Woodlands’s Custom Home Building Experts
There are few times in life you will be so excited as when you are watching your own Woodlands, 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 Woodlands Area. We have worked hard to earn the reputation of being one of Woodlands’s most reliable and trustworthy custom home builders.
Choosing a Custom Home Builder in Woodlands, TX
Of course we hope you choose us to build your Woodlands, 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 Woodlands.
Here are some guidelines to use during the hiring process of your Woodlands 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 Woodlands 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 Woodlands custom built home design will actually cost. Allow about 10% extra just to avoid surprises.
An Overview of Our Woodlands 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 Woodlands custom built home.
- 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.
- 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 Woodlands 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Foundation
The pouring of the foundation is the next big step in your Woodlands 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.
- 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.
- Roof
After the framing is done then comes the roof. Putting on the roof allows the interior work to begin.
- 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.
- 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.
- Trim
This is where everything else in the house that is needed gets done such as installing lights, outlet covers, railings, tile, etc…
- 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 Woodlands 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 Woodlands 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 Woodlands 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 Woodlands 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 Woodlands, Texas. You will find that when someone mentions the words “custom home builders Woodlands” that are name will pop up more often than any other home construction company in the area.
About Woodlands + Other Services We Offer This Area
Woodlands Texas is a growing residential and commercial area near Houston, Texas. This planned community is home to many major corporations such as Exxonmobil, Chevron Phillips, McKesson Corporation and many others. It comes as no surprise that many executives and employees of these companies call Woodlands, Texas home.
Established in 1974, the Woodlands has enjoyed steady growth since its inception. According to recent estimates, around 109,000 people reside in the Woodlands, up significantly from the 8,400 people who lived there in the 1980’s. Not surprisingly, the Woodlands offers an exceptional education system. Most schools in the area have achieved “exemplary” ratings, which is the highest ranking in Texas. Parents have a wide choice of both public and private education options.
Situated less than 30 miles north of Houston, accessing the city is never a problem via Interstate-45. Regardless of whether visiting the city for business or pleasure, you can enjoy casual or high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment stone’s throw away from your home in the suburbs.
For corporate executives, the Woodlands is convenient to both International and Domestic Airports that are in the area. It’s easy to book a commercial or a private flight to the destination of your choice, whether it is Toronto, Canada or Denver, Colorado.
Vasquez Remodeling & Construction is a General Contractor that serves the Woodlands, TX area.
Our company specializes in installing Roofing Systems, Custom Home Building, Kitchen and Bath Remodeling, Window Replacement, Siding, Swimming Pool Design and Construction, and Custom Decks for residents in this growing Montgomery County, TX area.
Build the Home of Your Dreams!
Have you always dreamed of building a custom designed home in one of the villages or neighborhoods in the Woodlands? Vasquez Remodeling and Construction is here to help you make that vision become a reality! From blueprints to putting on the finishing touches that make your new house your ‘home’, our construction company is there by your side to make sure your home building project gets completed professionally and efficiently!
Create an Outdoor Sanctuary!
There is nothing more rewarding than having a backyard that you, your family, and your friends can enjoy for years to come. Vasquez Remodeling & Construction are professionals at Swimming Pool Design and Construction. Their expert builders are here to help create an outdoor oasis that’s custom crafted to meet your needs. We do everything from installing decking, pouring concrete to building custom grottoes, built-in BBQ’s, custom fireplaces and firepits, to installing fountains, swimming pools, jet pools, and other water features that are calming and soothing. When you own a backyard designed and constructed by Vasquez Remodeling & Construction, you may never want to leave your house again!
Add Curb Appeal!
It takes one resilient house to defend against the hot Texas sun! Vasquez Remodeling & Construction is your choice for your Woodlands home improvement and repair needs. If you notice that your home isn’t as energy-efficient as it once was, this could indicate that you need to install a new roofing system, new windows, or new siding to reap the benefits these systems provide. Not only does this investment in your home provide a cost-savings on your monthly energy bill, but you will also dramatically increase the curb appeal of your residence and boost the market value, as well.
New and Returning Customers Welcome
Vasquez Remodeling & Construction is happy to work with both new and returning customers in the Woodlands, Texas area. Call us today to discuss your project!