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FROM DREAMS TO REALITY :
New Home Construction
by Viriginia Watson
Photos by Douglas Miller
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Golfer's Crossing, The Willard Companies. Subdivisions such as this one have many options and choices to perfectly suit your needs. |
As with all construction, experience is invaluable. That’s why we consulted with the leaders of five of the region’s top building companies to get their valuable insight and insider knowledge of the home building process – including what homeowners most need to know when interviewing a potential builder of their homes.
People from every walk of life dream of owning a new custom home. From young couples just starting out to older folks wanting to downsize, new homes can be the perfect answer to their housing needs.
New construction gives homeowners the opportunity to have exactly what they want from their home – the features and amenities that will make their lives easier and homes better suited to their lifestyle. In addition to that, new construction typically appreciates in value at a faster rate than older homes.
However, many people think that a new home is out of their reach financially, dread the building process, or think they can’t have a new home because they don’t know what they want.
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Mason's Crest, Radford Homes. This brand new development is currently in the process of grading land and preparing the land for building. |
To help ease these concerns, we’ve gathered together the expertise of four father/son builder teams, as well as the committee chairman of this year’s THE HOME SHOW, who to many is considered to be like a son of the late Elbert Waldron. These individuals represent more than 300 collective years of building experience in the Roanoke region and are past or current presidents of the Roanoke Regional Home Builders Association (RRHBA), leaders in the community, and love the business that they’re in. Throughout the story are short biographies detailing their histories and community involvement.
Figure Out Your Budget
Before you go to a builder, review your financial information and figure out how much you can afford to pay for housing.
“You shouldn’t be paying more than 25 to 28 percent of your monthly take-home pay towards housing,” says Keith Robertson of Prosperity Mortgage, former RRHBA board of directors member and a current member of the RRHBA Associate Advisory Council.
Your mortgage payment typically includes taxes and homeowners insurance. You may also want to budget a little leeway in the 25 to 28 percent figure for home repair bills. Leaving extra room in your monthly housing budget will give you breathing space in the event of an emergency.
There may be lenders who will approve you for more mortgage than you can afford. Our experts advised that you should not let this happen.
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Lay of the land.
Radford Homes, developers
of Mason’s Crest, make sure their developments preserve natural beauty. |
“There’s nothing worse than somebody building the perfect home for themselves, only to discover they can’t afford the mortgage payments when the home is finally completed,” says Andy Kelderhouse, THE HOME SHOW committee chairman, and president of Fralin and Waldron, Inc.
Your budget will also be an excellent place to begin the discussion process with a builder.
“Let your builder know your budget up front,” says Roger Simpson, vice president of Charles R. Simpson, Inc. “By doing this, you’re avoiding wasting both your time and the builder’s time.”
Financing does not need to be in place before you go to a contractor or a builder – most will have a five- to 10-day window built into their contracts giving you time to acquire a loan. However, pre-qualifying is a wise step for any potential home buyer, and may help you make decisions on your housing needs.
Determine Your Housing Needs
Builders should also be able to work with a wide range of people, from customers who know exactly what they want to those who aren’t sure. They should ask clients a wide range of questions about their lifestyle in order to best determine their housing needs.
“We’ll sit down with a customer and ask them how many children they have, if they expect to be taking care of an aging parent, what they’re looking for in their kid’s schools, what kind of setting they want, whether or not their job requires a lot of travel, etc.,” says Kelderhouse.
New construction in housing subdivisions used to be cookie-cutter similar. Twenty to 30 years ago, a builder would only have a few options to offer customers. Now, homes in subdivisions and developments come with a wide array of exteriors, floor plans, interior decor options and upgrades to choose from. There is also the option of building a custom home. Typically, this is a home built on your land and of a style you choose.
The builder should help you figure out what features and amenities are most important to you and what will work within your budget.
“There are different levels of quality for every home that’s being built,” says David Radford, president of Radford Homes. “Different materials will be used for an $800,000 house than for a $150,000 house. So make sure that the best quality of materials is being used for the price range that you are buying in.”
For instance, putting granite countertops and tiling bathrooms in a home that is in a neighborhood where homes sell for $100,000 is probably not the best idea because you’ve over-valued your house. That is, you won’t be able to get back the investment you put into the interior of the house when it comes time to sell it. This is especially true if you’re not planning on staying in the house long enough to build up a large amount of equity.
Check The Background
“Customers need to understand that they need to question us,” says Ron Willard Sr., president of The Willard Companies.
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Wedgwood, STRAUSS Construction Corporation. Once the framing of a home is completed, it should be wrapped in a weather-resistant sheath such as Tyvek, which also helps keep out water and insects. |
Once you’ve chosen a builder you’d like to use or a development you’d like to live in, you should still do a little research.
“Contacting the local home builders association (HBA) is a good place to start,” says Frank Radford of Radford Homes. “Membership is an invaluable experience for a builder. Our local HBA, the Roanoke Regional Home Builders Association (RRHBA), has such a great expanse of educational programs for its members that it forces builders to improve themselves constantly.”
“The RRHBA has helpful consumer information, but its focus is to help the building industry improve itself,” says Ron Willard II, current RRHBA president and vice president of The Willard Companies.
Ask neighbors and co-workers about builders that have excellent reputations in the community. People new to the community can start with the local Better Business Bureau, or the home builders association as mentioned above.
Many people know what area of the region they want to live in, as they want to be in a certain school district, or shorten their commute to work.
“If you know where you want to live, if it’s in a particular development, knock on doors and ask the homeowners how they feel about the people who built their homes,” says Steven Strauss, president of STRAUSS Construction Corporation.
Aside from checking in the community, builders should also be more than willing to give you multiple references if you ask for them.
“A good builder should be willing to stand behind their work and give you the names of the people that they built their last three or four houses for,” says Charlie Simpson, president of Charles R. Simpson, Inc.
When meeting with a builder it is also a good idea to ask who they work with. Subcontractors and materials suppliers are vitally important in the construction of a home.
“Ask a builder who their subcontractors are,” says Steven Strauss, “the builder should know exactly who they’re working with. Building a relationship with your subcontractors and your suppliers is like building a marriage or a friendship. There has to be trust on both sides, and a lot of hard work.”
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Samuel’s Gate, Fralin and Waldron, Inc. Subdivisons can be in varying states of completion, with homes that are a few years old to lots that are under construction. |
If builders can immediately name their subcontractors, it’s a good sign that they’re not going to be cutting corners or costs at the price of good construction. A quality build takes quality materials. Don’t be swayed by promises of a builder who says he can do a job for thousands of dollars cheaper than somebody else.
Builders should also have their licenses and certifications readily available. Ask how long a builder has been in business and what professional associations he belongs to.
“You should be working with Class A licensed contractors,” says Ron Willard Sr. “Do not ever go with a builder who wants you to get the building permit. The builder should take care of that.”
The Commonwealth of Virginia has a license look-up system online at www.state.va.us/dpor. This system is easy to use and it is free.
Good, established builders should be proud of their work. Ask what houses or developments they’ve built. Check out a wide range of their projects. See how their homes are holding up, keeping in mind that homeowner maintenance is critical to the overall status of the home.
“We’re now building homes for the adult children of people we built homes for 30 years ago,” says Roger Simpson. “They loved their homes growing up so much, that they wanted the same feel and the same builder.”
One last thing to check is a builder’s policy on warranties and repairs. The Commonwealth of Virginia requires a one-year warranty on new homes (Code of Virginia, 55-70.1) that gives a one-year warranty on the home and a five-year warranty on the foundation, but often a good builder will make repairs on a home past that.
“We’ve gone back many years later and fixed things on houses that we built,” says Ron Willard Sr. “This is what a builder has to do to protect their reputation.”
Get It In Writing
Before starting the building process, make sure you have a written contract.
“If a builder says ‘I won’t do business unless we can do it with a handshake,’” says Roger Simpson, “don’t do business with them. Walk away and find someone who will give you a written contract.”
When working with an architect or a builder, make sure you get written specs. These plans will tell you exactly what materials will be used for each area of your house, from the foundation to the type of plumbing fixtures used.
“In addition to getting written specs,” says Roger Simpson, “make sure that they state what isn’t included. For instance, if the refrigerator is not included, then you’re going to have to buy that on top of the price that they’re charging you for everything else.”
The set of written specs will help you tailor your expectations of the building process. Knowing what your expectations and what your builder’s expectations are before building begins is key.
“It’s important for you and your builder to communicate clearly with each other,” says Kelderhouse. “Most of the time when things don’t go well, it’s because expectations of either the builder or the client were not made clear from the beginning.”
Include in your contract a start and completion timeline.
“If a builder hems and haws about the timeline for your construction, then that probably means that they’re not sure who their subcontractors are, or what suppliers they’ll be using,” says Roger Simpson.
“Clients have to be flexible in their thought process,” says David Radford. “It helps when they know a little bit about the home building process. If they don’t, they should go to a bookstore and pick up a book on home building.”
Try www.BuilderBooks.com for books and information on the building industry.
When you visit your home as it is being built, make sure you look for little signs that your home is quality construction. You can learn to look for the signs of good craftsmanship from reading, or talking with well respected builders.
However, don’t expect everything to be absolutely perfect.
“There’s no such thing as a perfect house,” says Steven Strauss. “Even the best builder will not have the opportunity to observe every little detail in construction. You need to know how a builder treats their mistakes.”
Using a builder who will stand behind his product is essential to avoid problems with your new home.
Take A Close Look At Your New Home
Builders should educate you about how to best take care of your new home.
“We’ve developed a manual to give to our homeowners so that they have all the information about their home that they need at their fingertips,” says David Radford. “Everything from the color of paint on their walls to troubleshooting they can do themselves is in there.”
Fralin and Waldron, Inc. also has a comprehensive manual that they give to their homeowners, as well as performing a comprehensive walk-through at closing in which they point out all of the features and utilities of the home, such as the water shut-off valve, the circuit breaker box, pilot lights on water heaters and furnaces, heating and ventilation ducts, etc.
Ask for written material that includes the warranties on the products used in your home, and contact information should anything go wrong.
In conjunction with a new home’s warranty, many builders go an extra step and have what they call a 60-day list.
“We ask our homeowners to make a list of non-emergency items which we then pick up in 60 days and make the necessary repairs or adjustments to the homes,” says Kelderhouse.
Protecting Your Investment
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Evolution of a dream. This home, built by Charles R. Simpson, Inc. more than 20 years ago (original model inset), has evolved with new owners, but the basics of quality remain. |
You’re not just purchasing a home for shelter. You’re investing in a piece of property that if properly cared for, may bring you a large return when you sell it.
“As an investment, if you’re only going to be in the house for a short while, make sure that it appeals to the broadest range of the population for resale,” says Steven Strauss.
This means that homeowners should not do irreversible things to the home that may only appeal to a small section of the home buying population.
Aside from the financial investment, a home has deep emotional value. Families may grow in them, and memories will be created. Making a house into a home instantly causes it to become priceless.
“This business touches lives for many many years,” says Ron Willard Sr.
*Special thanks to Melody Williams, executive vice-president of the RRHBA, and Kathy Gentry, new homes manager for Boone & Company, Long & Foster REALTORS for their invaluable help in the completion of this article.
Ron Willard and Ron Willard II
The Willard Companies
540/721-5288
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The Willards. Ron Sr. (left) and Ron II, a father and son team, contribute to and serve many area organizations, including Ferrum College, the local 4-H, and the chamber of commerce. |
“We’re passionate about the overall health of this community,” says Ron Willard Sr. who founded his construction company in 1973, doing contracting work in and around the Roanoke Valley area. In 1976 he started developing land at Smith Mountain Lake. Ron Willard II joined the company as a laborer in 1992 and is now the company’s vice president.
The lake area has long been close to Willard Sr.’s heart and as a result, he and his son have been contributing to the community that has supported their business for 33 years.
“We’ve always believed in giving back to the community,” says Willard II.
“It makes your community better. If you don’t support your community, how’s it going to support you?” Willard Sr. adds.
The Willard Companies and the Willards themselves have contributed to many local charities, have participated in Take Pride in the Lake Day – cleaning up trash and debris from the lakeside – served on the board of the Smith Mountain Lake chamber of commerce, donated funds, land and time to various area organizations.
“The Willards don’t just give financial contributions to the area,” says Vicki Gardner, executive director of the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce/Partnership, “they also give a tremendous amount of time, effort and leadership skills to the community.”
Ron Willard Sr. was RRHBA president in 1980. Ron Willard II is the current RRHBA president.
Charlie and Roger Simpson
Charles R. Simpson, Inc.
540/774-3407
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The Simpsons. Roanoke region natives, Charlie (left) and Roger Simpson have been actively involved in their church, as well as other community-focused organizations, for as long as they can remember. |
Since 1959, Charles R. Simpson, Inc. has been building beautiful custom homes in the Roanoke Valley. Charlie’s son Roger joined the company in 1971 and is now the vice president.
Natives of the Roanoke region, the Simpsons have been heavily involved in the community. They’ve been active in groups including the Cosmopolitan Club and with their church, Oak Grove Church of the Brethren. Roger is currently in charge of the church’s building committee, overseeing the construction of a new educational center.
“The Simpsons have been a major influence in the community,” says the Reverend Ed Woodard of Oak Grove Church. “They’re hard workers with an excellent reputation. We’re really thankful they’re a part of our church.”
The Simpsons are also members of the Better Business Bureau and Charlie served as the president of the former Home Owners Warranty Council of Western Virginia.
“Roger has been president of the Cosmopolitan Club at least twice,” says Bob Williams, also past president of the Cosmopolitan Club.
The Cosmopolitan Club runs the annual Cosmopolitan Invitational Track and Field Meet that benefits the Roanoke Valley Speech and Hearing Center, and other charitable organizations.
Charlie Simpson was RRHBA president in 1974, Roger Simpson was RRHBA president in 1983.
Frank and David Radford
Radford & Associates
540/343-5000
“You always have to give back to the community that you live in,” says David Radford, president of Radford Homes. “You’re just doing the part you should be doing.”
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The Radfords. David (left) and Frank Radford’s sense of responsibility toward the Blue Ridge Parkway stems from a long connection to it. Their family farm was not 50 feet from the parkway. |
Developers often get involved with preserving and protecting highly sought-after land, and that is exactly what Radford Homes has been doing under the guidance of Frank and David Radford for the last two years.
The Radfords and their company are involved with the FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway, as well as the parkway, to help preserve scenic viewsheds along the Roanoke Valley corridor. For their efforts they received an award from Scenic Virginia for the best 2004 scenic viewshed preservation project.
“The Radfords are a reflection of generosity, strong faith and family values and environmental stewardship,” says Susan Mills, executive director of Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway. “I am most impressed with their true love of the parkway. They are setting a high standard for developers to partner – with preservation groups such as Friends – to be proactive and establish a viewshed screening when developing land
along the parkway corridor.”
Frank Radford’s father founded the construction company in 1947. Frank joined the family business in 1958, his son David joined the company in 1988.
Frank Radford was RRHBA president in 1962, and Home Builders Association of Virginia president in 1965. David Radford was RRHBA president in 1997.
Maury and Steven Strauss
STRAUSS Construction Corporation
540/989-7060
From a stint as a Cub Scout pack leader to serving on the boards of Roanoke-area arts organizations, the Strausses have been actively involved in the community for years. Strauss Construction has also donated land for Garst Mill Park, Cave Spring High School and to the City of Roanoke which was later made into Strauss Park.
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Steven and Maury Strauss. Long-time supporters of the arts, Maury Strauss (left) serves on the boards of Mill Mountain Theatre and The Jefferson Center. |
“We’ve helped build the community,” says Steven Strauss, “not just develop land.”
To that end, STRAUSS Construction has also diversified so that they can also build and develop land for the infrastructure of a housing community – shopping centers and office buildings – plus their land donations as mentioned above.
Strauss says that one of his favorite aspects of his job is watching a community, and individuals grow and develop, and turn an area into “home.”
“One of the nice things that happens in this job,” he says, “is when we sell a home to a young couple, and I go back over the years and see the playsets and toys in the yard. They’re making that house a home, and it’s something I helped with.”
Since STRAUSS Construction was founded in 1958, Maury and Steven have seen many such transformations all over the Roanoke Valley as they’ve developed neighborhoods such as Penn Forest and The Gardens of Cotton Hill. They’ve also been instrumental in transforming the status of arts and culture in the area.
Maury is a long-time supporter of the arts in the valley. He has been on the board of Mill Mountain Theatre since before it moved off the mountain in 1976.
“Maury Strauss was very instrumental in making the theatre year-round,” says Jere Hodgin, executive director of Mill Mountain Theatre. “He has a keen sense of community and as a businessman, he’s aware of the value of arts and culture for the valley.”
Maury Strauss was RRHBA president in 1963 and 1964, and Home Builders Association of Virginia president in 1971. Steven Strauss was RRHBA president in 1990.
Elbert Waldron and Andy Kelderhouse
Fralin and Waldron, Inc.
540/774-4415
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Left to right: Andy Kelderhouse, Elbert Waldron and Horace Fralin. From the arts, to education, to the revitalization of downtown Roanoke, the late Waldron and Fralin were generous contributors to the Roanoke region. Today Kelderhouse and Karen Waldron oversee the generous legacy of these two great men. |
The late Elbert Waldron and Horace Fralin started their company in 1962. Since then, Fralin and Waldron, Inc. has become one of the top 100 building companies in the nation.
Their financial successes enabled both of them to spend significant amounts of energy and money on various different institutions in the valley. Both Waldron and Fralin had a vested interest in the revitalization of downtown Roanoke. They helped revamp the City Market Building, gave heavy support to Center in the Square, as well as Mill Mountain Theatre and the Jefferson Center.
Waldron and Fralin also supported local universities. Fralin, a graduate of Virginia Tech, was on the school’s board of visitors and donated to the biotechnology center named for him. Waldron contributed generously to the expansion of Radford University’s nursing school. Karen Waldron, his daughter, was a rector of Radford’s board of visitors.
“The Waldrons’ gifts to Radford University were transformational,” says Vice President for University Advancement Charles Wood. “Their leadership gift jump-started the University’s first-ever capital campaign and the philanthropic example they set enabled us to surpass our goal and raise nearly $27 million. The Waldrons’ total gifts to RU eventually reached $3 million and gave us the momentum to move into a second capital campaign.”
These two men have left a lasting legacy to the valley, in the form of their businesses – which have more than 5,000 employees – and in the form of their careful leadership of the community.
Fralin and Waldron Inc. is now carefully tended by President Andy Kelderhouse, and CEO Karen Waldron – Elbert Waldron’s only child.
Elbert Waldron was RRHBA’s first president in 1955 and Home Builders Association of Virginia president in 1960. Horace Fralin was RRHBA president in 1971. Andy Kelderhouse was RRHBA president in 2003, and is the chairman of this year’s THE HOME SHOW committee.
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