Frequently Asked Questions There are questions you should ask a builder before you hire them. Here are our answers to the most common questions: Will the builder be onsite? Unlike some builders, James Johnson or Emerson Griffith is onsite regularly. They know their reputation is on the line with every job; being onsite allows them to spot potential problems before they occur. While onsite they can, also, see opportunities for improvements. How accessible is the builder? Can I reach him anytime, anywhere? Customers have access to James or Emerson without being forced to go through layers of foremen and managers before getting action. James and Emerson's phone numbers are made available to every customer. Call them any time, any day, anywhere. Customer satisfaction is our primary goal. How can we create a custom design? We have no idea where to start. There are, of course, degrees of custom. It might be just choosing flooring, cabinets, or where to place extra mirrors. It might be making minor alterations to a existing plan to better fit personal needs. Whether you have a plan designed already (on paper or in your dreams) or if you have only a vague notion of what you want J-WAY CONSTRUCTION can work with you to deliver your dream home. Our staff will spend the time necessary to get to know your needs. You may be asked about styles of homes you like. If you have formal dinner parties or back yard barbeques, if you need a cozy reading nook to relax or do you like open spaces and big windows that bring the outdoors in. They, also, frequently combine clippings from magazines and plan books. A fully custom home is designed and built entirely to your specifications. It blends your dreams and heart's desires with the property of your choice and is tailored to fit your budget. At J-WAY CONSTRUCTION, we collect all the input you can give us and then we all work together, forming an owner-designer-builder team to create your home, with the style and function you've envisioned, no matter how evasive that concept has been! We both have full-time careers. How can we find time to build a custom home? One of the most useful assets offered by a builder should be their ability to guide you through the maze of home building. Make no mistake about it -- building a custom home will require you to make many decisions. However, good pre-planning can help define your answers in advance, and J-WAY CONSTRUCTION will organize the project for you so you can spend as little time as possible thinking about the details of your new home. You will be given ample time to make selections. How long will the job take? The size of a project, its complexity, and the level of fine detail involved will define the timeline. As a general rule, new construction projects require at least five to seven months. Does weather affect the building process? Clearing, concrete, roofing, framing and masonry work are all impacted by inclement weather. Just about everything else can occur regardless of the weather, thanks to improvements in methods and materials used today. Can we work with our own architect and have you build the house? Absolutely. If you are searching for an architect, J-WAY CONSTRUCTION can provide input regarding local architects' abilities, skills, and design. Will you build on land that we already own? Yes (assuming it is buildable, zoned properly, and your house will fit). Can I tour homes you've built? Yes. We are proud to have satisfied customers who have graciously offered to show their houses to potential J-WAY CONSTRUCTION customers. We can also provide additional addresses of homes to drive by. How do I investigate a builder's background? Talk to local building officials, tradesmen at the hardware store, real estate professionals, neighbors, material suppliers, friends, family, and so on. Check for complaints at the Better Business Bureau. Search for liens at the County Clerk's office to see if the builder is paying subcontractors.