Buyer Checklist

Do Your Homework

Inspired by an article featured in the Houston Chronicle written by Jennifer Patrick addressing "Build On Your Lot", Mike Doherty Homes, Inc. would like to respond to the "Buyer Checklist" Patrick provided.

Does the builder have a strong building history?

Yes - Mike Doherty has been building homes since 1972, first as a Building Superintendent, then incorporating his own company in the State of Texas in 1978.  Mike Doherty has been building homes for 35 years.

Does the builder have a good safety record?

Yes - Mike Doherty Homes maintains secure and safe building sites and has never experienced major injuries or loss of life on any project.  To protect our buyers, everyone working on each project must provide proof of General Liability Insurance and Workers Compensation or sign an agreement to be responsible for their employees.

Can the builder provide excellent customer references?

Yes - Our reference list includes those who have asked Mike Doherty to build their second home for them and those who have referred parents and other family and friends.  Our homeowners, architects who know our reputation and others in the industry recommend Mike Doherty.

Does the builder have a comprehensive warranty program?

Yes - Mike Doherty Homes offers first and second year warranties with a 3rd party insurance carrier covering the next eight years.

How long has the company been in the build-on-you-lot business?

Mike Doherty started building on individuals' properties in 1985.  He has built on small lots in urban areas, waterfront property to large acreage ranch sites.  Every build-on-you-lot project has the potential to introduce unique challenges.  These years of experience have prepared us to handle any challenge a site may present.

Does the builder have a permanent place of business?

Yes - We home office.  While we could certainly lease office space, we are ever conscious of "overhead".  A builder's cost of doing business is reflected in every home he builds.  We try to work efficiently and keep overhead down.

Value

What exactly is included in the house price?

A comprehensive "Features List" is developed for each home.  this list reflects the requirements of the property, the buyer's wishes and previously discussed items recommended by Mike Doherty.

Can the builder guarantee price and move-in date?

We can guarantee the price as long as the buyers do not change the specifications after construction begins.

We cannot "guarantee" the move-in date, but we can estimate the projected time frame.  We cannot predict the number of days it will rain.  We cannot predict the number of changes that will occur.

We can guarantee that we understand time is precious to everyone and Mike Doherty will be efficiently managing your home's construction process on a daily basis.

Are there hidden costs such as mileage fees?

Nothing is hidden.  Our homebuyers most often choose a "Cost Plus" Agreement and they see our costs every step of the way.  Cost Plus allows our buyers to research the best prices and be involved in the decision process on their home.

How much money is the builder requiring up front?

According to the terms of the Cost Plus Agreement, a "Builders Fee" of 3% of the cost of the project is secured at the beginning.  This could be paid by the homebuyer or could be processed through the loan.

For the do-it-yourselfers, will the builder allow you [or family or friends] to do some of the work yourself?  

Yes, but we will want to discuss the impact this would have on your job.  Our experience tells us this always holds up the progress of the job.  Everyone that works on our jobs must provide proof of insurance and must assume responsibility for their work and employees.

Is the builder current on the latest construction techniques?  Ask to see examples of their work.

We are proud to be on the cutting edge in areas such as the latest in energy efficiency, green building, technology and designer trends.  Click Here to see our portfolio of homes.

Personal Connection

This is where we stand out ahead of the crowd!

Yes, you will be comfortable working with Mike Doherty Homes.

Yes, we are helpful, attentive, knowledgeable and professional.

Yes, we are honest and forthright in setting realistic expectations before we start building your home.

We communicate daily, if necessary.  we will meet you at the job sited to walk you home as requested by you, as well as the scheduled walks of your home.  we will provide you with a list of all decisions you will need to make, plus a "Building Time Line" so you will know the process from beginning to end. 

We will gladly provide references.