Distinctly Montana Magazine

w w w. d i s t i n c t ly m o n ta n a . c o m 61 Best Builder tips for Your new Home What IS thE fIrSt thIng PEoPlE Want to knoW about thE buIlDEr WhEn DISCuSSIng thEIr nEW hoME PlanS? hoWarD MIllS: Building a new home is the result of many hours of discus- sion, hours of research and the realization of dreams. Naturally, when entrusting these dreams to a builder, people are interested in knowing about the builder's history, how he is viewed by previous clients (if they can visit several completed homes), and a little bit about the builder's life and family. This produces a level of comfort that is often the begin- ning of an enduring friendship. StEVE MIllEr: Building a new home may be the single largest financial investment the average person makes in their lifetime, so hiring the right builder could mean the difference in a fun, exciting experience, and a total nightmare. Matt grangE: One of the biggest questions we always get is our availability during a certain time frame to get a client's project done. John gIulIanI: We're often called by builders, architects, and homeown- ers searching for alternative products, which provide aesthetic appeal but offer cost savings or upgrades vs. other rustic wood materials on the market. Our customers want to know if they can purchase our specialty products direct without involving the extra expense of a lumber yard. Yes, we sell our products direct and find that this approach to market provides the best experience and value for our customers. What arE thE kEy ExPECtatIonS thE CuStoMEr haS, anD hoW Do you ManagE thEM? MIllEr: Bringing a project in on time and on budget is something that should be expected by the customer. gIulIanI: Our ranchwood product line, a premium alternative to re- claimed barnwood, has emerged nationally as the preferred option for rustic wood siding, timber and interior selections. Our customers expect a rustic product that has variation and cost savings. We've been success- ful in providing a menu of color, dimension, texture, and profile options to meet these expectations. MIllS: Most often their concern is about design both in terms of the site itself and the home they will build. Budget requirements, finishes, and scheduling also must be discussed. grangE: All homeowners should get a builder's undivided attention as it is one of the largest investments they make. We feel it necessary to get to know them very well as this helps with the entire custom build process. "In many cases the cost of building and the time required to provide the craftsmanship proves to be something (our customers) are unfamiliar with." HowarD MIllS

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