Customize: What does it mean?
Nearly all homebuilders use the word “custom” to describe themselves, their plans, their homes, their service and/or their capabilities in an effort to set themselves apart. But if we are all “custom” where, then, are we different? Maybe the word is so over-used that people don’t even hear it any more. Or think about what it might mean to them.
For example: Connecticut Valley Homes has had thousands of visitors at its Model Homes. To each guest we describe ourselves as a custom builder, and further reinforce that by saying changes to our plans, or even custom plans, are possible. We, in our minds, are picturing the thousands of size and feature changes we have made, not to mention the hundreds of truly original homes we have built including beach front homes on stilts, traditional farmhouses, country cottages and one-of-a-kind estate homes. Yet the kind of questions we often hear are, “Can we add a window here?” tell us there is a gulf between what custom can mean at Connecticut Valley Homes and what it means to our visitors or other builders.
“You and your company have done a first class job from the first day that we walked in to the last nail that was used. The crews were very fast and proficient. The architecture and designing departments were also very patient with all of the changes we made in the basic plans. After looking at six other companies it was hands down CVH.”
-Ralph, Pat, and Ben Edison
What custom means at Connecticut Valley Homes. What custom means at Connecticut Valley Homes is we build what the customer wants...the right combination for them of size, style, features and budget.
Some illustrations: At one end of the spectrum we worked with a customer’s architect to build a large 3-story combination residential and retail building in the main commercial district on Block Island, RI (an island in the North Atlantic only accessible by ferry boat). At the other end of the spectrum is a lovely 2-bedroom cottage we built based on one of our standard plans where we added lovely owner-inspired features like window boxes for flowers and warm hardwood floors. In each case what was built was what the customer wanted.
“We liked the staffs ability and willingness to be helpful and friendly throughout the entire experience. Our needs were a little unique and at times difficult but, that did not inhibit the staff from bending over backwards for us. We are truly thankful for you helping us make our dreams come true.”
-Curt, Floyd, and Donna Cristadore
Custom means more than the plan, custom at Connecticut Valley Homes includes the features, finishes and amenities that are especially important to the owners. Fireplaces, screened porches, hardwoods and tile, granite countertops, decorative and traditional siding, storage cubbies, walk-in pantries, tray ceilings, vaulted ceilings, recessed lighting, green building techniques and products, energy efficiency, glorious showers, get-away rooms, and sunny spaces.
“We liked the tremendous flexibility to make our house “custom”. No idea was ever dismissed without being explored. You delivered a quality product.”
-John and Dale King
We often work with an owner’s own sketches or plans. Many of those folks have a vision in their mind of what they want and appreciate the experienced design help they can get here making those visions a beautiful and practical reality.
We feature the Catherine Taylor Collection of plans, copyrighted designs created by our founder and available only at Connecticut Valley Homes. And since they were created here they are easily customized here.
Sometimes we begin with no more than a plot plan of the site and a checklist of features that a client wants included. We also work with architects and home designers.
“We are very happy with the many options that were available; the floor plans could be altered to fit. There were suggestions to consider to improve my design and plan for the house. Our design consultant was very helpful and easy to work with. He went beyond what he had to do to assist us. We would definitely recommend Connecticut Valley Homes .”
-John and Paula Trainor
Custom does not have to cost more. For instance, if a client were to choose one of our Catherine Taylor Collection plans and rearrange features in the plan like moving a bathroom from one end of the house to the other, or moving the stairs from the front to the back those are no cost changes. We don’t even charge for making the new plan.
“Thank you for all your help and patience while we were making decisions and waiting for everything to go through. You were very kind and understanding. Our home is everything we hoped for and more. We did look at quite a few different companies before we came to CVH. Nothing even came close when comparing with the quality and service of CVH. Thank you CVH for caring enough to build homes that people can take pride in and for treating us like people and not just customers. You really care.”
-John and Sheri Olsen
Even when we work with your architect’s plan or other original design, all the homes are priced the same way as our standard plans. You only pay for the size and features you want. And we present it all to you in “menu” fashion where all those features and finishes have line-item costs so an owner can carefully control their investment.
We highly recommend anyone considering building a new home view the models on site to see how much more their money can buy conducting business with Connecticut Valley Homes. Our home is well constructed with a guarantee of quality equal to or better than their model homes. This is a feature that should never be underestimated. We sincerely appreciate everyone’s guidance , patience, and support during the construction of our home.”
-Roy and Linda Kiggans
Everybody has a budget. And that is major part of the custom formula.
For prospective clients, those folks who are exploring the idea of building a new home, we have all of our standard plans pre-priced and our Getting to the Bottom Line worksheet which can be used as a budgeting guide in the earliest planning stages.
For those people committed to building we provided detailed line-item pricing with each plan revision and features selection so owners know their exact investment at all times. Before the construction begins. And we guarantee that price.
That’s custom.
-Doug and Nancy Cassella
Narragansett Model: (toll free) (888) 217-8252 Fax: (860) 739-8141
