Shouldn’t I Hire An Architect?
Over the years Scalero built some houses designed by others, and worked with several really good architects, but the truth is that for all but the biggest and most complex residential projects an architect simply isn’t needed. As a builder, Scalero deals every day with the real issues that directly impact the design phase: structural elements, building codes, easements, electrical, and plumbing requirements, et cetera. We draw on our building experience and use a common-sense approach to all of the structural, mechanical and budgetary aspects of the design. We’ll collaborate with you to ensure that the design meets all of your physical and stylistic requirements, while at the same time considering all the custom touches and features that reflect your personality and lifestyle. As a designer/builder, Scalero has many years of experience working with clients to achieve exactly what they want from their new home, and we incorporate solid building practices that last a lifetime into every one.
How Does your Custom Home Building Process Work?
The first step is to schedule a meeting with Bob and/or Bonnie Scalero. During this initial consultation, you’ll share your vision for your new home and we’ll listen intently. We’ll review your budget requirements and discuss your square footage needs. If you already have property we’ll want to make a site visit and evaluate the property. Bob Scalero will develop a floor plan for your new home, and review that design with you. Based on your input and the site parameters, the design is tweaked many times before it is finalized. We want to gain a complete understanding of your dreams, needs, desires, and budget for your new custom home so this process can take as little as three weeks or many months.
Why do I have to have my Homeowner Association review my home plans?
Scalero builds many homes in covenant-protected communities where the homeowner association design-review committee uses criteria established by the association to review home plans. The goal is to assure that homes in the community meet agreed-upon standards affecting size, design, exterior finish materials and colors, and height. If your new home will be in a covenant-protected community, be certain that everyone on your design team is informed about the criteria your association uses in its design-review procedures.
How do I decide what kind of home design is best for my family?
Bob will work with you and flush out all your ideas. You’ll look through numerous floor plans and show him what features of each plan you like. Many times clients can find a floor plan that is close to their needs and than Bob will modify it accordingly. In some instances, a client’s ideas may require a complete design from scratch. Once the floor plan is designed and scrutinized we’ll be ready to move to the construction budget and agreement. By the time we get your floor plan finalized we’ll have formed a relationship of trust and respect. By this time, you’ll know Scalero is your builder.
Other builders have an in-house design studio — why don’t you have one?
A true custom homebuilder will not limit a client’s choice. We don’t have an in-house design studio because we believe our client’s choices are only limited by their imagination. With Scalero you are free to shop and make selections with multiple suppliers - this is encouraged. It is in your best interest to compare prices from one supplier to another and to utilize the Internet during this process. Scalero will help get pricing from multiple sources. While picking selections for our model homes we would often find great deals on marble, tile, lighting etc. by using the Internet. The less you pay for selection related items, the more upgrades you can get and still stay within your budget. If the manufacturer offers builder’s discounts we pass those savings direct to our clients. Many times in-house design studios are a profit center for builders that have them. If you are involved with a builder that has an in-house design studio, we highly recommend that after you make selections you at least spot-check the in-house prices by seeking competitive pricing apart from the builder.
How much do you charge to design a home?
The home design process allows us to interact with you in a personal way. We do not charge clients for our design time and they’re not obligated to select us as a builder. We want to be sure the fit is right for both parties. We’re going to spend at least ten months together and we want to be sure the time we spend working together will be both productive and enjoyable. If you choose us to build your home, the price for the design and construction plans will be included in the project cost.
What if I have my own builder — can you still design my home?
No. We reserve our award winning designs for our clients. Bob Scalero only designs homes for the clients that will also build with us. Each of our home plans is copyrighted and not available for sale or license.
Can you design a home to fit on an irregular shape lot?
Many of Bob Scalero's award winning designs have come from the most challenging properties. Unusual shapes, slopping lots and various restrictions often cause one to think “out of the box” and often times stimulate unexpected creativity. Scalero can offer smart solutions that will work with any space you want to build on.
Can you design a house with a basement?
Yes but unless your property happens to be on a substantial hill, you probably won't be able to build it. Unfortunately, most of the state of Florida is too close to the water table - meaning you don’t have to dig too deep to reach water. Typically in Florida, bonus rooms, attic storage, and larger garages are used to replace basements. Depending on the particulars of your house design and property, we’ll simply build a pad with dirt and compact it. In other cases, we need to build stem walls or core bore pilings into the dirt.
Do you have a selection of home plans I can choose from?
Scalero is best known for its award winning custom home designs. Unlike some builders who farm out the design work to an outside company, all design work including the construction plans are done in-house. Many times clients are sitting in front of a large monitor while design changes are made. Clients can experiment with different room configurations and different exterior elevations (style). The advantage here, besides the obvious very quick implementation of design changes, is that there is an intimate understanding of the home design and construction plans by the same people that will be building the home.
What if I didn’t like any of your current home plans?
In that case we will start with a blank sheet of paper and design your new home the way you want. Bob Scalero will personally work with you to achieve the perfect design for you and your family.
What is design/build?
We care about the satisfaction of our customers and stand behind our work. Design/Build Construction ensures that the vision of the customer is never lost during the building process. We work with clients to create innovative homes that are as visually stunning as they are functional. Working with a design-build company reduces the risk of unforeseen construction costs and ensures an efficient and easy build. Scalero is a design-build firm, which means we manage every aspect of your project from start to finish. As our client, you have one single point of contact and one single point of responsibility. We pride ourselves on the strong working relationships we foster with our clients. We want your home-building experience to be a joy, not a burden. Working with us early in the design process helps eliminate the risk of excessive building cost that do not add value to your home. This often sets us apart from other builders in Brevard County. With a keen eye on construction costs, we can provide design solutions for saving money and improving value.
After the design is complete how long will it take until construction begins?
Most of the time clients are anxious to get started and we certainly understand your excitement to get your new home underway. Before we can begin building your new home we have to finalize the design and prepare the construction documents. We’ll be working behind the scenes to complete detailed construction drawings, energy calculations, material schedules, truss layouts, engineering, etc. Once the construction documents are complete we will submit them to the building department and if applicable, architectural review board (HOA) for approval. Preparing the construction package can take between 3 and 6 weeks. The construction documents are sent to the local building department and a permit is obtained in two to four weeks.