Choosing Project Delivery: Traditional vs Design-Build

Which Process Will Work for You?

Are you a homeowner considering starting a project and are interested in learning more about Traditional vs Design-Build? Below you will find the steps for each process to help you determine which would fit your project best.

Traditional Project Delivery:

During the traditional project delivery, the homeowner must manage two separate contracts between the designer and contractor. This can make it difficult when issues arise, due to having to track everyone down for a meeting to resolve the issue.

Traditional Project Delivery Process

Select designer.
Start the design process.
Send drawings out for bids.
Select contractor.
Begin construction.

Select Designer: Typically, in this type of setup, the homeowner would meet with an architectural designer. 

Start Design Process: The homeowner begins to work with the architectural designer to produce design/construction plans for their project. 

Send Drawings out for Bids: The drawings received from the designer are then sent out to contractors. From there, the competing contractors complete what is called a bid. In a bid, each contractor will send the homeowner estimates based on the project. 

Select Contractor: After receiving bids, the homeowner then compares and then chooses the one they would like to work with. Sometimes the homeowner may only send their project to one contractor to bid.

Begin Construction: Now the project begins to come to life.

Design-Build Project Delivery:

During the design-build project delivery, the homeowner only needs to hold one single contract. This contract would be with the contractor who has a specialized team of staff. The team would consist of any type of architectural designer, engineer, estimator, and field crew. This team would work under one roof, which means when problems arise, they can be resolved quickly.

Design-Build Process:

Select the design-build contractor.
Attend pre-construction meetings .
Start the design process.
Begin construction.

During all four phases, all team members work together and keep each other up to date on any changes made during the design project, or any changes made or needed during the construction process. 

Selecting a Design-Build Contractor: This is the first step in the Design-Build process. You can interview Design-Build contractors in your area to figure out if they are qualified for your project. 

Pre-Construction Meeting: This next step is where you would meet with a member of the company to review all aspects of your project. This is where you can discuss your wants, needs, and a timeline for the project.

Start the Design Process: The architectural design step is when you are able to meet with a member of the design team to start bringing your project to life! Construction blueprints, design storyboards, and more will be presented and reviewed.

Begin Construction: The construction step is when your project begins to come to life. Throughout this stage, you will coordinate meetings with the architect and contractor.

Did you know that Lundberg Builders can deliver your project through whichever method you choose?

Lundberg Builders uses the turnkey approach which features a full design-build team dedicated to producing results that meet their clients’ needs. So, rather than managing multiple companies, Lundberg clients enjoy a unified design-build firm working together with single-source responsibility.

Lundberg has their own in-house architects and designers but is also very willing to work with the architect or designer of your choice.

Let’s get building!

This blog was written by Tyler Marold, UDPC. Residential Designer/Drafter for Lundberg Builders, Inc.

What is Universal Design – Living in Place? Why Does It Matter?

We’re on a mission to make your spaces more people-friendly than ever.

You in?

Technically speaking, Universal Design refers to the design of buildings, products, and environments to make them accessible to all people, regardless of age, disability, or other factors. However, EVERYONE can benefit from Universal Design in their homes.

Why is Universal Design Important in Homes?

Families are sharing the responsibilities of home life.
Evolution of how responsibilities are carried out.
Average life expectancy continues to increase.
A typical family contains members of widely varying ages, sizes, and abilities.
We should not be forced to move because a house is not adaptable to family change.

What Does Living in Place with Universal Design Look Like?

Modernizing your home for Living in Place with Universal Design should not mean creating a clinical and cold atmosphere. Instead, it’s an inclusive approach for a better future. You can open your home to anyone and welcome them with attractive designs that WOW while gaining your own freedom to live the life you choose now, and well into the future.

Here are several of the modern conveniences that you can add to your home that make large impacts:

Whole-Home Modifications Include:

Accessible floating sink in a powder room, installed by Lundberg Builders and designed by 314 Design Studio.

Extended hand railings past the last step both at the top and bottom of the stairs. This allows you to hold your balance while getting on or off the last step.
Entrances and decks with flush thresholds and no steps accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers.
A shorter rise on stairs is easier to climb and easier on your joints.
Enlarged landings create space for setting down bags and personal belongings while opening the door.
Hardware that can be used with your hand, elbow, or knee include lever doorknobs, push plates on doors, rocker light switches, loop handles, and touch latches.
Video doorbells allow for added security and convenience.
Interior and Exterior Motion-sense lighting
Open floor plan concepts minimize hallways and tight spaces while maximizing the line of sight.
Stacked Closets with knock-out floors can later become an elevator shaft.
Wider doorways and hallways.
Front-loading washers and dryers with front controls on raised platforms reduce bending.

Bathroom Modifications Include:

Multiple showerheads, a curbless shower entry, and a walk-in bath make this bathroom accessible for any visitor. Built by Lundberg Builders, Inc. and designed by 314 Design Studio.

Larger curbless showers.
Adjustable hand-held showerheads.
Smart shower controls
Temperature-balanced valves
Walk-In tubs
Non-slip flooring
Taller toilets
Extra clearance around toilets and fixtures
Knee space under vanities and sinks
Extra blocking in walls for future grab bars (Grab bars can also double as towel bars).
Voice-lighted mirrors
Pocket doors.

Kitchen Modifications Include:

Kitchen, built by Lundberg Builders, Inc., with pull-out drawers and easy to reach appliances.

Touchless and single lever faucets make it easier to adjust water temperature and operate with a single hand or elbow.
Smart appliances
Hands-free voice-activated faucets
Larger cabinet pulls
Cabinets with adjustable and pull-down shelves, along with full-extension pull-out shelves and doors
Front or side controls on stoves allow for easy reach and lessen the risk of reaching over hot burners.
Wall ovens create knee space underneath and make transferring dishes from the oven to counter easier without lifting, reaching, or bending.
Dishwashers can be raised on platforms to reduce bending.
Multi-level kitchen countertops with open space underneath allow the cook to work while seated or for taller people to work without bending.
Induction cooktops and stoves offer a safer way to cook than electric or gas. They do not emit gas into the air, and they won’t catch objects, like dishcloths, on fire.
Drawer microwaves allow access without having to reach up above the counter or range like traditional microwaves.
A side-by-side refrigerator with pull-out shelves makes items easy to reach. An under-counter or drawer-type refrigerator can create access to taller items.

Where Should You Start to Create Your Space with Universal Design?

Lundberg Builders is more than a full-service residential contractor. We are your partner for creating the home of your dreams and your future. Our goal is to help you live in your home as long as possible. Our designers plan for both looks and practical needs. We want to ensure that your house looks amazing and that it will serve your needs well into the future. Your Universal Design starts with our Home Audit Checklist. This assessment gives us the opportunity to understand your specific needs and desires. Whether it’s new construction, a complete renovation, or remodeling a few rooms. The checklist helps to empower our design team to create a space that’s what you want today and what you need in the foreseeable future.

Lundberg Builders, Inc. and 314 Design Studio, LLC are your home design and renovation partners. Working together to create your dream space for now and the future.

This blog was written by Tyler Marold, UDPC. Residential Designer/Drafter for Lundberg Builders, Inc.

The Home Improvement Process

Jesse Goodroe, Lundberg Builders’ Project Consultant

Given we are all staying home a lot more these days, you may have decided it’s time to make some home improvements. Maybe you want to expand or open up your living space, create a more functional kitchen or update a bathroom, build a dedicated office, or add a workshop, guest house or outdoor space. Whatever your project, you will likely need assistance from a professional on the design and construction. But where to start? Below we outline our system in working with a client to familiarize you with the process, help you begin to plan, and to highlight some important tips on how to ensure success: on time, on budget and on goal with the project you had imagined.

The first step is to call and schedule an appointment with us to tell us about your project. Typically clients have some general ideas in mind as to style or selections that will help us understand your overall vision for the project and help us to guide you to achieve it.

After our initial meeting, we will develop a rough budget for the project. Once approved, we move to our construction agreement.

Lundberg Builders’ screened in porch for a client on the Eastern Shore

If the project requires drawings, Lundberg Builder’s in-house designer will visit your home to take on-site measurements ‘, and then draft the design. Once the drawings are approved, we will develop a detailed 23 division estimate.

Once the final estimate is approved, the permitting process begins, if required. Permitting typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete and can take longer in certain circumstances. This is why we advise to get your project started as early as possible. In other words, if you are looking forward to enjoying a new porch or deck in the spring, it’s time to get started today!

Lundberg Builders’ new deck and railing for a client on the Eastern Shore

Our supervisor will then provide a tentative schedule for all construction divisions. He will handle all of the scheduling of contractors, ordering of the materials and every other aspect of project management. This makes the process smooth and consistent for you to have one main point of contact with us no matter what subcontractor is onsite working.

At all phases you can expect a very transparent and collaborative process. You can expect weekly on-site meetings with our supervisor for job progress reports, making selections, and addressing any changes or unforeseen issues. We have a wealth of community-based vendors we can suggest to help you source the right materials. For any kitchen and bath design needs, we suggest working with our award-winning affiliate company, 314 Design Studio.

314 Design Studio and Lundberg Builders collaborated on this stunning kitchen remodel for a client on the Eastern Shore

The supervisor will tightly manage the timeline of when materials should be ordered for on-time delivery for each phase of the construction. This is important for you to keep in mind as selection choices ideally should be made in a prompt fashion. As many of the selections that can be made in advance, the better and more efficiently a project will be completed. Selections like cabinets, for instance, have to be custom built, requiring 4-10 weeks for delivery.

Once your project has been completed, we will have a final review to ensure your complete satisfaction. We want you to know that our services and relationship with you extend beyond the completion of any single project. We hope to continue our relationship as part of the Lundberg family of happy customers. We’re here for you should any needs arise – from handyman work to remodels to designing and building your next custom home, we sincerely look forward to hearing from you and learning more about your next dream home project.

Wash, Dry & Fold – Laundry Rooms as Good as Gold!

Custom Home reported recently, “Laundry Rooms Rank Highest on Most Wanted Home Features List” according to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 2019 edition of What Home Buyers Want. A whopping 91% of survey respondents ranked a laundry room as a home essential. And more and more, people are investing in making their laundry room a real hub in their home. Below are some new ways to reimagining your laundry room for the way we live today.

The new great room – Combine the utility closet, mudroom and laundry room into one practical space for all things dirty that need cleaning and storing.

Design it into the floorplan – Design your home for accessibility and convenience to the laundry room from the garage entrance. Drop soiled towels and other dirty clothes and socks and shoes as you walk in.You can throw away trash, unload the car, store away travel items, organize and launder everyday items before entering the main house. Drop off backpacks, briefcases and purses. Relax, you’re home!

Create a pet station – Animal friendly laundry rooms can play double-duty as a fantastic space for your pet. House food bowls, leashes, toys, treats, pet beds in one area. Add a pet-friendly farmhouse or utility sink or even a shower station big enough for washing your fur baby. Below features the BLANCO DIAMOND™ Single Bowl in Metallic Gray, the SONOMA™ Pull-Down faucet, and SONOMA Soap Dispenser.

Photo credit to Lavin Label.
Elevate with countertops – Countertops say laundry “room” instead of laundry “closet”. Whether you choose wood, metal, or marble, countertops give your laundry room that modern, designer look you’ve been craving. The second runner-up functionality-wise to your washer and dryer, countertops give you room to not only neatly fold and corral frequently used items, it also gives you that decorator space to add vases, jars and other decorative items that make it another wow moment in your home instead of a cluttered, ho-hum room you dread.

Make it light and bright

Ever noticed the areas you use the most – kitchen counters, office desks, laundry folding stations, work benches – have the least amount of light? The cabinet itself casts a shadow, making these spaces with the most detailed activities less functional. Cabinet lighting is designed to illuminate these high-use surfaces, and a whole lot more. Consider these uses when designing your space to get the most out of your lighting plan. Featured below is Kichler’s 4U 22″ 3000K LED Cabinet Light in Textured White.

Build custom cabinets – These can be customized to suit your unique needs and the items you want to store. Laundry built-ins have endless possibilities. House your dirty laundry hamper along with hanging rods for freshly ironed clothes. Include fold-out hanging rods for drying. Store laundry detergent, dryer sheets, cleaning products and paper goods. What makes a home look really special is keeping things neat, organized and dare we say it, hidden out of sight!
Hook you up – Top Knobs launched a collection of decorative hooks at KBIS this year that are perfect for laundry/mud rooms. Decorative hooks have a ton of great added value to these spaces, serving as additional storage and a method for staying organized and clutter free.

Need more help designing and building that perfectly functional and beautiful laundry room of your dreams? Bringing your unique vision to life is our specialty! Whatever you dream, we can build it. Call us or stop by and tell us about your next home project!

Small Projects to Improve Life at Home

Though we are known for our full custom homes, you may be surprised to learn that we do quite a lot of smaller projects as well. Small projects are often the ones that make the biggest impact on the measure of joy we experience living at home.

Some of the most popular small projects right now increase the practical use of our home. Perhaps you want an outdoor shower for when you return from trips to the pool, boat or beach, or a garage addition to keep your car out of the weather? What about a shed to corale yard equipment? Or maybe with the mountains of laundry you have to tackle, you dream of expanding your laundry room? How about a dedicated home office so you can take conference calls in peace!

Other small projects may increase the enjoyment of relaxing at home such as a sunroom or family room addition, or creating an porch or patio for outdoor entertaining. Now that we are spending more time at home, your needs have likely changed somewhat. Below are some photos to get your home improvement juices flowing. Just imagine what your home could be and let us do the rest!

Your custom built outdoor shower awaits you. Ahhhh!

Screened in porch to capture amazing water views.

How about a screened in patio that’s perfect to enjoy a summer rain and some evening cocktails around the fire!

What about a guest bedroom oasis or in-law suite?

And don’t forget about a home spa. I know a lot of you are missing going to the salon and spa right now. Create one at home!

Home office with custom built-in shelving. And, also windows galore to capture those Bay views

Maybe your deck railings are spoiling the view because they are in need of repair? Don’t despair! Lundberg Builders to the rescue and we care!

What project are you dreaming about that would make your life at home even better? We’d love to hear from you. No project is too big or too small. Call us at 410-643-3334 and tell us about it!

Reasons Why Architectural Details Matter

If you have ever driven through a great neighborhood and remarked about the quality of it, most likely it’s because you recognized the beauty and the appeal of the homes built there. We are fortunate to have many such neighborhoods here on the Eastern Shore and in neighboring Annapolis. Was it an awesome front door and window package, the presentation of a front porch, or the proper use of decorative corbels that caught your eye?

Like separating the men from the boys, homes that possess architectural details-are usually the best homes on the block—or at least they have the potential to be the best. Here are three reasons why and four examples of homes that hit the mark. (All photos courtesy of Lundberg Builders)

When building or remodeling, careful consideration of the level of detail is essential to create a template for consistency throughout your home.
Well-conceived architectural details ensure that your completed home project is authentic.
Value. One little word that says it all. Detail helps build value into your property from Day One—and working with a custom builder will not only help ensure your home is built to last; your builder can work with you to maximize its value over time.

In size, in scope, and in limitless detail, this custom Lundberg-built home delivers appealing visual impact. This architecturally well-detailed home exterior fits well in its surroundings and uses specific materials to create details that meld the interior and exterior beautifully. Note how the exterior stone plays off the natural outdoor elements and then appears again inside the home.

This classic 18th century townhouse remodel by Lundberg Builders provides a perfect example of authenticity in architectural detail. While it has been updated to provide modern convenience, it remains true to its historic roots inside and out.

This amazing home on the Wye River (top) and the Bay traditional home (below) proves that no matter the style, period, or type of home, its specific architectural detail will stand the test of time and no-doubt continue to grab the eye of passers-by for many years to come

In summary, by choosing the right materials and methods, keeping an eye on aesthetics, quality, and livability over the long-term, then balancing that with your home’s long-term life cycle cost, you will gain not just pride of place, but peace of mind.

Come and share your love of architectural details with us. Contact Lundberg Builders at 410-643-3334, Lundberg Builders, Inc. is located at 314 Main St., Stevensville, MD. Visit us online at www.lundbergbuilders.com.

Inside, Outside & All Around the House…Paint Colors Popping Off the Trend Palette this Year

If you’re considering a color re-work for your home’s interiors this spring, you will have plenty of intriguing options on a spectrum from subtle to sublime shades. The two main themes in color can best be described as Muted and Deep.

The spectrum of color can best be seen in this palette prepared specifically for 2019 courtesy of The Creativity Exchange.

Muted

There’s something very romantic and relaxing about the muted approach to color for bed, bath and main living areas. Another plus about employing a muted color is the way it enables you to embrace what’s trending without having to go too bold if that just isn’t your style.

This contemporary living room design pulls from the Ash and Soltice colors in the palette above. While the room exudes a sleek and sophisticated vibe, it does not lack warmth and is clearly very inventive, and inviting.

A soothing bedroom and bath is the ultimate retreat from the real world. A slight hint of mint on a bedroom wall, which pulls Misty from the palette above, is like aromatherapy for the eyes.

The most subtle of aqua tones creates an easy, even breezy feel in the bathroom, and gray transcends boring when it is combined with a bolder vanity and backsplash option, yet it maintains the subdued vibe of a place of refuge.

Deep

Trending down this year’s palette are richer, thicker color statements for those who easily embrace and must have change.

A deeper green for main living areas and kitchens is about the most popular color out there right now. With the proper balance of lighter elements like this sleek white table and chairs, a color like Nightwatch from the palette exudes the confidence of your design style.

Personal spaces like home offices can become havens for creativity when a darker hue is infused into the design. While Charcoal Blue may never have been top of mind when choosing a paint office color, it clearly can provide inspiration and inviting sight lines.

And don’t forget your home’s smaller spaces like hallways and entryways. When added as an accent wall color, these deep hues help convey your home’s color story.

Of course, when it comes to curb appeal, that’s a whole other story. We’ll leave you with a tease of a home we just love and we’ll explore more with an exterior home color “primer” in our upcoming newsletter—so be sure to check your inbox for that!

Are you in love with a certain paint color right now? Contact Lundberg Builders at 410-643-3334 and come and talk paint with our pros! Lundberg Builders, Inc. is located at 314 Main St., Stevensville, MD. Visit us online at www.lundbergbuilders.com.

5 Ways to Bring More Hygge into Your Bedroom This Winter

So, what’s this word “hygge” all about? Hygge refers to a Danish lifestyle concept that dates back to 19^th century Scandinavia. Pronounced “hoo-ga,” the Danes believe there is much to be gained by creating cozy living spaces and surroundings that speak to simpler and even smaller creature comforts. Think ski lodge-cool, soft-as-a-cotton-ball socks, and the comfort of warm and steamy beverages on our coldest winter days. These are all elements and examples of living “Hygge”.

Let’s see what happens when we apply this way of thinking to décor and design to our most basic retreat –the bedroom.

Play with Wall Texture

While plain drywall and standard art and shelving is practical, adding features like wood beams and wood wall accents changes a functional room into a sanctuary space that can transport you to another place. Reset your “head space” button with warm woods interspersed with other textures like stone and toss in a fur throw for a completely enveloping experience and perhaps, a well-earned, long winter’s nap. (Photo credit: Yellowstone Traditions)

Choose a Fireplace as Your Focal Point

Technology and advancements in in-home heating make in-bedroom fireplaces more convenient than ever. It seems a shame NOT to add this feature as a room focal point that can be all at once posh and practical. Be sure to research which heat source is best for you: gas, wood or even electric. Remember, there are varying levels of convenience depending on which energy source you choose—as it can actually mean the difference between “sawing wood” and chopping it. (Photo credit: cornerfireplaceideas.com)

Add a Romantic Seating Area

Create a soothing mood and get comfy before you even hit the sheets, by allowing enough room in your floor plan for a cozy seating area for reading, meditating or just plain conversing—remember conversation? Add books, aroma therapy candles, wine—whatever adds to a relaxing space. The most progressive floor plans even allow space for a wine or mini fridge and wet bar, for those nights when breaking the Zen zone by leaving the room is just not an option. (Photo credit: Inspired By Love)

Layer in Comfort Under Foot

It wasn’t that long ago that bedrooms were bastions of wall-to-wall carpet pile, and with good reason—comfort and warmth. Choosing a warm hardwood for this room can be just as cozy and practical (a great choice for the allergy-prone) when you add the right area rug, and maybe even layer in more texture with a faux animal skin in winter. How deliciously Danish! (Photo credit: New Pacific Direct, Inc.)

Go For Glow

Never underestimate the influence lighting has on a room, especially bedroom lighting. While classic, task lighting is desired for dressing and reading purposes, it’s not the only lighting option you should consider for this room. A bedroom with a Hygge vibe will exude a warm glow. Fortunately, now there are more romantic wall-mounted options than ever—as well as, on-trend, boutique pendant lighting that helps create the ambient environment and feeling of well-being so important for Hygge living. (Photo ©2016 Lisa J. Gotto)

Want to bring that sense of “hygge” into an existing bedroom or have a new one designed with this concept in mind? Lundberg Builders are ready to help you create cozy interiors for the winter and all year-round with the custom touches and timeless details that make a house a home.

Create your wish list and contact Lundberg Builders today at 410-643-3334 or visit lundbergbuilders.com. Lundberg Builders, Inc. is located at 314 Main St., Stevensville, MD.

How to Create an Impressive-Looking Focal Wall For Your Living Room

The living room is perhaps the most important room in your home as this is where you get to relax and spend quality time with your family. Many people spend a lot of time and money to make sure that their living room looks great, and designers often recommend investing in the living room if their client is on a tight decorating budget. One of the best things that you can do to refresh your living room is to create a focal wall, and depending on your preferences, your accent wall can be functional or decorative, or even both. Here are 5 ways that you can create an impressive-looking focal wall for your living room.

Use reclaimed wood

Barn walls or reclaimed wood, both real and faux, is immensely popular in home décor. Not only does reclaimed wood give your focal wall a warm and weathered look, but using this material will not harm the environment as it is a sustainable material for construction or remodeling. Have your builder cover your accent wall with reclaimed wood for a rustic look.

Embed a fireplace

Nothing is as luxurious and comforting as a fireplace in a living room. If you don’t care for a wood burning fireplace, consider embedding an ethanol fireplace insert in your living room focal wall. This type of fireplace will bathe your living room in warmth without smoke, bad odors, or particles that can be harmful to your health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the smoke from wood burning contains particles that can cause health problems such as a runny nose and bronchitis. As an ethanol fireplace only need bio-ethanol fuel to feed the fire, it’s safer for your health than a regular fireplace. Read this great article on the Advantages of Ethanol Fire Pits Compared to Gas Fire Pits.



Built-in shelving

If you want to display your books and collectibles, consider having built-in shelving room as a living room accent wall. You can either paint the accent wall and all the shelving attached to it the same color, or paint the shelving in white and the accent wall a bright color, like yellow, turquoise, or red.

Mirrors

To make a stylish statement, paint your accent wall in a dark color, such as navy blue, then hang a few decorative wall mirrors once the paint dries. Try to find mirrors with golden accents to give your living room a touch of opulence.

These are just a few ways to create an impressive-looking focal wall for your living room. Any of these tips will give your living room that wow factor that your family and friends will surely love.

10 Things to Ask Your Contractor or Remodeler Before You Start Your Project

Remodeling or building a new home is a big financial and emotional investment. You’ll probably be seeing quite a lot of your contractor, depending on the size of the project and the amount of subcontracting involved, so it’s important to find someone you can get along with who’ll do the job right. In order to make a solid choice, there are some key questions you should ask potential contractors or remodelers to ensure you’re getting a good match, in addition to protecting your family. This is your home, after all; you want someone who’s dependable and determined to see the project through to the end. Knowing what to expect before the project gets started will help you better prepare for the process. We’ve compiled a list of 10 questions you should always ask your contractor before starting a home remodeling or building project.

2013-12-11 01.01.35 — Lundberg Builders Recent Job Site

Are they licensed and can you obtain copies: Maryland requires home improvement contractors/builders to be licensed and all Sales employees to be licensed as well. Lundberg Builders is licensed by MHIC license #11697 and MHBR#749. Our consultant is also licensed by MHIC #93307. We will be happy to provide you a copy of our license upon request.
Are they insured and can you obtain copies: Maryland requires home improvement contractors/builders to be insured. Lundberg Builders is insured and we will be happy to provide you a copy of our insurance upon request.
How long have they been in business: 50% of small business will go out of business in their first four years. Companies that have been in business for more than 10 years have less risk and more stability. Lundberg Builders has been in business for more than 30 years founded in 1977.
Can they provide you a list of references: Lundberg Builders feels that our references should be given to you as per your specific project, we also feel that while our past clients are our best voice we also respect their privacy. With that in mind we will provide you up to 3 references per your project upon request while also trying to preserve our clients’ time and privacy.
Are they a member of the Local Better Business Bureau: Members of the local BBB adhere to a strict code of business ethics, honesty and integrity. You can research the status of each business thru BBB’s website at bbb.org. Lundberg Builders is an accredited A+ business.
Are they a sole proprietor: Ask yourself, how much risk am I willing to take by hiring a contractor that preforms all the aspects of their business with no other points of contact? What if something happened? Who would fill in? Does the project get finished? Lundberg Builders provides you with multiple contacts throughout your project. We have eleven carpenters, four project supervisors, and one project manager in the field. We also have a full office staff and our owner Brad Lundberg is always available to answer questions and address concerns.
Who manages your project: Lundberg Builders has a staff of four project supervisors. Our supervisors are in charge of the day to day operations of your project. Supervisors are required to visit the site daily as well as conduct the coordination of the job. They are also required to do weekly progress meetings with the clients.
Do they offer any warranty: The state of Maryland requires all home improvement contractors to offer a one year warranty. Lundberg Builders offers this one year warranty, however we feel that this period should be proactive instead of reactive. Twice during your one year warranty we will conduct a full comprehensive evaluation of your home inside and out. Any issues we find in this evaluation that pertain to the project will be repaired free of charge. This service is available after your first year for a fixed fee, should you desire to continue the program. Any repairs after the first year will be billed accordingly.
Can they provide documentation that they are qualified: Qualification of the trade is not required by the State of Maryland. Outside organizations such as NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) and NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) provide to willing contractors qualification courses to educate them on how to properly build, design and maintain residential homes. These courses are intensive and require testing to get qualification. Lundberg Builders has employees on staff and that are certified by these organizations to include Graduate Master Builder, Certified Graduate Remodeler, Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler, and Certified Aging in Place Specialist.
How do they screen and hire employees: The old adage good help is hard to find is very true. Lundberg Builders preforms a background check on all of our employees. We also have an introductory period for our employees, where we place them with our experienced crew and supervisors to identify their strengths and weaknesses.