Green” technology improvements on request
FAQ
- West Bay: Atherton, Hillsborough, Woodside, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto
- East Bay: Alamo, Blackhawk, Danville, Ruby Hill, Golden Eagle, Castlewood, Pleasanton
- South Bay: Almaden , Silver Creek, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Saratoga
During the course of construction you will have a series of homework assignments. Selecting a builder is one of your most important tasks. The problem is there is no foolproof way of making the right choice. Ultimately, it comes down to trust. Do not get involved with a home builder you do not trust, regardless of how attractive the price. Trust alone is not enough, but it is the starting point. You also want experience, competence, service, and value for your money. You are turning over a lot of money to someone you may have just met – you should do a good job of vetting that person or organization.
There is no right way. You should be negotiating with a builder whom you have researched thoroughly and believe to be reputable and trustworthy. Obviously, the danger with this method is that if your judgment is wrong, you could end up paying way too much for your project. Your home builder might be a great craftsman but overpriced. Or, he may be very fair on pricing but incredibly inefficient, which could end up being very costly as well.
In final analysis, the more you do your homework and find out what things should cost, the more likely it is that you will get value for your money. If you find a good builder whom you can trust, and he or she has a reputation for pleasing clients, being efficient and fair on pricing, this is the builder you probably want.
We would be happy to supply you with a list of reputable lenders who can help you with obtaining a construction mortgage to finance your new home. Your equity position in the building lot can serve as major collateral in securing construction financing. During the course of construction, you will be asked to make "draw payments" at pre-determined stages of completion which we will help coordinate with the lender. Once these payments are received, construction will advance to the next stage. Upon receipt of the final payment and funding of your home mortgage (if applicable) the keys will be turned over to you.
- Researching any environmental and building ordinances and codes that may apply
- Determining whether or not your lot has any shrink/swell soil conditions
- Clearing the home site of trees and other debris
- Necessary excavation to satisfy foundation requirements and proper drainage
- Septic/sewer design
- Installation of a driveway base and culvert(s)
Changes made during the construction process can have minor or major impacts on the construction of a home and associated costs. Doble & Son strongly encourages you to be very thorough in the initial stages of designing your home. However, change orders will be reviewed and accepted on a case by case basis during home construction. These change orders will include the cost of the change(s) being made plus an additional fee to cover any additional cost of work that the change may bring about.