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After considering our construction options, we came to the conclusion that acting as our own contractors isn't in the schedule. We've ruled out using an owner-builder system as they are generally structured.
We have been given several references and will be sending out the following letter to them.
If you are a general contractor or construction supervisor and would like to be considered, feel free to drop us a line. If you are selected, your work will be reviewed here on the site—along with the bulk of hired subcontractors—and links to your business site will be included.
To Whom It May Concern:
We are building a new home on a half-acre lot located in Lindon, Utah.
We are looking for a general contractor or a construction supervisor to manage the project. We had originally intended to do this as an owner/builder, but time constraints have made that difficult. We are trying to find the best match for us in services and cost.
Current Status:
- Site survey completed
- Full architectural plans completed and available
- Structural engineering has been completed
- Site plan completed
- Project is ready to be submitted to Lindon City for permit with the exception of sizing HVAC and radiant heating, service meter and water line sizes, and the Model Energy Code Compliance Report
- Need detailed cost estimates to complete financing
Project Specifications:
- Home will be constructed of insulated concrete form with steel frame interior
- Steel frame, steel roof truss, metal decking for concrete flooring system, car park over basement already specified, estimated, and engineered—only labor needed for installation
- Insulated concrete form system for exterior walls, already specified, estimated, and engineered, subcontractor for installation already in place
- Two-story on mildly sloping lot with walk-out basement
- Top floor: 1911 sq ft
- Main floor: 2544 sq ft
- Basement: 3715 sq ft
- Garages: 1171 sq ft
- Cold storage: 276 sq ft
- Energy efficient, green home
- Radiant floor heating
- Optional pool
Contracting Details:
- Stipulated or lump sum contract
- Owner approves subcontractors based on multiple bids
- Subcontractors to bid labor and materials separately
- Option to purchase materials directly or through the subcontractor
- Labor and materials invoiced separately
- Subcontractors to be paid directly by owner
If you are interested in working with us on this project, you can get details and dowloads from our owner-builder blog.
Once you have evaluated the plans, please answer the following survey questions and include a proposal for how you would approach such a project.
Thank you for your time. We hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Samuel M. & Alison Moore Smith
General Contractor Questionnaire
- Are you licensed? (proof)
- Are you insured? (proof)
- How long have you been in business?
- How many homes of similar construction have you built?
- How many homes of similar size have you built?
- Do you offer a written guarantee?
- How do we contact you?
Alison Moore Smith is a 61-year-old entrepreneur who graduated from BYU in 1987. She has been (very happily) married to Samuel M. Smith for 40 years. They are parents of six incredible children and grandparents to two astounding grandsons. She is the author of The 7 Success Habits of Homeschoolers.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith,
I was referred your name by Robert and Kim Kehrer in whom I recently constructed a custom home for in Mapleton Utah. I would like to meet with you and give you a referral and information package on myself and my company as soon as possible.
Thank you for the consideration,
Brad H. Bushman
I will send you an email about your home. I hope we can get together to discuss what our company can do for you.
Dear Sam and Alison Smith
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My name in Bob C. Buckley Jr. I am general contractor licensed and insured though the state of Utah I have been referred to you by Jason and Kasie Alba of Herriman Utah. Our company has over 15 years experience, and have been in construction longer before that working beside my father in excavation. We specialize not only in Excavation but Carpentry and Concrete work. We would like to set up a meeting with you to talk and see what we can do for you. I have built custom homes from Alpine, Park City, Eagle Mountain, and Kemmerer Wyoming area. We also have a blog for you to also look at that we just started up and a website coming soon this week (we should be live this week). The blog address is tuscanybuilders.blogspot.com to learn a little about us and the website address is going to be http://www.tuscanybuildersinc.com . We can be each by e-mail or phone at 801-598-8280. We look forward is hearing from you.
Hello Mr. & Mrs. Smith,
Your home is beautiful. I’m very interested in discussing the project with you. I will call and speak to you about our company. I think we fit the project very well.
Sam / Alison
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We received a correspondence from a long time personal friend who resides there in Colorado regarding your desire to build in Lindon. We live and work right here in Lindon where you indicate you may be constructing a new residence. Our personal residence is Arts & Crafts/ Mission Style and was Magleby Companies entry in the 2003 Utah Valley Parade of Homes. We would be happy to talk to you about your project. We have been in business here in Utah for over 35 years and are well established and stable unlike many of our peers currently. I would encourage you to visit our website to see if our services may be of interest to you. http://www.maglebycompanies.com ÂÂ
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You mention some desire for energy efficiency which we hold at a high level of priority on all our projects, residential and commercial. We have certifications through NAHB in their Certified Green Professional program and will have one of our four entries in this years Utah Valley Parade of Homes as one of the first homes certified under the new ANSI NAHB Green Build Standard.
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Please feel free to contact us at your convenience.
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 Paul
Magleby Companies Incorporated
P.O. Box 935
Orem, Utah 84059
801.785.9998 Office
801.785.9994 Fax
801.376.9971 Cell
2006/2007 NAHB National Custom Home Builder of the Year
Brad Bushman Construction, BBC INC.
2605 Oakridge drive
Spanish Fork , Utah 84660
cell: 801-623-3540
ofc.: 801-794-1466
fax: 801-794-1743
bbcinc@gmail.com
My company has been in business for 2 months. I have been a project manager for 6 years (specializing in energy star and green building over the past 3 yrs), and in construction for the last 12 years. I am licensed and insured. I have built over 300 homes in the past 6 years. About 2 dozen of those homes were similar to the home you are looking to build. I have also built 4 commercial buildings at 16,812 sq ft each. Building is my passion.  I am experienced in all aspects of building; but what I enjoy doing the most is custom building. My wife and I also home school our two children so we understand the importance of having you home function to fit the specific needs of your family.  I look forward to hearing from you. You can contact me via phone or e-mail.
Satori Construction
Benjamin Peretto
(801) 635-5100
peretto3@gmail.com
Just an update. We have received a number of calls and emails from highly qualified builders. We are in the process of making a short list—from the information we received—and contacting a number of builders to meet with them to discuss the project.
We have met with four great builders to date. We are in the process of getting rough bids on the project that will allow us to get an appraisal and proceed with financing.
What did you decide to do on this? I’d like to know how your meetings went and who you are using, if you have decided yet.
It was surprising to me how much response you got. This is a great way to compare services and prices. It’s the Lending Tree model for construction. Let them compete for your business.
Are you still looking for a contractor? My cousin has done a lot of work right by you and has great references.
No! You’ll note that this post was written almost two years ago. The house is done and we’re in, bumps and all. 🙂
Interesting that people are turning to an open forum like this to hire a contractor for such a big job. I think you would have better luck working through a referral system. You may have to weed out a lot of unqualified candidates doing it like this.
Hi Richard. If you read the blog you’ll know that I didn’t use the blog as the only — or even primary — source for finding a general. I used traditional venues and reported them here.
You’ve done an impressive job detailing your construction needs, Samuel and Alison. It’s clear that you’ve put considerable thought into this project. Acting as your own contractor can be a daunting task, and recognizing when to seek professional help is a crucial decision. Your thoroughness in providing specifications and what you’re looking for in a contractor will undoubtedly streamline the selection process.