4 Signs That Your New Build Will Go Over Budget

Nobody wants their new home build to go over budget.

You hire a builder, they quote you a price, they build the house, final bill comes in… Notwithstanding new items that you chose to add or upgrade along the way, the final cost should be the same as the contract price.

Should be. A home-builder, after all, does this for a living.  You, the client, have likely never priced a home in your life and you’re trusting your builder to do it for you- accurately and without surprises.

But we’ve all heard the stories.  You have that friend, cousin, workmate that built a house and ended up paying way more than they were quoted.  This happens all of the time and it shouldn’t… going over budget is avoidable and should be a focus of any solid home builder worth working with.

If you’re about to get into a contract with a builder, make sure that you look for the following signs to ensure that your home will cost what you’re builder says that it will.

4 Signs That Your New Build Will Go Over Budget

Your Builder Is The Cheapest

You’ve done your homework & met with multiple builders.  You’ve probably narrowed it down to 3 or 4 builders that you like/trust and had them price the home.  So where did the pricing come in?

I’m going to let you in on an industry secret… if the builders priced the exact same quality of materials and finishes, their prices should be extremely close.  Extremely.  After all, they’re sourcing material and labor from the same region.

If you’re finding that one builder is significantly cheaper than the others, chances are very good that they are planning on using cheaper materials.  There’s nothing wrong with that, you think, until you find out that your kitchen allowance will not cover that “painted, cabinets-to-the-ceiling” dream you’ve been coveting on Houzz.

Your Builder Doesn’t “Get” Your Vision

You’re planning 10 foot ceilings, a double-sided fireplace and custom woodwork throughout.  Is your builder thinking 8 foot ceilings, non-existent fireplace and mini-baseboards? Communication is key and it is impossible for the builder to price something that you’ve never discussed.

Prior to pricing your plan, your builder should be asking you extremely detailed questions about the finish that you want in the home.  If they don’t include these items when pricing upfront, these items will become upgrades and will drive you over budget in no-time at all.

Your Builder Only Builds “A Few Homes Per Year”

Maybe they told you that you will get a more custom experience because you’re 1 of 3 projects… Perhaps, the owner of the company himself will be able to be on the job-site every day… Heck, he may even do the finish work himself! Great…. or, is it?

First, there’s buying power… Obviously, Wal*Mart buys better than Joe’s Convenience.  Shocker.  Similarly, home-builders are rewarded by vendors based on volume.  The builder who builds 3 homes a year is simply not getting the same pricing as the builder who builds 50.

Next comes the issue of limited experience.  20 years of home-building experience, building 3 homes/year = 60 homes built.  10 years experience at 50 homes/year= 500 homes built.  The builder that is more active is much more likely to be current on trends and customer wants (aka. more likely to know that you want an open-concept floor plan instead of the halls & walls of yesteryear).

Your Builder Did Not Give You A Detailed List Of What They Priced

Whether your builder is a relative stranger or your second cousin, you need to get a detailed list of what’s included in a quoted price.  This is not negotiable.  Not requiring this level of detail of your builder is giving up too much control and allows the builder to decide what is (or isn’t) included on whim.

Having a detailed list of inclusions creates accountability.  Always ensure that the inclusions are added to your contract, making them part of a legally binding document.

 

If your home builder is demonstrating these signs, talk to him about budget & share your concerns.  Cross-reference your wishlist with the pricing specs.  Ask for past references and find out what their experience was like.  Only when your builder demonstrates to you that these items are taken care of, should you move forward with a contract.

If you have any questions about staying on budget throughout your build, shoot us an email to natalie@themartellexperience.com.  We’d be happy to help out!

Insulation 101: What Every Home Owner Should Know

A great insulation job on one of our job sites.

A great insulation job on one of our job sites.

With the arrival of winter, you may be more concerned with your Christmas list than your R-Value but you shouldn’t be.  If your home is inadequately or improperly insulated, you could literally be throwing away hundreds of dollars that could be much better spent Christmas shopping- or maybe on a vacation down South!!  This month’s column covers what you need to know about insulation. Whether your home is old or new, every homeowner should have a basic understanding of what is inside their walls.

1.     Batt Insulation:  A very common insulation, batt insulation is usually placed in the walls of the home and has a cotton-like appearance.  The insulation is positioned in the cavity between the studs of the walls.  Because batt insulation traps air in the fiberglass to add R-Value, it is imperative not to crush or squeeze the insulation into the cavity or you will lose insulation value.  We highly recommend an experienced installer to ensure that you are maximizing the efficiency of your home. The downside to batt insulation is that you usually have exposed studs remaining which creates cold spots that allow heat/cold to transfer easily.

2.     Blown-In Insulation: Blown-In insulation is available in a variety of materials however, cellulose (fire-retardant paper fiber) is our favorite product due to its ability to fill different sizes & shapes of cavities.  It is essential that your blown-in insulation is applied at the same depth across your space to maximize your R-Value.  Any low spots will create weak points for your insulation.  Also, it is essential that you do not cover your ventilation system to avoid future potential roof problems.  While blown-in insulation can be used inside wall cavities, it can be prone to settlement and compaction.  We recommend batt insulation in the wall cavities over blown-in.

3.     Rigid Foam: Rigid foam is available in solid sheets and is a strong material that does not get crushed thereby diminishing your R-Value.  We are big fans of applying Rigid foam on the exterior of our new homes, under the siding, to minimize thermal bridging- the heat loss through wood studs.   And a bonus feature of Rigid foam is that it does not mould.  Other applications of Rigid foam include under a floor slab during construction or inside basement walls.  When we use Rigid foam in conjunction with Batt insulation, we are able to obtain an R-Value that is superior to ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) construction.

If you’re looking for a new home and want to learn more about the options available for insulation & energy efficiency, please give us a call!  If you’re looking to increase the R-Value of your existing home, we highly recommend that you connect with one of the many qualified insulators around town to ensure you get the best bang for your insulation buck.

Neighborhood Feature: Jonathan Park

 

Do you love being in close to everything, but want to be away from busy streets and noisy nightlife? Here’s the place for  you. The properties of Jonathan Park are central to all amenities, but are tucked away off of the beaten path! These lots offer a private, natural setting with all of the convenience offered by the urban lifestyle.

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Location: Off of Evergreen Drive & Ryan St.

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These properties are no more than 10 minutes from all that Moncton has to offer. Living in Jonathan Park means you’ll be able to quickly drive your kids to basketball camp or pop downtown for wings. You’ll be located so close to everything you could possibly need or want in Moncton.

Children:

School: Evergreen Park & Northrup Frye Schools are nearby!

Features: 

  • Quiet atmosphere
  • Natural Setting
  • Central Location close to all amenities and services
  • Close to both Wheeler and the Trans Canada Highways
  • The properties of Jonathan Park range from X acres to Y acres and are priced from the low $50,000.00’s

 

To book a Discovery Session and start planning your new home in Jonathan Park, call Pierre today at 506-871-5237 or by email pierre@themartellexperience.com.

 

 

Martell Home Builders Gets The Thrill Of A Lifetime: Giving Away 35 Holland!

 

John & The MHB/XL96 Teams

Thanks to our friends at XL96 Country, the generosity of our vendors and tons of hard work and planning, the MHB team got to experience the thrill of a lifetime last Saturday.  This thrill? Giving away a Martell Home- free and clear- to John Baxter & his family, of Lower Coverdale, NB.  Not to mention also pulling off the largest radio giveaway ever, east of Calgary!

Months ago, the idea was born.  It all started with a bet between morning hosts Scotty Horsman & Tony Smith… could Tony quit bacon for a week?  They called it #bacation.  Tension ran deep and stakes were high… things seemed to be getting out of hand when Tony bet his new (under-construction) Martell Home.  Imagine his surprise when he lost the bet!  Some said he was set up but rules are rules and he did consume the bacon.

Construction continued and the MHB team could not believe what legs this contest had developed.  Everywhere we went, people were talking about the home giveaway… including the drive-thru girls at Tim’s.  People were ecstatic and the contest was the talk of the town…

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Fast forward to Saturday, October 26, 2013.  Eligible contestants had been narrowed down to 46 people and they all stood patiently in line, waiting for their chance to insert their key into the door of 35 Holland and see if they had the only key that would open the lock.  They approached the door one-by-one and the suspense was ridiculous.

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And finally, John Baxter and his granddaughter approached the house with Key #17.  And well, you should probably watch it for yourself:

To everyone who helped make this promotion a reality, THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts.  This was truly the highlight of our year (or more) and we are so grateful that we were able to be a part of this.  To the Baxters, we hope you enjoy the home as much as we loved building it!

 

 

Meet the Team: Jim

Jim

Many of you would’ve met this musical, artistic, well-traveled Beatles fan at our last customer appreciation party at the Chocolate River Station in Riverview. Even though he wasn’t permitted on the bouncy castle, our warranty man rocked your socks off with his music. Although he plays semi-professionally in an Elvis tribute band, it wasn’t the King that sparked Jim’s interest in music. At 16, he decided he wanted to be John Lennon. Lucky for us (and all you new home owners) that didn’t happen!

Jim Ledgerwood is the man who shows up to inspect your house after the 10 month warranty period ends to ensure that your house is still up to our standards. He has a list of areas to inspect, but also reviews everything you are concerned about.

Since finishing up at Queen’s University, Jim has owned 4 homes and has flipped a few houses. He’s seen a wide array of homes–some built correctly, some not. He never planned on being a warranty man, but after seeing so many construction problems, Jim began managing a small construction company contract in Moncton and eventually ended up on our team!  His eye for detail–from guitars to oil painting to car restoration and home building–is invaluable and makes us feel at ease, knowing our projects will stand the test of time.

Jim L.

Fun Facts about Jim Ledgerwood:

1- Jim restores European cars as a hobby. One of his favourite projects was an Original Mini. He’s also restored a 68′ Jaguar and currently drives the Austin Power’s car. He’s very tempted to paint the British Flag on it.

shagmobile

2-He has travelled to England 6 times. During his first trip, he was trying to nail down a music publisher and met the Beatles first manager, Allan Williams! He hung around Allan for quite awhile. Later on, he returned to England and stayed with the manager for a week to play at a festival. Jim ended up moving to the country for a bit to publish some tracks!

 

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3- Jim Ledgerwood has recorded 4 albums, but nothing lately. However, he is still writing music.

4- He has been married to the same wife for 30 years! They are the parents of two children and 1 dog (so basically 3 kids!).

5- His favourite restaurant in Dieppe is St. James Gate and  he usually orders fish and chips, salad and a side order of escargot.

Ask A Builder: Where Do I Start?

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Starting can sometimes be the most difficult step in home building. It really is hard to know where to start. We recommend starting with a Discovery Session.

Some builders skip this crucial step, and head straight to the draftsman for their blueprints. This can be a huge mistake! Architects and designer are not usually drafting blueprints with your budget and lifestyle in mind. Unfortunately, many people have already paid for the prints and are sitting down with their builder before they discover the design they choose exceeds their budget. The Discovery Session clarifies what you can afford, what upgrades will save you money overtime, and what design will work best with your lifestyle .

In a Discovery Session, you sit down with an expert to create a realistic plan with you and your family in mind!

By the end of a Discovery Session, you will know the size of  home your budget allows for based on price per square foot. In addition, you and your builder will discuss potential upgrades that suit your personal taste and lifestyle, as well as ones that will retain value in your home.

Efficiency is one area that is key to  focus on during a Discovery Session. If efficiency is factored in, it will ensure your home retains its value overtime. Designing a home to live in until your newborn graduates university is very different from building a starter home you intend on selling once you get a big career break. For example, will an energy efficient heating system save you enough money on your electrical bill over 5 years to invest the thousands in now? Will that same heating system increase the resale value enough to install anyways or would a more traditional system appeal more to people in the region? These types of questions will be discussed in the first step to building a home: A Discovery Session.

To book a Discovery Session and start planning your new home, call Natalie today at 506-232-1276 or by email natalie@themartellexperience.com.

Discovery Sessions are one key reason that Martell Home Builders have never gone overtime or over budget!

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes 2013

If you’re like me, you’ve probably always assumed that heels were a slightly uncomfortable, but fashionable way to look a little more like a celebrity. False. According to the ever-so-reliable website, Factual Facts, heels were worn by the Romans to wade through muddy land and by cowboys to keep their feet from sliding through stirrups. On the less practical side, Louis XIV was known for wearing heels up to ten inches high so that entire depict battle scenes could be depicted on his footwear!

Today heels may “solely”  be found in feminine fashion, however, this fall Pierre–and many other men–well be slipping their toes inside a pair of heels in a playful effort to raise awareness and funds for a battle that’s been raging long before the Romans ever dreamed up heels. On October 18th, men from all over the world  will be participating in The International Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault & Gender Violence: Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.

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This Friday night @7 (September 20, 2013), join the Martell team at 191 Amiens Drive (off Ryan Street in Moncton) in raising some funds and awareness for October’s walk.  Bring a donation or register yourself to Walk a Mile in Her Shoes with Pierre!

Rumor has it, after a little of his own practice, Pierre may give a little tutorial on how to walk in high heels! I’m sure you’ll want to be there for that!

Friday evening, let your hair down and have some weekend fun! You may bring your own beverage of choice and we’ll have some munchies compliments of Sobeys Vaughn Harvey store!

Admission is by donation to support the Martell team and YWCA Moncton.

In anticipation of this light-hearted way to raise awareness, here is my selection of the top 5 “manly” heels:

1. There’s a lot revolving around these pumps!

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2. I moustache you, when did moustaches become so darn cute?

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3. I wonder what it’s like to walk on robots?

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4. There’s a lot riding on these!
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5. I have never meet a man who didn’t like pie.

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Which pair would you wear?

www.walkamilemoncton.ca.

Neighbourhood Feature: Wyndham Hills

Are you torn between life in the city and the country? Here’s the best of both worlds.The executive properties of Wyndham Hills offer the convenience of city life alongside the refreshing, easy-going lifestyle of the countryside.

Location: Less than ten minutes from Magnetic Hill, just off of the Homestead Rd.
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Image Source: 123TurnKey

If peace, fresh air, gorgeous views, and short commutes are on your check list for a perfect location, Wyndham Hills just might be the place to build your new home! It’s hard to believe these lots are just outside the hustle and bustle of the hub city.

Children:

School: TBA

At home, your kids will have more space to play outdoors and exercise their creativity, but it won’t be any trouble to run them into town for cheerleading camp or to catch the latest Dreamworks flick with some friends.

Features: 

  • Larger lots
  • Quiet atmosphere
  • Privacy–but not isolation
  • Short Commute
  • Natural Landscape

The properties of Wyndam Hills range from 1.12 acres to 5.78 acres and are priced from $65,900 to $98,900.

To book a Discovery Session and start planning your new home in Wyndham Hills, call Pierre today at 506-871-5237 or by email pierre@themartellexperience.com

No kidding… we are giving away a free HOUSE!

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WIN Tony’s New Home! XL 96.9 announced last week, the biggest radio contest EVER in Atlantic Canada! XL Country 96.9 and Martell Homes have teamed up give away a newly built home. In fact, its still being built now! Stop by 35 Holland Drive in Moncton, and see it for yourself!

 You don’t need to buy a ticket to win this home. This is a contest for XL Listeners ONLY!

 Weekdays at 7:10a, 8:10a, 9:10a, 1:10p, 3:10p, and 5:10p, call us to hide your key! There is only one catch: You have to remember where the LAST listener hid their key to win!

 Remember where the last key was hidden, and you could win a NEW Martell Home! Imagine, being MORTGAGE FREE for LIFE!

 This is a contest to write home about! So tune in to XL Country 96.9 all week, and your families dreams could come true.

 We are so excited to give away a house!!

Under Construction & For Sale: Semi W/ Attached Garage ONLY $169,900.00

32 Gambia

Welcome to 32 Gambia in Moncton North!

 

This rare 3 bedroom semi-detached home is located off Ryan Road, minutes away from the new Casino, and includes the following spectacular features:

·       18X20 Attached Garage!

·       Large walk in closet  

·       Upgraded trim package with Boston headers  

·       Modern kitchen with island and dark wood cabinetry

·       10X12 deck with 6 foot privacy wall  

·       You choose your own custom finishes!

·       1 and 1/2 Bath  

·       10 Year Home Warranty

Photos of a similar, completed unit: http://martellcustomhomes.com/semi/101-mathias-dieppe-nb/

To view this unit please contact Natalie today @ 506-232-1276.