The Design Build Process:

At Silver Cloud Homes, we like to prepare potential clients for the building process in general, and how we prefer to proceed. This should calm any anxieties you may have while introducing our own preferred "process" in order to assure you a pleasant building project.

The Silver Cloud Homes Build Process will also eliminate the horror stories we have both heard about.

So, just what is a Builder?

Builders take your dreams and expectations, and make them into reality. Silver Cloud Homes can change an intangible "idea" into something real.

Silver Cloud Homes does this mostly without the necessity and handicap of patterns, the conditions of a factory, or mass production -- allowing all of us the ideal starting environment.

Through the completion of the contruction, Silver Cloud Homes must bring all of our resources together, including equipment and materials to your new home site. In addition, we will usually depend on as many as 20 different subcontractors, plus many material suppliers. Silver Cloud Homes is the facilitator of all those involved including our own staff.

Where do We go from Here?

1. We set up an Initial Consultation -- in it, we will:

• Discuss your initial inquiry.
• Set rough parameters.
• Discuss possible project ideas.
• Talk about lifestyles.
• Potential problems & issues.

2. We firm up the Design & Final Materials.
3. Invite potential Specialty Contractors if needed.
4. Discuss any other Minor Particulars of the project.
5. Set a Tentative Schedule -- start and completion.
6. Upon approval of both of us, we Initiate the Contract.

What do you have in Mind?

First, give us an overview of what you're trying to accomplish -- and the reasons behind your vision as well. In doing so, you'll let us know what it is that you do like about your existing home, and the areas of improvement you desire.

We will talk a little about your lifestyle and how we can make your new home even better than you ever expected. We generally discuss some materials or products you'd like to use; colors, designs and improving upon those ideas with available new technologies.

Tell us your "ideal" scenario -- your desired finished dream home. We're talking about what you want to do to increase the quality of your lifestyle while adding value to your new home.

Let's consider options. Later we can change them or eliminate those deemed less attainable. This is preliminary time.

Let's talk about your Budget.

By talking about budget ranges up front, we assure the project scope is within the estimate of the allowed budget. Time is saved for both of us. When you look at a new car or another home, the price category of what you're looking at lets the salesperson know your financial commitment. We don't have that luxury unless we talk about it first.

Budgets are the foundation from which we proceed, and as such, nothing else can continue until a budget is established. A ballpark is free; however since there is a fee for design work, this is another reason to discuss a budget to save time and energy.

Plan your budget to include at least 10% more for changes and the extras you will want -- they are considered part of the "process." Now we can have some fun...

Designing - The Fun Part!

This part is trial and error. Like trying on new suits or dresses. We should think in terms of textures, colors, patterns, spatial effects, longs and shorts, heights and their relationships to other things -- in general: form and function.

Think in terms of traffic patterns, sound transmission, lighting effects (natural and artificial). Visually walk through each area effected. Don't forget ventilation.

Look for at least one area, if not the entire project, as offering a dramatic effect, while being one of use -- it must be practical as well since you live in it.

Work with your designer or ours to achieve the desired effect you want from your new home. It must contribute to your happiness.

Let's talk about the Subcontractors

Subcontractors are not only those people who work on your home, but also those vendors that supply materials.

We allow what we call "lead times" -- just how long it will be before they can start on your particular project.

In addition, special ordered items may take as little as one week, or in rare cases many more weeks. Patience in this "category" is a given. When done right, it will be worth the wait.

Bringing it All Together

The scheduling is decided here, not by a pending special occasion or when we want it done, but by honoring a quality building "process."

Once everything has finally been decided upon, we contact each subcontractors and check their lead time, deposit and payout requirements. We also check with the material suppliers and their lead time for any special orders.

Next, we assemble a contract. The contract contains several sections and it's financial arrangement is based on the above subcontractors and vendors, as well as our own requirements.

Adhering to the payout dates is critical to maintain our healthy relationships with the subcontractors. When payouts are delayed, subcontractors may start another job. Then we wait for them to return -- on "their terms." It is best to be one step ahead at all times.

The contract includes all material selections, model numbers, colors, etc. Also, the agreed upon schedule -- this is explained in the following section.

Finally - The Schedule

Because of the critical skilled labor and increased construction activity, we allow plenty of time for each project and for several reasons.

• Emergencies -- a subcontractor might be detained on another job due to the bane of all contractors -- change orders. You will initiate some of them as well. It's part of the "process."
• Miscommunications from one subcontractor employee to another. Remember, we're not building washing machines in a factory where hundreds are made daily on the assembly line. We're building something "unique" for you that's never been made before.
• A product delivered that might need to be replaced.
• Waiting for building permit inspections -- there are as many as a dozen on each home.
• Weather -- as far as exterior construction is involved.
• Your change orders -- during the project, you may decide to make a change or may say, "While you're here, can you also?" Contractors appropriately call them the "while you're here jobs."

All companies involved must approve their end of the agreement, prior to the final schedule going into effect.

Changes

As we mentioned above, "changes" happen. That's why a project that would normally take 6 weeks is scheduled for 8 weeks. Sometimes 6 months is scheduled for 8 months.

We don't want to promise or ever deceive you in any way. Silver Cloud Homes feels being above board is critical to our "partnership" -- honesty and integrity.

Communication is imperative. This can be a fun venture, but only if we are all realistic about the entire quality building "process" -- it's highs and lows, and knowing the entire "process" in advance.

From all of us at Silver Cloud Homes

Well, we hope that we have explained "The Process" to your satisfaction and are sure that this letter may create some additional questions. By asking any thing you can think of, we can assure that your project will flow as expected and with the desired results.

As children, we are taught to be nice and honest. As adults it's called being Fair, Honest and with Integrity. Some things shouldn't change when we become adults.

Talk together, be nice, be honest, and everyone will be happy. In fact, upon completion, we would enjoy hearing from you: "I'm thrilled with everything. It's been fun, and now we are happy enjoying our new Silve Cloud home."

Ready for the Journey? Let's make it a Rewarding Experience!