Building in today’s market encompasses many more details than most people realize.  The variety of new products and new technologies for homes has grown and continues to do so.  Recent changes in national, state, and local building codes along with new mortgage guidelines have added to the complexities of the whole process.

The experienced professionals at Clairbrook Homes work to alleviate these headaches and worries for you.  We are always up-to-date with all current codes that affect construction in the Western Pennsylvania area.  We use many of the latest technologies and products available in the market, and more importantly, we know which of these are cost effective and which are not.

The whole process begins with a sit down between the client and John Bourlogianis.  We compile a “Wish List” specific to you and from there assist you in choosing the best lot for your home.  Financial and design parameters are thoroughly discussed prior to any architectural sketches.  At which point timeframes and price points are established.  Preliminary architectural plans are then developed by an architect of your own choosing or with one that we closely work with.  Then a finalized  pricing and specification list, along with building allowances, is agreed upon.  This approach enables us to design a home that fits around your daily life and your budget.  Thus, avoiding any additional surprise costs of an idealistic design.

Subsequently, a complete set of contract and sales documents are prepared and reviewed.  These include the building contract itself, the detailed specification package, and the site subdivision deed restrictions.  Once all paperwork is signed and accepted by the mortgage provider, the home construction timeline is scheduled and all permits are filled out and paid for. 

When construction starts, an initial meeting is set up for windows and exterior doors.  Allowances have already been provided to the supplier and changes that may arise due to the design process are communicated directly by them.

From there, the kitchen design process begins.  You will meet with our kitchen designer and initial CAD drawings will be developed.  While the basic design is sometimes noted on the blueprints, your input is crucial to the final selection and design of the kitchen.  Again, allowances have already been provided to the designer and changes that may arise due to the design process are communicated directly by the kitchen designer.

This is an integral step to complete because any changes to the blueprint designs coming from the final kitchen layout must be finalized to our framers.  This is to ensure that the walls, windows, or doorway location changes can be done for all the rough-ins. 

Following the final design of the windows and kitchen, you will be scheduling appointments with our other suppliers.  These will include meeting with our plumber for plumbing rough-in locations, and our ceramic tile/hardwood floor, carpeting, and lighting fixture suppliers.  Exterior colors, roofing, brick/stone, siding, shutters, and other exterior selections will be handled by Clairbrook Homes.  Visiting other new homes under construction is a great way to see what color and style combinations appeal to you.

Visits will be necessary to get an idea for the rough electrical and security system options.  We prepare you well in advance for this meeting by giving you a list of considerations to think about ahead of time.  These include potential built-ins, preferences of recessed lighting vs. decorative fixtures, telephone and TV placements, home office networking, etc.

As the home nears completion, interior paint colors/wood stains are chosen by you, with expert input from our painter.  Our work during the final weeks focuses on the final landscaping placement of flower beds, shrubs, trees, etc., along with completing any outstanding items and fine-tuning the house for your possession.  At pre-final occupancy inspection of your home, we will schedule with you a final walkthrough and prepare a formal list to attend to any repairs or adjustments needed in your home.  These are then attended to at your convenience.   A one year warranty is also included on your home, along with any manufactures warranties included.