Bellaire’s Custom Home Building Experts

There are few times in life you will be so excited as when you are watching your own Bellaire, Texas custom home being built. What makes it extra nice is you helped design it and you have your handprints all over the project. It is something that will make that custom built home extra special to you always. That is something that we at Vazquez Custom Homes have been doing for many years now; overseeing people’s custom home building projects and seeing the enjoyment they get as their new home rises up from the ground in the Greater Bellaire Area. We have worked hard to earn the reputation of being one of Bellaire’s most reliable and trustworthy custom home builders.

 

Choosing a Custom Home Builder in Bellaire, TX

Of course we hope you choose us to build your Bellaire, Texas custom built home but either way we would like to give you some advice on how to select a contractor for the project. That is a lot more that goes into that then meets the eye. Any contractor is charged with not only overseeing their own workers but also subcontractors, they have to keep a close eye on the timing of supplies and there are many other aspects of the build such as scheduling that rest solely on their shoulders. That is why it is so important to hire a reputable contractor to build your new luxury home in Bellaire.

Here are some guidelines to use during the hiring process of your Bellaire based custom home builder:

  • Have a good idea of what you want before getting estimates.

It is pretty hard for any housing contractor to do a design and estimate if they don’t know what you want. So do some research and talk to those in the know so you start to form a pretty good idea of what you want your custom home to be like. Asking a family member or friend that has recently been through the process will be a big help here.

  • Interview and get estimates from at least three contractors

Make no mistake about it; hiring a general contractor to oversee your new home’s construction is every bit the same as a job interview except it involves dollar figures too. So make good and sure you treat it as such. It is important that the estimates be detailed and shows the specific steps the contractor will be in charge of during the building process. It is also important to ask exactly what work will be done by the contractor’s employees and what will be done by subcontractors.

  • Choose a good fit for the project

Just because company B did a good job on your neighbors new siding does not mean they can handle all the intricacies of building a new home. So make sure you hire a company that has a lot of home building experience.

  • Check references and look at reviews

If a perspective housing contractor gives you references then by all means check them out. Also check for impartial reviews online and vendor watchdog lists such as “Yelp” and “Angie’s List” to make sure they are reputable.

If you follow these steps you are pretty much assured you will find a good contractor to build your new home. Many times these steps will also lead you right back to us and that would make us very happy.

 

Estimating the Cost to Build

Estimating the cost to build a new home in the Bellaire area or anyplace else is kind of like building a puzzle. You have to first break the puzzle down into individual pieces and then build it up again. In other words the easiest and most accurate way to estimate the cost of building a new custom home is by adding up the sum of its parts. You can do this simply by figuring these out yourself or there are computer programs that are pretty good at helping you do it too.

Here are the things you will need to know in order to closely estimate what it will cost you to build your new home:

  • Cost of the land (if you do not already own it).
  • The total square footage of the design you want to build – this will help you figure out costs for the foundation, walls, roof and other costs that are calculated by area.
  • The cost of appliances – add up what you will spend on your furnace, air conditioning, refrigerator and the other appliances that are going into your home.
  • Permits and licenses – these are not cheap so make sure to include them in your new home estimate.
  • Utility Hookups – people such as the power company will make several trips to your lot while your home is being built. This is not done for free.
  • Plumbing Fixtures – this is another big expense along the same lines as the appliances.
  • Electrical work – the nicest custom built home in the world is not much good without electricity.
  • Landscaping and site cleanup – this is another area that can add up to a lot of money if it involves a lot of planting.

If you arrive at the figures for each of these things fairly accurately then you can get a very good idea as to how much your Bellaire custom built home design will actually cost. Allow about 10% extra just to avoid surprises.

 

An Overview of Our Bellaire Home Building Process

Here is a step by step guide of the home building process that you will go through when you contract with us to build your new Bellaire custom built home.

  1. The Design

Believe it or not the first step in the custom home building process may not even have anything to do with us and that is the design. Many times our customers will come to us with a design they had done with a private architect and home designer. We have no problem with that whatsoever. We also have our own design and architectural staff for customers that would like our help in this area too.

  1. The Contract

The contract can be done in one of two ways. The first is that someone who has heard of our outstanding custom home building reputation in the Bellaire area may ask us to place a bid on a design. The second is that some people who are referred to us will not even look at anyone else besides us to build their custom home for them. Either way there is always competition and a little give and take on both sides to make the numbers work.

  1. Initial Draw and Supplies

Most custom built homes are bank financed so there is a strict protocol to follow as far as us getting paid. There will usually be an initial draw that we get and that will all go toward the first wave of supplies. We keep a very close watch on supply ordering so there will not be a work stoppage because we do not have something.

  1. Site preparation

Here is where your lot is cleared and leveled if necessary and basements or storm shelters are dug if they are included in the plans.

  1. Foundation

The pouring of the foundation is the next big step in your Bellaire custom home building process. We make sure the foundation is laid very accurately because the quality of the rest of the building phases is entirely dependent on it.

  1. Framing

Once the foundation is done it is next time to start framing the walls of your new custom built. This is the first time you start to get the sensation that you have a new home.

  1. Roof

After the framing is done then comes the roof. Putting on the roof allows the interior work to begin.

  1. Rough plumbing and electrical

These have to go in before the walls are in finished and it’s done right after the roof has been put on.

  1. Interior

Once the plumbing is in place it is then time to work on the walls and flooring again. Once the walls and floors are in place it will then be time to install the appliances and plumbing fixtures in your home.

  1. Trim

This is where everything else in the house that is needed gets done such as installing lights, outlet covers, railings, tile, etc…

  1. Final walkthrough

This is where we will go through the house together and find even the slightest imperfections and then correct them before final payment is given to us for your custom home build.

Once all these steps are done it will then be time to enjoy your new Bellaire home.

 

Custom Home Building FAQ

With being in the custom home business as long as we have been we see many of the same questions time and time again regarding building a custom built home in the Bellaire area. We thought we would share some of those with you.

Question: Is it best to buy land then contact a builder or vice versa?

A: Our experience tells us that most people who come to us looking to have a custom home built in the Bellaire area already own a piece of land where they want that house. With that being said, there are also some advantages to contact us or other general contractors first. We build a lot of custom homes and that means we know the area well. There may be some places that we know of where due to certain conditions you may not want to build and we also know places that we feel are hidden gems when it comes to buying land. So basically this one you can really leave up to customer preference.

Question: Does it always cost more to build a true custom home as opposed to a pre-built home?

A: the answer to this one surprises a lot of people. The fact is, if it’s planned right and you compare similar features then it is no more expensive to have a home you helped to design. The reason that custom built homes seem more expensive is that people often feel they need to add all the bells and whistles in order for their home to feel like a true custom home. Avoid extravagant spending and there will be very little difference in price.

Question: I am a handy person with tools. Can I do some of the work myself to save money?

A: If you want to do some of the work to feel invested in your home then ok. The truth is there is really not a lot of savings to be had by a customer doing a small portion of the work themselves and it makes us GC’s a little nervous when we are liable for everything that is built even if it’s done by you.

Why Choose Us?

The answer to that one is simple. We have been satisfying customers in the greater Bellaire area for many years now by building them high quality custom homes that stand out and make a statement. The pride we take in our work, the way we pay attention to even the smallest details and our outstanding customer service all add up to us being one of the most sought after and reputable custom home builders in Bellaire, Texas. You will find that when someone mentions the words “custom home builders Bellaire” that are name will pop up more often than any other home construction company in the area.

 

About Bellaire + Other Services We Offer This Area

Bellaire Texas is a suburb of Bellaire, Texas. This community is unique because of its recognition as being the “City of Homes.” This primarily residential community is close to all the main highways that serve the Greater Bellaire area. Bellaire gives residents quick access to these thoroughfares so that they can get to shopping, dining, and entertainment venues of their choice.

Much like many other communities in Texas, Bellaire is divided into developments and subdivisions. In 2015 it was estimated that over 18,000 people call the Bellaire, Texas area their home. Bellaire has two bus lines that provide public transportation to residents and visitors of the city.

Home to several public parks and a leading school system, Bellaire is an ideal location to raise a family. Adults and children can enjoy many sports activities within their community. Lighted tennis courts, baseball fields, and soccer fields are ideal for both Adult and Children’s leagues to play. When not being used for scheduled play or practice, they are open for public use.

People who need to travel enjoy the convenience of being close to Domestic and International Airports that serve the Greater Bellaire area. Regardless of whether you need to fly to London or New York, living in Bellaire, Texas assures that you are always near an airport that meets your travel requirements.
Do you need to make repairs or renovations to your home in the Bellaire, Texas area? Vasquez Remodeling & Construction offers expert repair and contracting services that increase the curb appeal and protect the investment you’ve made in your home.

Keep Hot Air Out and Treated Air In!

If you’ve noticed that your energy usage has increased, but you haven’t changed habits in your home, this could indicate that your roof or window systems are no longer effectual as they used to be. Old windows and roofing systems are usual suspects when hot, and outdoor air is making its way indoors, or cold, treated air is escaping from the interior of your home. Vasquez Remodeling & Construction is bonded and insured to install custom roofing and window systems. We are also home siding installation experts.

New Construction in Bellaire, Texas

Clients who are starting a new home or outbuilding construction project are well-served to work with Vasquez Remodeling and Construction for their building needs. Do you need to build a new home, a pool house, guest house, or a custom outbuilding? Our company is your partner in all steps of the construction process – from blueprints to putting on all of the finishing touches! We have years of experience building luxury and functional homes and custom construction projects in the Bellaire, Texas area.

Custom Decks and Outdoor Living Spaces

If you want to make the most of your outdoor living space, a custom deck, pool, patio, or outdoor kitchen enhances your home and provides you with the beautiful outdoor living space to relax and enjoy time spent with family, friends, and guests. Vasquez Remodeling & Construction is your trusted advisor and partner throughout the construction process. If you are unsure of what direction you would like to take, we can help with ideas and blueprints based on your property, preferences, and requirements.

Start the Conversation Now!

Vasquez Remodeling & Construction is licensed, bonded, and insured to conduct business in Bellaire and other local communities in Texas. If you are thinking about starting a substantial construction or renovation project at your home, give us a call at (281) 305-0102 first. We always put the customer first and work hard to meet all of their unique needs!