Finding Our Modern Builder
Sunday, September 14th, 2008 at 10:33 pm 
By Ryan BrownThis is the fourth post about my modern remodel in Austin, Texas. Click here for all ‘My Remodel’ posts.
With our remodel design in hand (see previous post - Designing our Central Austin Remodel), we were ready to begin the search for a builder. This was probably my least favorite step in the process, and yet probably the most important step in ensuring the success of our project.
As with Our Central Austin Home Search, we first thought about the characteristics we were looking for in a builder to make sure we were efficient in our search. Here is our list (in no particular order):
- Affordable and available in our timeframe
- Good references and relevant experience
- Experience remodeling older homes
- Detail oriented
- Creative problem solver
- Open to trying new technology
- Interest/experience with efficient (green) building
- Experience with/interest in modern design
- Understands architectural vision and can interpret details
- Interested in/excited about our project
- Fun to work with
Most of these are fairly obvious, and some not entirely critical. We were hoping to find a builder with an interest in modern design, but this was not a deal breaker. It was more important that we were confident in their ability to execute the architect’s vision on time and on budget. Of course we had to be able to tolerate spending a lot of time together as well.
In generating our list of potential builders we tried to stick with those who came recommended by friends and neighbors. We ended up with about 6 solid options based on this input. The first three were eliminated quickly based on availability and one firm who only builds their own designs.
The Low Point in the Builder Search
We were a little discouraged at this point, but we pressed on to the remaining three. We finally got a meeting with the first of these, who we’ll call Builder A. Builder A does a lot of work in Central Austin and therefore has a lot of experience in remodeling older homes. We had seen their work on a home tour and were generally impressed with the quality.
Of course we were very nervous for the meeting, as this would be the time that a real dollar amount would be assigned to the project. During the meeting Builder A reviewed our drawings, asking questions about how we would like certain details finished out. After about an hour we left, Builder A promising to send us an estimate by the end of the week.
After two weeks and no word from Builder A, we were a bit discouraged - strike four. When we finally received a voicemail from the builder’s assistant a few days later he gave us a very high rough estimate (1 significant digit, about twice what we expected). Clearly they weren’t interested in the project, which is fine. However, the high number certainly didn’t help our morale.
Close but no cigar
For our 5th try, we spoke with a builder that came highly recommended by a good friend. Nana Kim designed and built her own house in South Austin. The design is very well done and the builder did a great job in executing the details. If you’d like to see this home in person, be sure to buy your 2008 AIA Tour Ticket. Here is a sneak peek of Nana’s front door (I love the wood):
So we met with her builder, Larry Anderson.
Larry was extremely helpful, taking the time to talk us through the costs of various aspects of our project. He has done several similar remodel/addition projects and had a lot of data at hand, which was helpful to give us a rough cost estimate. This was much more detailed than the single number we received from Builder A, and much more in line with our expectations.
Unfortunately Larry was in very high demand, and booked for the next 12 months! So back to the drawing board…
One last try
We had one more builder that came highly recommended from an acquaintance. We also had a favorable impression of their work based on their entry on a previous Green Homes tour. However, this builder was a bit different – it would require my wife and I to manage the project.
We met with Mark Pritchard of UBuildIt several times to discuss our project. He was very helpful and gave us a fairly detailed cost estimate, which was inline with our expectations. However, in the end my wife and I decided that we wouldn’t be able to dedicate the time required to manage the project at the level we wanted as we both work full time. What now?
Modern Design Build to the rescue
At this point I was frustrated and telling any friend who would listen about my fruitless search for a builder. One of these friends decided that he could do something about it.
Modern Design Build is a small company in West Austin that does a lot of very high end projects. They don’t really advertise, staying busy based only on referrals. Their reputation for stunning design, flawless construction and excellent customer service precedes them.
They are outstanding with details, here is an example. Have you ever seen jobsite sign like this:
However, Modern DB mainly works in West Austin (West of Mopac, to Lakeway and beyond), and on much larger projects than my remodel. They focus on pools, landscaping, and outbuildings but have experience in residential construction.
But I had two things working for me – I have known the owner of the company for many years and he has always been interested in efficient (green) design and construction; and they had an opening in their calendar that matched my schedule. Woo hoo!
So Modern DB superintendent Michael Dickson took on our project. We were very fortunate here as Michael has significant experience working with many architects and builders in Austin. He grew up doing cabinet and trim work on high end homes around town and went on to build several homes in West Austin.
Michael reviewed our plans quickly and noted many details that my wife and I hadn’t even noticed. He discussed several implementation details with our architect on the spot. We could tell that he was very interested and excited about the project, it was both impressive and encouraging.
A few days later Michael gave us detailed bid and rough schedule. We met a few more times to iron out details, but there was really no question. Michael and Modern DB were by far the best fit for us. They completely understand the design vision of our project and they produce an extremely high quality product. Michael is great to work with and made many suggestions to help us get the most for our money. Here he is in deep thought:
Needless to say, we are extremely satisfied with Michael and Modern Design Build (we are about 3/4 through the project – I’m way behind on blogging!). I would highly recommend Modern DB to anyone considering a remodel, a new home, or a pool. They are of the highest integrity and I couldn’t be happier with our house thus far.
