Frequently Asked Questions
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed and insured?
What types of homes do you specialize in (custom, spec, timber frame, etc.)?
Have you worked with an HOA before?
What is your process from pre-construction to completion?
Can you help with permitting and inspections?
How do you handle selections (fixtures, finishes, etc.)?
Will I have a dedicated project manager?
How do you estimate and control costs?
Can you provide a detailed bid or estimate?
How do you handle change orders?
What is your payment schedule?
How long will a build take?
What could delay the project?
How often will I receive updates?
Do you use your own crew or subcontractors?
Do you have preferred vendors for materials?
How involved can I be in the design process?
Do you work with architects and engineers, or do I need to hire one separately?
Can you recommend a designer for selections?
What type of warranty do you offer?
How do you handle post-construction fixes or warranty issues?
For over four years, Birchfield has been in the business of building homes with experience that spans over 35 years.
Yes, we are licensed through many municipalities where permits are required.
We specialize in custom home builds, additional dwelling units, whole home remodels, and timber frame homes.
Yes, most projects we’ve had are located within an HOA community. The most important document we will need will be the DCCR to ensure your home build or remodel meets community standards. We help develop your construction plan, and you, as the homeowner, submit your construction package to your HOA to fulfill that process. Birchfield cannot submit this on your behalf due to HOA rules.
Check out our Behind the Build Process to gain an understanding how our projects start and progress through construction to completion. Be sure to take a look at our Birchfield Expectations Guide for a visual representation of our design to build process.
Absolutely. Once we have a completed set of construction documents that include engineering, we handle the permit process through the city you are building or remodeling your home in. The inspections are an important part of the building process and will be scheduled by Birchfield through the city portal.
Most clients want to have a say in what fixtures are chosen for their home. We agree. We work with many local vendors and encourage our clients to set up appointments with them for showroom visits. From here, our vendors provide us with our client’s choices, and we gather the quotes for approval prior to ordering the material.
You will have a dedicated point of contact for each phase of your project from the start of design through the end of construction. Take a look at our Birchfield Expectations Guide found on the Behind the Build Process page to see exactly who you will be working with at each phase of your project.
At Birchfield, we take a structured and transparent approach to estimating and managing costs to protect your investment and ensure a smooth experience throughout your project. We do this with upfront estimating, allowance management, cost tracking, a thorough change order process, and transparent communication. Our goal is to balance flexibility with financial discipline so you get the home you want while staying aligned with your budget goals. For more information, view our Birchfield Expectations Guide on our Behind the Build Process page.
Yes. Our Birchfield Expectations Guide on our Behind the Build Process page gives a good glimpse of how one of our estimates is broken down.
Change orders are a normal part of the custom building and remodeling process, and we have a clear system in place to handle them efficiently and transparently that include documented requests, a clear approval process, real-time budget updates, transparent itemized billing. Change orders give you flexibility to make your project truly your own — and our job is to make that process smooth, clear, and well-communicated.
Our payment schedule is broken into multiple draws that coincide with different milestones throughout the job.
How long a build takes is never set in stone since one answer doesn’t cover all the different types of builds and scenarios that can arise. However, for a general idea, we typically note that whole home remodels and custom home builds can take up to 12 months and smaller projects such as additional dwelling units would be less than that. The complexity of the project will determine the rough estimate of the timeline.
Please see the Birchfield Expectations Guide found on Behind the Build Process page for a list of delay examples that could affect your project.
Bi-weekly updates from your project’s point of contact are to be expected. If more information needs to be coordinated then expect more communication within the bi-weekly timeframe.
We use both our crew and vetted subcontractors. Once a phase of your project is completed by a subcontractor, we require a lien release waiver to be signed for additional peace of mind and transparency.
We do. Some vendors such as our lumber and frame have been working with us for years and we receive competitive prices through them based on our rapport.
100% participation is a must. Your build is your project and for it to be successful, we must collaborate together and ensure we are creating your dream home. The project won’t move forward without your full cooperation and participation.
We work with both and will guide the process and collaboration with them.
Yes, we have worked with designers and are happy to provide you a few options if you do not already have one.
We offer a 1-year workmanship warranty as well as a third-party StrucSure warranty.
If a workmanship fix arises within the 1-year time frame post construction, you would directly contact Birchfield. After the 1-year warranty period, you would defer to the 3rd party warranty.
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