Custom Design / Build by Boss and Mennie Luxury Home Builders

~ OUR CUSTOM DESIGN / BUILD PROCESS ~

We feel the homebuilding process should be enjoyable, and we know that most builders don't consider this an important factor. Above all else, we put you, the customer, first. Whether it is the first time we are meeting or you are receiving the keys to your home at the end of your build journey, we always aim to exceed your expectations. If you wouldn't recommend us to a friend, then we have failed in our overall goal. With that in mind, we have developed a proven process that puts you in charge and allows you to get answers to all your questions upfront. We find many customers don't know where to begin, and have so many unanswered questions. How do I build my dream home? Do I call an architect? What about financing? Do I need a Realtor? What about interior design? What are "allowances"? We will answer all these questions for you, and in line with our efforts to make your homebuilding experience enjoyable and stress-free, we have established a full in-house team to handle all of your home building needs in our convenient "One-Stop-Shop". Whether you need architectural or interior design, engineering, permitting, help purchasing a lot or selling your current home, or securing financing for your new home, our team of professionals will hold your hand every step of the way, ensuring you are getting the first class service you deserve.

INTRODUCTORY MEETING

When you contact us, we will schedule an appointment at your convenience - whether 7 o'clock at night or a Saturday afternoon, we understand that most family's have busy lifestyles and we remain flexible to accommodate your schedule. In the initial meeting we will get to know you and your dream. There is no cost, nor any obligation for this meeting. We will ask questions about your tastes and lifestyle, and listen to your ideas to determine the basic features to be incorporated into your new home's design. During this meeting it would be helpful for you to have magazine clippings, photos, notes, websites, etc. that help us dial into your "mind's eye" of that perfect home. If you already have blueprints you would like to use, we can review them at this meeting, and if you already have a lot in mind, we would like to see any surveys you may have, or visit the lot in person. We would be happy to provide a free, no obligation lot evaluation if you are considering buying a lot and would like to get our advice before making a commitment. If you haven't yet found that perfect lot, we have our own in-house Real Estate Professional who can help you with your search at no cost to you. Many of the lots we can find for you are not even listed on MLS, but are known to us through our relationships with other builders, developers and private property owners. We also have strong relationships with area banks to help you get the best financing possible should that be necessary. By the end of our initial meeting, we will give you at least some ballpark cost estimates and construction timeframes for your home, based on the information discussed. With a little notice, we may be able to schedule a visit to a home we have recently built so you can see for yourself the quality of our work and perhaps even get a chance to talk with one of our customers firsthand.

DESIGN PROCESS: EASY AS 1-2-3

Following the initial meeting, we will develop a simple conceptual floor plan for your new home based on the wish list established in that meeting, and determine a more accurate price range. The purpose of the conceptual design is simply to get a few ideas on paper to help generate ideas for further design discussions. The final price of your home will vary depending on the level of fixtures and finishes you choose, and as we get further into the design of your home, we will narrow down the price to include everything you would expect, with appropriate allowances for custom items, so there will be no nasty surprises when it comes time to make your selections.

When the initial design is ready for review, we will contact you to schedule a follow-up meeting. This meeting is also free of charge, and requires no obligation on your part. We think it's important for you to feel comfortable with us by putting us to the test early, and we gladly accept that challenge by providing you with exactly what we've promised from the start - no worries, no hassles and an experience that exceeds your expectations.

By now, we hope that you will know us well enough to conclude that we are the ideal builder for your home. If you are happy with our work so far, we will then continue to work on your design under an initial design contract. There is a small one-time fee for this continued design, and the contract is intended to limit your obligation should you decide to change your mind about building. During the initial design stage, our talented design team, with your input, will develop up to three variations of the initial conceptual design, including fully rotatable computerized 3D models and pricing for each concept. We will ultimately select one, or a combination of these three designs to continue on with our detailed design stage.

Under a detailed design contract, this is where we really start to refine your custom home's layout, look and feel. As a part of the detailed design process, we will generate and continually update a detailed, fully rotatable computerized 3D model of the finished design, so you can visualize your home before we even break ground! By now, you will have a complete understanding of your home's floor plan, exterior, finish selections and/or allowances, a construction timeline and a cost and payment schedule. During this phase, we are not only refining the design of the home as you see it, but also generating a full set of construction documents in preparation for permitting. This will include electrical plans, floor and roof truss design, mechanical system design, structural engineering calculations and design, site plans and more! By the end of this stage, you will have a truly custom-designed home of distinction ready to build!

BASIC STEPS OF BUILDING YOUR HOME

1. Permitting

Once the designs are finalized and signed and sealed by a licensed Engineer, we submit your application and blueprints to the construction permitting department of appropriate jurisdiction. During this stage, which could take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, every item of your plans is checked in detail to ensure that your home meets all code requirements, and that the construction of your home will not negatively impact neighboring properties. Once your plans are approved and all the boxes have been checked, building permits are issued to allow construction to start. At regular stages during construction, inspections are performed by Building Inspectors to ensure that all the work is being completed according to the approved plans.

2. Demolition and Site Preparation

If there is an existing building on your site that needs demolishing to make way for your new home, we would apply for the appropriate demolition permit in parallel with the building permitting process. Once approved, the existing home would be demolished and the site cleared and graded as needed. Sometimes seawall work is required and recommended at this stage, but each lot varies. Finally, we have a licensed survey company layout the home's "footprint" as indicated on your approved site plan, taking the setbacks and any special site characteristics into consideration, such as protected trees.

3. Foundation & Structure

Depending on the nature of the foundation, in this stage we drive pilings, pour footers and concrete grade beams and finally pour your home's slab. Once the slab cures, we build the block walls and begin the framing. Lastly, we will set the roof trusses.

Unfortunately, many "reputable" homebuilders try to go cheap here often resulting in a structure built to the bare minimum using sloppy, inexperience workers and sub-par materials. We use only the finest grade materials and highly skilled, experienced workers for this important step. You might be wondering, "What's the difference between a good foundation and a poor one?" To that we would say, "Please give us a call and let us show you!".

4. Dry-in

In this stage we will install the roof underlayment and exterior wall coverings (like Tyvek) where needed. We waterproof balconies, porches and decks as needed using the latest high-quality water-proofing methods the industry has to offer. We will also install the windows and exterior doors, thoroughly sealing everything from Florida's driving rains.

We feel the dry-in phase is one of the most critical to get right the first time and to that end, you will find us personally overseeing many areas of this step. Water leaks are one of the easiest things to create if work isn't done correctly, and usually one of the costliest to repair. This is where our experience and background in restoring some of Tampa's oldest homes has taught us valuable lessons. It's important that your home not just look good for the first few years, but for many, many years to come.

5. Trade Work

Now begins the work of the plumbers, HVAC, electricians, gas piping contractors and home automation wiring. Each trade meticulously follows the blueprints laying piping and wiring as needed, after which, our insulation company installs your home's insulation. Our workers have years and years of experience and you'll find in most cases our "standards" are considered "upgrades" to most builders. As an example, we use only Icynene spray foam in all ceilings wherever possible. Spray foam helps to keep your family healthier by eliminating fiberglass, which can become a harborage material for insects and rodents. Generous use of recessed lighting and outlets, thoughtful placement of A/C ducts, HEPA air filtration, LED indirect rope lighting, etc. are some of our "standards".

6. Drywall

Before we drywall, we do a complete video logging of your home's walls to allow any future work to be done safely and without guesswork. We also do a wall cavity cleaning prior to drywall so you can rest assured you're not living in debris and materials that insects find appealing. We've done remodel work where we've opened up walls and found everything from dead animals, plastic bottles, cigarette butts, candy, plastic bags, potato chip bags and even beer cans!

7. Cabinetry & Finishes

This is the fun part, where you get to see the custom choices you've made installed into your home! We use only the most talented carpenters and stone and wood flooring installers around. You'll find our in-house design team will provide you with invaluable suggestions to make your home a truly breathtaking masterpiece. You may know exactly what you want, or not have a clue, but either way, we will help and guide you using our extensive experience and expertise. In the end, your home will be something ready for a magazine photo-shoot!

8. Painting

Our in-house designer will help you to make suggestions so that your color scheme will both flow appropriately and flatter your décor. Additionally, we use only oil-based enamel on your moldings, trim and doors so that you have a furniture-like finish that will last for years and clean easily.

9. Fixtures

The fixtures are like the jewelry of your home. Lights, fans, sinks and faucets will have been selected by now to enhance your home's style and richness. Again, you'll have the full use of our design center to help you choose that perfect faucet or chandelier for the master bath. Have an antique light fixture you've found on a trip to Europe? No problem, we'll have it reconditioned and installed in the perfect spot.

10. Landscaping & Pool

At this point, your pool will be close to being completed and will be getting the finishing touches. We use a very talented pool and spa company that will help us design a pool that combines functionality while complementing your home's style. The pool's construction will be completely managed by Boss & Mennie, so you don't have to worry about a separate contract or conflicting schedules.

11. Certificate of Occupancy

Once all of the inspections are completed, you'll receive the Certificate of Occupancy and you'll officially be ready to move in. However, our goal is your total satisfaction, so we insist on an extremely thorough and detailed punch-list to ensure this. You'll find, above all else, you're satisfaction and happiness is the most important aspect of the building process to us.

12. Punch-out & Move-In

Once we've completed our punch-list to your satisfaction, we will help facilitate your move-in and assist you with getting your utilities transferred, etc. You'll learn we hope to remain friends long after the build is completed so you'll be able to call us with anything, day and night to keep you happy. Additionally, we schedule a free 6-month and 12-month paint touch-up after you've moved in to keep your home looking fresh not just on day one, but for a long time to come.

You'll also sleep well knowing your home is covered by one of the best warranties in the business, providing a minimum 2 years coverage on your home's systems (extendable up to 10 years), and a full 10 years on your home's structure.