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Dear
Dan & Matt,
It's been a little more than a year since we signed a contract
for you to build our new home, and we've now been living in
the home for a few months. We've been more than pleased with
both the process and the end product. Here are some of the
things we particularly appreciated as we worked with you:
•
Up-front diligence and patience. We did a lot of
preparatory work prior to contract signing and were not about
to sign before we felt we had covered a lot of ground and
specified the house thoroughly. We were very pleased that
you were equally committed to such diligence and, in fact,
didn't want to move faster, either. The time we spent up front
really helped through the whole course of the building process.
•
Give and take. Our relationship throughout the process
was one of easy exchange between us, based on a shared objective
and mutual respect. At times you showed tremendous flexibility,
even to the extent of allowing us to suggest alternate sources
of materials or contractors than you usually use (e.g., the
hardwood flooring). Yet at other times you were firm regarding
the use of certain contractors or building components. You
listened very well to us and took the time to understand our
"vision or our point of view. And you offered suggestions
for improvement that we hadn't considered at numerous points
along the way (e.g., the "eyebrow casement windows and the
design of the service walks).
•
Communications. Your communication with us was exemplary.
You communicated frequently with us (we generally touched
base on a daily basis). Whenever we had a decision to make,
you did a wonderful job of gathering all relevant subcontractor
input, alternatives, etc., and summarizing that to us in a
clear manner that simplified our decision-making. When we
asked you for information, you always got back to us in a
timely manner with what we needed.
•
Timeliness. Our contract specified an expected delivery
timeframe of 10 months, yet you delivered the house to us
in 9 months and that was after both a delayed start due to
heavy rain in the fall and delayed completion due to local
government roadblocks.
•
Quality. Not only did you specify quality structural
components, but perhaps more importantly, you used top-notch
contractors, and you wouldn't compromise your standards to
cut costs. You spent a lot of time on site, working alongside
the contractors and catching things we wouldn't ever notice.
And you were meticulous about addressing those things we did
bring to your attention, and ensuring certain things that
were important to us (e.g., the kitchen tile backsplash, the
trim carpentry, and the woodwork finishing) were completed
to our full satisfaction.
•
Integrity. This was probably the single most important
factor that contributed to our positive home building experience
with you. Even after all the pre-contract diligence, there
were inevitable unforeseen changes during the home building
process necessitated by other entities as well as additional
decisions to be made. We never felt we were taken advantage
of because of our lack of "inside knowledge; you treated us
more than fairly and maintained the high level of trust between
us to the end.
Not only can we not say enough good things about our home
and the building process with you (and we are very willing
to serve as a reference as well as show off our beautiful
house for you), but we've developed a strong friendship with
you that we hope will last well beyond this initial project.
From the stories we hear from friends who have had homes built,
how often does that happen between homeowners and home builders?!
Sincerely,
H
& T D.
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