A Builder- Check!

On the week of September, 23, 2013- we decided to meet with some Builders to see if that's the direction we should go. Kevin set up a few appointments for us with companies he had heard good things about.
Brett had several questions that he wanted to compare with each. Things such as:
* Quality
** Financing Available and estimate of Home-building Prices
*** Time Table
**** References

Williams Charles

* Finish Work is amazing- Brett's co-worker bought a home from him.
* Wife is Architect- can make it more custom
** He has some of his own lots available
** Estimated cost for a 1700 sq ft home- about $220,000 with unfinished basement
*** 4 months to build but can't start until March or April
**** Building house since 1984 in Helena

Max Jensen

* Good Work- Just finishing up our friends, the Tubbs home

* Does his own Excavating- as well as most in Helena

** Can do Construction loan but doesn't like to

*** Works through the Winter if above 24 degrees for concrete

*** Takes about 3-5 months to build

**** Been in Helena since 1991 but in business for 19 years

Chuck Casteel

* Works on one home at a time so he can give each home attention
* Built the Schwartz's (our Realtor) home
** Since we are under $400,000- he would build & sell it without a Construction loan
** Buyer picks out everything in beginning so the price is fixed
** Estimated cost for a 1700 sq ft home- about $255,000 with a $50,000 lot
*** Builds through the Winter in 4-6 months
**** In business since 2004

Picking ONE

We felt like all three of these men would do an excellent job for us. They all had excellent references.
Ultimately we decided to go with Chuck Casteel.
Reasons why-
We felt our personalities would mesh well.
He could start building now. Bonus since we are already going crazy in our tiny apartment.
He can carry the construction loan for us.
His references checked out- they all respected him and said he did good work.
He is friends/business partners with our Realtor (as well as built Kevin's home)- we have an instant sounding board

YEAH- Now let's get to work!!