Each week, readers of New Homes Marketplace ask questions of area homebuilders. Rich Bridges, Chicago Division Sales Manager for David Weekley Homes, provides this week’s answers.
Q: What is the normal timeframe to build a home and how do you make sure we don’t exceed it? How does weather affect these dates? How do you keep the buyer up-to-date on changes in the timeframe? What are my responsibilities as a buyer to make sure that we keep on track with the building schedule?
— Kendall, Batavia
A: We pride ourselves on our commitment to providing our homebuyers with an open line of communication with our Sales Consultants and Builders throughout the home building journey. In addition to a weekly phone call with each buyer and a minimum of four onsite meetings during the building process, each homebuyer also receives a “Homeowner Portfolio” that details what to expect during the building process, along with the homebuyer responsibilities. Consistent communication is one of the most important commitments we make to our buyers.
Q: How do you work with me to make sure I do not exceed my budget during the process? Am I told how much all extras are as I purchase them, i.e., I want upgraded cabinets — do I know the added cost when I choose them in the selection center? What if I want to add a finished basement?
— Donna, Tinley Park
A: We work with each buyer to find the right balance between their budget and selections. In fact, we are able to provide estimates in real time while working with a customer on their first visit to a community. Buyers can create a Wish List prior to their selection appointment by utilizing their personal buyer site, which is a website dedicated to their new home. This is a great way for our Design Consultants to get a better idea what the buyers want and need in their new home, and also provides information that will help them to better assist buyers through the design process. At the end of the selection appointment, homebuyers will make their final selections and receive the cost for each item before finalizing the list of Custom ChoicesTM they desire in their home. A finished basement is available to buyers and is considered a structural option, which we call Flex Options because it offers homebuyers the flexibility to build a home with the design and features that best suit their unique needs.
About David Weekley Homes
David Weekley Homes, founded in 1976, is headquartered in Houston and operates in 22 cities across the United States. David Weekley Homes was the first builder in the United States to be awarded the Triple Crown of American Home Building, an honor which includes “America’s Best Builder,” “National Housing Quality Award” and “National Builder of the Year.” Weekley has also appeared nine times on FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For(R)” list. Since inception, David Weekley Homes has closed more than 80,000 homes. David Weekley Homes expanded to Chicago in 2014 and is now building in The Enclave at The Grove in Glenview, Easton Station in Buffalo Grove, Madison Estates in Hinsdale and The Reserve at Barrington. More information on David Weekley Homes is available by calling 800-403-2783 or visiting davidweekleyhomes.com.
