The trusted name in home building®
SKEPTICAL HOME BUYERS ASK BUILDER,
DICK WILDERMUTH, TOUGH QUESTIONS!
Q : You used to be a so-called “stick-builder”, what made you change?
A: Yes, I was, for the better part of 10 years, and during that time I struggled constantly for control over the building process: control over the cost, the time, and the quality. As I look back, I was seldom satisfied on all fronts.
You see, even stick-builders usually do only the carpentry- work themselves, if that. There is this huge reliance on a variety of subcontractors and material suppliers all with divided loyalties...divided because they work for so many different builders. Control in such a scenario is a loosely defined concept at best.
Q : So how does using modular methods solve that problem?
A: You control cost two ways. First, since as much as 90% of the work is done in the factory that leaves very little to the vagaries of the working conditions at the site. Second, we get a fixed quote from the manufacturer that assures us what our costs are so we can pass on that assurance to you.
You gain control of the timing because once you place an order with us you get a fixed delivery date and the little work that remains after that is very predictable. Besides, we have taken the unpredictability of the weather virtually out of the picture.
And last, you get control of the quality because the assembly process in a climate-controlled factory is very consistent.
Q : OK, so you make building easy, you can build very quickly and the quality is consistent, but just how good is that quality?
A: Well, what do you think about what you see here in our model homes?
Q : Very nice, but what about the parts that I can't see?
A: Here’s an example: If you have ever walked through a stick-built home under construction after a good rain you’d see puddles on the plywood floors and rusty nails. You'll never see that on one of our sites because the homes are built indoors and delivered to us weather tight. When we turn over a new house to an owner, everything used to build it is new too and not weather-beaten.
Also, we use only windows that have Low-E glass and the insulation exceeds all code requirements so our homes are very economical to heat and cool.
Q : You mean they are more energy efficient too? How can that be?
A: A great amount of the energy consumed heating or cooling a home is the result of changing the temperature of newly introduced outside air. So the tighter the house and the better the windows and weather-stripping, the lower the fuel bills. Because of all the gluing and foaming we do and the insulated doors and windows, our homes are very energy efficient.
What's more, we build in more floor, wall and ceiling insulation than is required by code, which keeps our homes quieter and more comfortable.
Q : Is it really less expensive to build modular?
A: Our customers routinely tell us that either we saved them money or that they were able to build a better home for the same price as a stick builder. Modular construction is a very efficient way to build.
Q : Okay, I came to a modular company to see if I could save money. I haven't had a chance to compare quotes from several builders yet. Why would I choose you to be my builder if you're not less expensive?
A: Great floor plans, custom design service, knowledgeable and friendly staff, excellent quality...those are the kinds of things past customers say in follow-up reviews and letters. Honestly, they seldom mention price. Besides, I don’t know that we’re not less expensive since we don’t shop our prices against competitors. But our customers do. We've built over 1400 new homes and I can say with certainty that these folks did not choose Connecticut Valley so they could spend more than necessary to get what they wanted.
Q : Where do your designs come from?
A:
Catherine Taylor, my business partner and the founder of Connecticut Valley Homes, is our designer. Her Catherine Taylor Collection plans are the distillation of deep historical experience and constant new study. That beautiful blend of something old and something new that is at once fresh and enduring.
Clients are also encouraged to bring their own plan ideas. We are not limited to the Catherine Taylor Collection plans or any of our other standard plans. I’ve often seen where Catherine has provided popular alternative design ideas to a client’s plan for them to consider. Clients routinely tell us how grateful they are for Catherine’s help.
Q : I want to compare your quote accurately with other builders. Are there any other savings?
A: The speed of our methods alone will save about half of the construction interest cost and there are no costs from pilferage and weather damage that figure into most regular bids.
Our speed, and the fact we get a home weather tight and locked in one day, makes a big difference. We built a home across the street for my friend, Paul Williams. There were four other homes in his neighborhood being site built and they all had at least a two month head start on us. Paul and his family were moved in and settled at least two months sooner than any of the other four!
You mentioned comparing quotes accurately. If you're interested, we offer help comparing prices from different builders. So, if you're confused about allowances, specifications or the "Bottom Line", let us know and we'll show you how to compare information.
Q : Your model homes are beautiful. Doesn't it bother you when customers look at other builders?
A: We always encourage people to check other builders because we're confident that the more you look the better we'll look. You are investing in a new home, maybe the single largest investment of your life, and what most people want to know is exactly what they are getting for their hard earned dollars.
That's why the model homes are such a valuable asset for you. Since we guarantee you'll get what you see, you have the opportunity to check out in advance the quality you'll be getting.
Q : What are your guarantees?
A: First, you get a complete floor to roof peak guarantee that covers all labor and material for the first 12 months. Also, you get a ten year structural warranty. Beyond that you get an array of product warranties that extend as long as 40 years.
What most new homeowners want is to know that the builder will come back and take care of whatever minor glitches crop up. For that, you simply have to pick the right builder.
Q : Do you go back and take care of the "minor glitches", as you call them?
A: Absolutely. More than 50% of our customers are referrals. You get that by taking care of the details. That's what makes our personal guarantee so valuable.
Q : Don't you guys require the homeowner to provide his own foundation, and well, and everything?
A: We will either arrange to have all of the site work done for you by one of our proven site work contractors, or you can do some or all of it yourself. You can pick what suits you best. We have found either method easy and very cost effective.
Q : OK, so modulars sound pretty good, but why should I choose Connecticut Valley Homes? Aren't all modular companies the same?
A: That's just like saying all cars are the same. They're not.
Your choice is two-fold. The first is the manufacturer and they are different as are the makers of automobiles. What they produce depends on what they are aiming to produce and the level of their skill. Not all are trying to build to the highest possible standards. There are big markets in some areas for very cheap housing, while others target varying intermediate and upscale levels all the way to modular mansions.
We have always kept our standards high because that is what gives us the greatest professional satisfaction. Besides, we're not "get in and get out" kind of people. We've got deep roots here.
The second consideration is the local builder...people like us. We've built over 1400 homes and our track record speaks for itself on that issue.
Q : Connecticut Valley Homes does have a good reputation, but things can't go right 100% of the time. What kind of surprises might I expect?
A: Only pleasant ones.
Q : Sounds like a flip response.
A: Sorry, that wasn't my intention. It's just that when the same due diligence is directed at the work done on site and to the ordering and service process, you don't have a lot of unhappy surprises.
When we quote, we include all taxes, transportation, erection and on-site labor.
Q : Have you ever had a cost overrun?
A: None that a customer ever had to pay.
Q : In over 1400 homes?
A: That's right.
Q : Will you put all of your guarantees in writing for me?
A: Yes.
Q : Can I get references?
A: Of course. Our referrals come from former customers, banks and even building inspectors.
Q : Are you a “green” builder?
A: We can build to any level of green, greener or greenest and guide you through the choices. Personally, I was in the first Connecticut graduating class of the National Association of Home Builders to be a Certified Green Professional.
Q : Do you live in one of your modular homes?
A: I sure do. In fact, my farm was featured in the New London Day newspaper. Some of the photos from the article appear in the questions and answers above.
CALL US TODAY!
Model Home Center: (toll free) (800) 468-6284 or (860) 739-6913
Narragansett Model: (toll free) (888) 217-8252 Fax: (860) 739-8141
Narragansett Model: (toll free) (888) 217-8252 Fax: (860) 739-8141
