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FAQ
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Building a custom home in the mountains of Colorado is a significant undertaking. We've compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to help you navigate the process and understand how Porchlight can bring your vision to life.
General FAQs
Do you service clients outside of BV and Salida?
Generally, we are most effective within a 40-minute drive of Salida. For very special homeowners, we will travel outside this range.
What's your communication strategy, and what kind of reporting can I expect?
We tailor our communication to your preferences. We'll establish a communication plan at the beginning of the project, outlining the frequency and methods of communication that work best for you. We'll focus on keeping you informed of key milestones and any critical decisions that require your input. You can expect regular updates, typically weekly, including a progress report with photos during construction highlighting key achievements and providing context for any feedback we might request. In addition, we find it beneficial to schedule a standing monthly meeting to review budgets, schedules, and design details. We're always available for calls or meetings when needed.
Does Porchlight handle both the design and build?
We are happy to manage both the entire process but you have two options:
1)Design and Build – In this scenario Porchlight will contract the architectural and interior design on your behalf and lead the design process, then move on to build the house for you as well
2) Custom Home Build Only – In this scenario, we will build from your approved plans designed by an architect you select.
What Consumer Protections do you have in place for me?
Porchlight Builders is a licensed residential general contractor. There is no requirement in Chaffee County to hold the license.
We use industry-standard construction contracts to ensure you are treated fairly.
We are also fully insured should anything unforeseen take place during or after construction.
We warrant our work for a full year from project completion. We are also always available to you after the warranty period.
We provide every client with additional detail on all of the above once we begin to move forward together.
Design FAQs
What is the benefit of having Porchlight handle the design and build?
With Porchlight leading the design and build for your custom home you receive streamlined communication by having a single point of contact for both design and construction. This integrated approach fosters collaboration, leading to faster project completion and more efficient cost management. Knowing your investment goals for the project enables us to keep the design process focused on your values. Design-build also enhances quality and accountability as the same team is responsible for the entire project, from concept to completion. Ultimately, this simplified process reduces stress and provides a more transparent and satisfying experience for the homeowner.
What are the role of special consultants?
Special consultants are key for all custom home builds. Porchlight brings them into the team as needed. We manage them in a streamlined way so you only have one point of contact. Common consultants for custom homes in our area include:
-Surveyor
-Civil and Soils Engineer
-Structural Engineer
-Energy and Mechanical Engineer
-Other - Defensible Space Consultant (Wildfire Mitigation), Interior Decorator, Panelized Building Component Designer.
We wrote an entire blog article about this topic, which you can check out here.
How long does the design process take?
Each project takes a slightly different amount of time depending on the following:
Project Complexity: A simple home addition will naturally have a shorter design phase than a large, custom-designed home with intricate details.
Home Size: Larger homes generally require more design time due to the increased number of rooms, features, and overall scope.
Design Style: Highly customized or unique design styles may require more time for development and refinement.
Client Decision-Making: The speed at which the client makes decisions and provides feedback can significantly impact the timeline.
Site Conditions: Complex site conditions like steep slopes or poor soils may require additional time for surveys, analysis, and design adjustments.
Generally for a custom home, this process takes between six and twelve months. For a renovation or addition it can take between two and four months.
What are the steps involved in the design process?
Initial Consultation and Programming: This stage involves discussing your needs, wants, and budget with the design-build team.
Schematic Design: Preliminary drawings and concepts are developed to explore different design options.
Design Development: The chosen design is refined with more detailed drawings and specifications.
Construction Documents: Final blueprints and specifications are created for us to build from and to obtain building permits.
What is Building Science?
Building science is the application of scientific principles to the design and construction of buildings. It's about understanding how a building interacts with its environment—things like heat flow, moisture movement, air quality, and energy efficiency—to create homes that are comfortable, durable, healthy, and energy-efficient. In the Salida climate, with its temperature swings and varying humidity, building science is crucial for creating a home that performs optimally year-round.
Who does Porchlight work with for design?
When we manage the design process for a custom home, we partner with a few architects we know, like and trust to deliver designs. Depending on your architectural style and your investment goals for the project, we will tailor this selection to align best.
For renovations and additions, we will partner with an architect when the design is elaborate, or the changes involve more than twenty-five percent of the home. For smaller project we employ a draftsperson to draw your vision, upon which we can execute.
Construction FAQs
What are the Building Permit steps involved in custom home building?
Porchlight handles all of this on your behalf. We direct the design and special consultant team to produce all the necessary plans and documents for Chaffee County, Salida and Buena Vista. Here are the steps from start to finish.
Initial Zoning and Building Department Consultations – In any case where the towns or County might require special plan detailing, we sit down with the Zoning and Building Departments to go over the concept before any permit application is submitted.
Permit Application and Plan Review – We submit the completed plans to the town and pay the Permit Application Fees. In the case of in-town projects we pay the fee to the town, who then contracts with Chaffee County to conduct the plan review and inspection process.
Construction Inspections – Once we receive the approved plans, we maintain them onsite with the building permit. After each phase of construction is completed, we meet with a County Inspector to review the work and get approval to proceed to the next phase.
Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy – When we are all done with the project, the County Inspectors walk through to review the entire work and sign off. You receive a Certificate of Occupancy within a few weeks.
What is a Certificate of Occupancy?
Before you can legally occupy your new home, we must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from Chaffee County. This document certifies that the construction has been inspected and meets all applicable building codes, including structural, electrical, plumbing, and fire safety standards. It's a crucial step that ensures your home is safe and compliant. However, while the CO signifies that the home is legally habitable, we typically recommend waiting until all final finishes and detail work are fully complete before moving in to ensure a truly seamless and enjoyable move-in experience.
When can I move in?
For a custom home, you are not allowed to occupy the house until the final inspection is complete and a certificate of occupancy has been issued by Chaffee County. However, there are times when touch up work, final cleaning or non-inspection finish work is still taking place. We will always, continually keep you informed on the exact date you can have your movers bring your beautiful, valuable furniture and personal items home for the first time. In most cases, jumping ahead to this step slows the final cleaning and detailing process significantly and can dull that amazing feeling of spending your first night and having your first cup of coffee on your first morning in your dream home.
Should I live in the house while you renovate or add on to it?
Whether you should live in your home during renovations depends on the extent of the project. For s smaller job like a single bathroom update, staying put might be manageable with proper planning and temporary setups. However, for the larger whole-home renovations and additions we perform and projects involving structural changes, it's often best to find alternate living arrangements. This minimizes disruption to your daily life, ensures your safety from potential hazards, and allows us to work more efficiently and quickly. This saves time and reduces cost. Consider factors like noise, dust, access to essential areas, and the overall timeline before making your decision.
How do you handle changes to the design, once construction has already begun?
We understand that your vision for your dream home may evolve throughout the process, and you absolutely have the right to change your mind about design details or finishes at any time. We have a clear and transparent process for handling these changes, which we call 'change orders.' If a change is desired, we'll follow these steps:
Written Request: We'll require a written request outlining the specific change.
Detailed Estimate: We'll provide a detailed estimate of the cost and time implications of the change, including any adjustments to materials, labor, or schedule.
Client Approval: We'll obtain your written approval before proceeding with any change.
Revised Schedule and Budget: Once approved, we'll update the project schedule and budget to reflect the change.
We proactively communicate the potential impact of any change on both budget and timeline, ensuring you have all the information you need to make informed decisions. Our goal is to minimize disruptions and keep the project moving forward smoothly.
Is Porchlight a Licensed Builder?
Porchlight is certified as a Residential Contractor by the International Code Council (ICC), the organization that develops the International Building Codes. While Chaffee County doesn't require general contractors to hold a local license, we adhere strictly to the 2021 International Residential Code and all other applicable codes enforced in the county. This commitment to code compliance ensures your project is built to the highest standards of quality.
Decide to take the path to the home you deserve. Here’s how:
Schedule a Call: Begin with a consultation where we listen to your needs and desires for your new home.
Plan with Precision: We'll outline our Design & Construct process, providing a clear path, estimated costs, and realistic timelines.
Experience Seamless Collaboration: Enjoy a stress-free building experience as we make your perfect space a reality.
Live the Dream: Relax into the home you’ve dreamt of, and then never leave it.