The standard process employed by prospective owners of a custom home entails interviewing and then hiring an architect. The architect executes a set of plans and obtains approval from the Architectural Review Board. The plans are then submitted to builders to solicit bids. Often, when the bids return from the builders, the prospective homeowners are frequently surprised by the high cost of the project. In the worst cases, projects have been abandoned and the land goes back on the market for resale. Brassfield McBreairty & Fulk employs a different process to avoid this sort of outcome.

A) Client Architectural Profile We have developed a questionnaire that allows us to develop an architectural profile for each client. It details the aspects of the client’s taste, life style, and desired living spaces. It is very specific about the type, arrangement, and size of various living spaces as well as the level of finish detail desired.

From this information we can accurately estimate the size, form, and complexity of the structure. It is at this point that we begin to make some suggestions on how to maximize value relative to cost.

B) The Price Point From the information gleaned from the architectural profile we work with the client to establish a price point for the project. It is a target that fits the client’s budget while at the same time meeting the requirements established in the architectural profile. Both the architectural profile and development of the price point are done prior to meeting with architects.

C) The Architectural Process At this point the client begins the process of interviewing architects. Factors to consider include architectural design preferences, personal chemistry, availability, and fees. There are a number of architects that we refer clients to with whom we have existing relationships.

We are also happy to work with others if the client prefers, but your architect should be comfortable with Brassfield McBreairty & Fulk being a part of the process. As the architect develops the design we provide assistance and insight to ensure that it is compatible with the price point that has been established. We will also attend all Architectural Review Board meetings with the architect to ensure that any ARB required changes are also compatible with the price point.

D) Hard Allowances Custom home bids from builders almost always contain allowance numbers that cover such things as plumbing and lighting fixtures, kitchen cabinets, appliances, floor coverings, built-ins, and a multitude of other items.  These figures tend to be guesstimates at best and are fairly soft numbers. When the prospective home owner starts selecting the actual components to be incorporated in the house it is not unusual for the allowances to be exceeded, thereby increasing the actual price relative to the contract price. At Brassfield McBreairty & Fulk, we use hard allowances in our bids. We personally take you to our suppliers and help you select exactly the items you want included in your home. During the process we provide guidance to help you stay near the determined price point.  After you have made your selections we obtain firm prices from our suppliers which form the basis of the allowances included in our bid. 

With this method unpleasant surprises can be avoided. You may wish to have your architect or interior designer provide some input as you make your selections. You are free to change you mind about your selections anytime prior to actual ordering. We always review the selections with you prior to placing an order. If you do change your mind we are more than happy to accommodate you.

E) The Bid
When the plans are in the final approval stage with the ARB and all prices are available for the hard allowance figures, a detailed bid will be finalized. Full details of what is included will be provided.

F) The Contract
At this point the client enters into a contract with Brassfield McBreairty & Fulk to construct the home. We offer two contract options:

1) Fixed fee/Fixed price contract.

2) Cost plus percentage fee contract.

We are confidant in our ability to control project costs, and feel there is little difference between the two options. The client should choose the method they are most comfortable with.