Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Will you work with my own architect?

A:  Yes, we've worked with past clients who had family architects or a chosen architect from another state.  Our LEAN Construction Methodology and overall process allows us to collaborate with out-of-state architects with ease using our cloud project management software.  Architects can be as involved or uninvolved in the process as they chose.  

Q:  What size project is too small?

A:  Our firm is not setup for kitchen or bath remodels; however, we will review remodels starting at $300,000 and up.

Q:  Will Haley Custom Homes build a modern design?

A:  Yes, we are not married to one style.  We welcome all styles and have a portfolio of all the styles we have built in the past from modern, traditional to mountain rustic.  

Q:  What goes into pricing a custom home?

A:  It seems I am constantly fielding questions from customers about how much a custom home costs. The best answer I can give without being able to see a set of architectural plans first is to ask how much a car costs. Though the two concepts may not seem related at first glance, I ask you to take a moment to consider the following:

There are a variety of items that go into the making and price tag of a car, including an engine, wheels, doors, steering wheel, brakes, and an accelerator. But the cost of the car is determined by the price of the materials that go into its construction as well as the labor and time required to build the car and ensure that it is in working condition.

The same holds true for the construction of a home. When a builder tells you he can build a house for X amount per square foot without even taking a look at the drawings or considering the cost of materials involved, you may want to proceed with caution.

Q:  Is getting several bids the best way to choose a builder in today's market?

A: I suggest you spend your time wisely by putting a team together instead of bidding out a project, since this is often the most critical part of having a successful build. In this blog post, I will explain why engaging in a bidding war is often the biggest mistake my clients make.

Builders are often given a set of plans that may or may not be the final set of drawings. During the bidding process, builders know they are in competition with other builders of varying levels of expertise, which may be reflected in the price. Bidding will not help you with what should be your top concern: the quality of the house one builder can offer over another.

Often the lowest bidder is the guy who is the least busy, and it’s important that you ask yourself why.

If your goal of bidding is to get a better idea of how much it will cost to build your home, you may want to reconsider. In reality, a builder will only bid exactly what they see on the set of plans and nothing more because they know that all the other builders will do the same. The problem that occurs here is that it is unrealistic to think that an architect will call out every detail on your plans. This is why the items are not accounted for in the bids that you receive back. If there are grey areas, many builders and subcontractors will not bid on those areas, or will give a low estimate in order to get your business. The reality of the situation is that the number you receive from the builders is a guess at best.

Q: Should we buy new or build new?

A: With today’s market, Haley Custom Homes suggest that potential buyers look at a few things when trying to decide on whether to buy a custom home in Denver or to build a custom home in Colorado.

First,  we suggest you search the internet or hire a Denver Custom Home realtor specialist, and we suggest you callSotheby’s or Kentwood Realtor Group.  The agents that work for these brokerage houses have the best information on existing Denver Custom Homes that are available.  They will also have a good handle on potential building sites in Cherry Hills, Denver Country Club, or Greenwood Village.

Most builders cannot build the same custom home from scratch for the same price that you can buy an existing Custom Home in Denver, Cherry Hills, or Greenwood Village. Any builder that says they can, I would question immediately.

The exercise then is to try to find a custom home that is close to what you are looking for, and then bring in a builder like Haley Custom Homes to give you an idea of what that custom home would cost to do the changes you would like to do.  Then compare that total cost to what it would cost for you to build your own custom home.

Here at Haley Custom Homes, we want to build your dream home, but only if you cannot find what you want in the open market first.  This prevents buyers from having “Buyers Remorse”, which we have seen happen in this market due to buyers not doing their due diligence.

Q: I want to remodel. Should I hire a small size contractor?

A: When looking for a Custom Home remodeling company, make sure you are working with a reputable custom home contractor.  There are many contractors who work out of their “pick up trucks” so to speak, and I would just caution you on these companies.  Many small contractors on the surface look like the best deal in town, but many are under funded, and when there is a problem, they do not have either the financial or man power to correct the problems.  Always ask about their insurance policies they have with their subcontractors and ask to view there subs certificates of Insurance.

Many of these contractors target the high end areas like Cherry Hills, Greenwood Village and Denver Country Club areas.  My advice is to do your homework on these contractors, and get homeowner referrals that are close to your area.  Never pay a contractor upfront, only pay them for work that has been done.

Q: What should I look for when hiring a home builder?

A: Below are a few things to look out for when you are looking to hire a custom home contractor:

Quality Control Measures – Does your custom home contractor use third party inspectors to inspect the foundation, roofing, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, and electrical

Cost Control Measures – The budgeting process, the change order process, material purchasing process, billing process, are a few of the areas you want to discuss with your Custom Home Contractor.

Risk Management Measures – What steps are being taken to protect you, when it comes to a subcontractor’s insurance (for competed operations), and warranty assurances.

Q: What should I consider for resale value?

A: The trend in new home building is rapidly shifting toward green and energy efficient building. What’s optional this year in terms of building homes with energy efficiency, in all likelihood, will be required in the near future.

If cities, towns, and counties enact green and energy efficient building ordinances, which we fully expect them to do, soon every new home will have energy ratings.

Fast forward five or fifteen years, to a time when you might want to sell your custom home, and your home will be competing in the marketplace with green built homes. If your home isn’t green – with all of the energy-efficiencies already built in – you’ll be at a competitive disadvantage.

You’re investing a lot of money, time, and passion into building a custom home that you’ll love. It only makes sense to take the extra steps to ensure that your home has the maximum resale value.