At Moyer Builders, we are frequently asked how a homeowner can identify and obtain quality construction. “Today’s homebuyer is interested in trouble-free living for years to come. I believe that quality construction refers to the materials and construction techniques necessary to provide long-term durability and performance,” said Owner Pete Moyer. “First and foremost, a home should be well built. It should meet the homeowner’s standards, as well as industry standards. Only then can it be enhanced with ornamentation responsive to a particular homeowner’s needs or lifestyle.”
How to: recognize quality construction
Quality construction represents the proper execution of a thousand individual tasks and can be measured by the home’s longevity and durability, appraisal, performance, beauty and craftsmanship. We think a builder should exceed the homeowners’ expectations of quality throughout the entire home construction experience. The core structure of a high quality home should last for over a hundred years. The walls should stay plumb and square, the floors level and the foundation leak-proof. The roof should not sag, and the roofing material should last 30 years or more. Wiring and plumbing within the walls should remain trouble-free.
A well-designed and carefully built home will stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Plumbing noises will be minimal; doors and windows will operate smoothly; the roof will not leak.
Professional appraisers evaluate hundreds of homes each year and are trained to recognize details that affect value. The appraised value of a home is indicative of its quality of construction and current condition.
Although they have little to do with a home’s durability or performance, finish details have a big influence on a home’s appearance and are often used to evaluate quality. The selection of plumbing and electrical fixtures, cabinets, floor coverings and paint colors are uniquely personal decisions reflecting a homeowner’s taste and lifestyle. Once those aesthetic decisions are made, quality craftsmanship is required to insure proper execution of those choices.
how to: obtain quality construction
If you want high quality home construction you must hire a contractor who can build to that standard. The best way to select a building contractor is to use the same criteria as you would to choose any professional: reputation, compatibility, contract, and warranty.
Since 1985 Moyer Builders has built a reputation for quality construction. We have built more than 60 homes and are proud to say that every client has been a satisfied client. The best way to investigate our reputation is to call and visit any of our previous clients. We are confident you will be convinced that Moyer Builders delivers on the promise of quality. Another way is through Idaho’s Registered Master Builder program. Prospective clients are encouraged to call the Registered Master Builder office at 1-888-284-4240 to inquire about our ethical standards and receive references.
Moyer Builders is committed to protecting homeowners by purchasing liability insurance, obeying all employment laws, and providing adequate safety training. This includes our employees and all subcontractors.
Contracts are often an afterthought, but deserve more important consideration. The goal of a home construction contract is to specify the agreed upon scope of work and address areas of potential confusion or problems.
Moyer Builders’ construction documents include details about the scope of work, price, method of payment, quality of work, allowances, work by owner, assurance of financing, insurance, change orders, scheduling, and more. “We believe that a client deserves the protection offered by a fully-insured contractor with thorough contract documents,” Moyer said. Moyer Builders hires only highly skilled and professional subcontractors with proper workman’s compensation and liability insurance. All our subcontractors provide a minimum one-year warranty on all materials and workmanship.
How to: afford quality construction
Moyer Builders recognizes that cost is an important consideration for most home buyers and offers several strategies to help them build high quality homes at an affordable cost.
Thoughtful design and advanced planning is the best way to control the overall cost of your custom home. Homes with few corners and simple roof lines will cost significantly less than those with complex floor plans and roofs. Homes built on level or gently sloping sites are much less expensive than homes built on hillsides. Homes designed with common lumber dimensions will incur considerably less materials waste. It is important for a homeowner to realize that aesthetic decisions can dramatically increase a home’s overall cost.
Hiring an experienced, quality-conscious builder is the best way to control costs during construction. Moyer Builders gives careful attention to every detail: beginning with good plans and contracts, and continuing through subcontractor selection and scheduling, as well as employee training and materials management. Good job supervision ensures that employees and subcontractors are working according to plan and in an orderly, productive manner.
Fortunately, the price of quality construction is something homeowners will recoup.
“We believe that a home built with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship will build equity through exceptional durability, beauty and performance,” Moyer said.