This may sound like a bold statement to make, so let me explain why I believe it to be true.
Changes are always a part of the custom home building process. As a home takes shape, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to find new inspiration, change their mind on a detail, or think of a feature that would make their space even better.
At Charter Bay, we welcome these moments of inspiration. This is your dream home, and it should be exactly the way you want it. You’re making a significant investment, and you shouldn’t feel like requesting a change will set off a chain reaction of delays, confusion, or unexpected costs. We’ve structured our entire process to make sure it won’t.
I admit claiming to be the best at anything might raise some eyebrows, but it’s not my opinion – it’s what I’ve actually been told. Many of the subcontractors I work with also work for other home builders in the area, and are in a unique position to compare the way different builders do things. Over the years, I’ve been told repeatedly that our process stands out for being smooth and far less chaotic.
Just this morning, I heard yet another example. While on-site at our new build in Brooksville, my trim carpenter shared a story about a project he’s currently working on for another builder in Tampa. He’s been working with me for over 15 years, so he’s experienced firsthand how we implement changes compared other builders.
Based on his description, the project he’s currently working on might be one of the largest custom homes under construction in Tampa Bay. And despite the solid reputation of the home builder, he’s been stuck in the middle of a project gone off track, causing him to have to reinstall all the base molding in the home three different times.
The issue? A change order process that completely fell apart.
What started as a simple request by the homeowner to switch the style of base molding, has turned into a frustrating chain of errors. Miscommunication and mix-ups led to the base molding being installed, torn out, reordered, and reinstalled three separate times.
Unfortunately, expensive and time-consuming incidents like this are all too common in the world of custom home building.
The truth is, making changes during construction is often a complicated process and can be difficult to pull off successfully. This is largely due to the many layers of people involved. Before launching Charter Bay in 2009, I served as Chief Operating Officer for another prominent home builder in Tampa Bay, and saw firsthand just how difficult it was to implement change orders smoothly within a large, segmented organization.
Here’s what typically happens with a change request in a large firm:
First, the homeowner will approach either their salesperson or their superintendent to request the change. The request is then sent off to estimating for pricing, then to the design department, then to the drafting department, and finally to the purchasing department. At some point the change order goes back to the superintendent , along with materials, drawings, details, specifications, etc. The superintendent then has to schedule the needed trades and communicate what needs to be done in order to complete the change.
Even a small change can pass through half a dozen hands before finally reaching the person who actually does the work. In larger firms, this kind of setup invites miscommunication and mistakes which can cost time and money.
At Charter Bay, we’ve built our company to work differently.
Whether it’s a small tweak or a significant design shift, we make it easy for our clients to fine-tune their home as it comes to life.
Once a change is requested, I personally handle implementing the change from start to finish. That includes updating plans, adjusting permits if needed, ordering the correct materials, coordinating with subcontractors, and ensuring everything is executed correctly out in the field. Nothing gets handed off or lost in translation. Because I’m personally involved in every stage of the process, there is never confusion about what needs to be done, what materials need to be ordered, or who is responsible. You ask for a change and I make it happen for you.
This is exactly the reason why we’ve chosen to remain a small boutique builder. Fewer people involved means fewer mistakes, faster response times, and a smoother process for both homeowners and the trades who help bring each home to life.
At the end of the day, our goal is to make the experience of building a custom home as rewarding as the home itself. Our approach to handling changes is just one more way we deliver on that promise.
If you’re looking for a builder who welcomes change and handles it with clarity and care, we’d love to talk. Contact us today to learn more about our custom design-build process.
