Woodstone Design and Building Process

Planning and Design:

The initial stages of a new home buyer's planning includes gathering information from realtors, builders, friends, websites, newspapers, drives, etc. regarding new home builders, communities and building lots in their geographic area of interest. Home buyers that have the good fortune to become acquainted with Woodstone Custom Homes in this process are provided detailed information by Woodstone's sales agent (Jodi Weinberger) on specific building sites available, price ranges, and quality features. Once the buyer decides that the offerings are of interest, the sales agent arranges a meeting with Woodstone (Jeff Smith).

The initial meeting between Woodstone and prospective home buyer includes the review of the buyer's "wish list" and any questions that the buyer may have regarding home construction or building sites. Among other topics, discussions at this time may also include current market trends as well as cost/benefit relationships of typical amenities.

Preliminary pricing is subsequently prepared for the buyer based on the details discussed at the initial meeting. As the buyer decides to move forward with the planning process, parameters for the home design are finalized based on a tailored fit between the wish list and pricing details.

The next step in the planning process is to meet with Woodstone's architect (Pat Morabito) to translate the design parameters into preliminary and final building plans. The process begins with an initial consultation involving the buyer, builder and architect that focuses on the buyer's wish list and design parameters in an open discussion which includes design and structural input from the builder and architect. The architect prepares a preliminary plan based on this meeting -- for review by the buyer and pricing by Woodstone. Based on buyer input and further consultation as appropriate, a final home plan is ultimately prepared by the architect.

Once the home plans are complete, a construction contract is formulated which translates the plans and specifications into reality. The end result of the planning and design process is a building contract and home construction plans that meet the dreams of buyers as well as the realities of the buyer's budget and the real estate market.

Construction Begins:

At the beginning of construction, an initial meeting with Woodstone staff provides the buyer with further details regarding Woodstone's building process. At that time, the preliminary building schedule is reviewed with the buyer along with contact information regarding Woodstone's suppliers and contractors. Subsequent steps involving Woodstone's decorator, kitchen designer and landscape planner are also discussed. A builder key is provided to the home buyer at this time so that they may have unlimited access to their new home during the construction process.

A meeting between Woodstone's kitchen designer (Mike DelVecchio, of Dell's House of Kitchens) and home buyer is scheduled once construction begins. At this time the buyer will provide input to be utilized in planning kitchen and cabinetry details for the new home. The designer works with the buyer to develop plans that fit both their taste and their budget parameters. Ultimately, detailed cabinetry plans are provided which are then integrated with the on-going field construction of the home.

At the early stages of construction a meeting is also scheduled between the home buyer and Woodstone's interior decorator (Bev Dyminski). The decorator service is provided by Woodstone to assist the buyer in coordinating selections for their new home. Through a series of consultations the decorator will help coordinate selections including flooring, cabinetry (working closely with the kitchen designer), tile, paint colors and exterior elements of the home. The consultations with the interior designer result in completed "selection sheets" for the home. Any deviations from specifications or allowances are priced out during this time, and are confirmed with the buyer along with any necessary change orders.

Milestones During Construction:

An electrical walk-through with Woodstone's electrician, Woodstone staff, and home buyer takes place on site after framing is complete. An introductory letter is prepared for home buyers to help them "do their homework" before this on site meeting. This checklist includes a suggestion to review the blueprints ahead of time and to consider furniture placement when locating lights, plugs, etc. The owner is offered the expertise of the electrician and Woodstone staff during the walk-through; each room is planned on site to ensure that the electrical system is tailored to the home. This on site process provides a spatial context that is invaluable, and often prompts discussion and decisions that would not happen if only planned "on paper". The end result is a detailed layout of lights, switching, plugs, TV, phone, and stereo outlets that is physically marked out on the framing of the house.

After most of the interior decorating decisions are made and the home construction is well along, a consultation with Woodstone's landscape professional (Dan Milke, of Shadow Hill Landscaping) is scheduled at his nursery. The landscape designer develops walkway and landscaping plans to fit the home and the buyers' preferences. Detailed plans are finalized with the buyer and are utilized for completing the exterior landscaping work.

As the home nears completion, a pre-closing inspection is scheduled between Woodstone staff and home buyer within one week of closing. A list of deficiencies and incomplete work is prepared and signed at the completion of the walk-through. Work during the final week prior to closing focuses on completing items on this list as well as "fine tuning" the home prior to possession.

Upon completion, a closing is scheduled with the buyer and attorneys to transfer ownership of the new home to the buyer. At this time, a new home portfolio is provided for the home including a homeowner service manual, a complete directory of maintenance instructions, warranty forms, and instruction manuals for amenities of the home.

Service After Closing:

The Woodstone Homeowner Service Manual details warranty procedures and maintenance tips for the new homeowner. Service work is performed on a scheduled basis two times during the first year warranty period -- at the end of the second and twelfth month. At these times a formal list is prepared with Woodstone's field technician, and contractors are subsequently scheduled to make any repairs or adjustments needed to the home. In addition, emergency repairs are handled as necessary throughout the year. Extended warranty coverage is provided to the homeowner for 6 years, with a comprehensive Rochester Home Builders' Association Inc. Limited Warranty.