Collaborative Building – How We Work

To begin with, we divide the construction of the residence into 2 phases – the SHELL phase and the FINISHES phase.

THE SHELL PHASE

The SHELL phase includes everything from foundation through drywall and is completed by EquityQuest Homes.  Our shells are built to last lifetimes. We take pride in their design and construction and we only trust these processes to our proven network of high-quality suppliers and contractors (exceptions to this policy can be made at the request of the homeowner - conditions apply).

• See the drop-down list here for our Shell Standard Features. These are just our starting point. Actual features on every home are per owner specifications.

THE FINISHES PHASE

The real collaboration process begins in the FINISHES phase. 

Because structure and longevity matter, EquityQuest Homes constructs the Shell of your home.  But we want our customers to have the opportunity to increase both their equity and their pride of ownership by working directly in the project management of the Finishes processes, so we created a system to give our customers this option.  Many builders will not do this because, in all honesty, it can be much more complicated than doing a turn-key home without owner involvement.   

We call this our Direct Contracting program, and you can participate at whatever level you are comfortable with (or not at all).  You can read more about this program, its significant cost savings, and other benefits here. 

The Finishes Phase includes the categories below.

• Exterior Paint

• Interior Paint

• Cabinets

• Countertops

• Tile

• Flooring

• Interior Trim/All doors and hardware

• Finish Hardware

• Appliances and Installation

• Cleanup – both construction and final cleaning

Hundreds of customers have successfully direct contracted for these items. Over the years it seems owners are most comfortable finding their own contractors for cabinets, countertops, flooring and tile. They usually have EquityQuest Homes provide and install the trim, millwork, doors and hardware. And they usually “sweat equity” the appliances, finish hardware and clean-up. It is completely up to the homeowner and their comfort level, ability level and time availability.