Answers
Do you enter into contracts?
We always work with signed contracts with our clients. We have done fixed bid; cost plus a fee; and time and material projects. We work in any method that allows the project to move forward in an effective and cost effective way. We do a cost breakdown of every job to allow for real time tracking against estimated costs. Our belief it is in the best interest of both parties to have an open and transparent arrangement that lends itself to a high degree of trust and confidence for a project to succeed
Do you work with Architects?
We do. Over the past thirty years we have worked with many wonderful and creative Architects. We believe their professional expertise brings to the project unique and important skills plus there are many advantages to the client for having an Architect on the team.
Do you work with Owner Designers?
We have in the past worked with owner designed projects. Since all projects bring their own unique set of requirements there has been times that the owner designs wishes will require professional engineering and/or structural services. We always enjoy the clients input on the actualization of a project.
Do you have many sub-contractors?
We have worked with some basic subs for many years. However, we are always interested in finding new and creative subs contractors that would better the specific challenges of a project. We appreciate what the sub contractors bring to the job and understand what their contribution means to the success of the project.
Do you do projects in phases?
Yes we do. We have done both commercial and residential homes in controlled phases . On the commercial end it allows the job to move forward and splits the cost over many years. Wineries in particular sometimes need one portion of the job completed for crush and wish to phase the other portions of the job to a later date. At times jobs must be phased for financial reasons and we will work with the clients toward this end.
Do you allow owners to help build?
We have in the past, mostly on residential projects allowed the owner to "help". It is important for us and our subs to keep a timely schedule and our goal is to execute the building process in a cost effective manner. It is important for the owner to recognize and be comfortable fitting into the teamwork needed on the project.
What does a house cost?
Houses vary in cost due to size, material, location, style and design. We have built homes for as low as $ 90 sq. ft. and upwards to over $ 350 a sq. ft. There is too much information needed to give a general sq. ft price for the construction of a home. What we usually do is give a estimation with a few basic questions answered and allowances noted. Cost and detail are constantly reviewed with owners as we get deeper into the project.
Do you do Commercial?
Yes we do. We have focused since 1999 primarily on the wineries of the Willamette Valley. These projects have unique characteristics and challenges which bring a great deal of pride and satisfaction to both our owners and our company.
Are you LEEDS certified?
We are not. Our company has been environmentally sensitive for its entire history, and will continue to do what "right" for clients and the environment. There has just not been the necessity for us to take on the added paper work required with LEEDS certification. We will however when the right project comes along entertain the option to go this way. We have built many projects where our clients and our company have used re-used and recycled materials, used the latest in energy efficient HVAC systems, and worked with solar and geothermal sub contractors, to attempt to make our carbon footprint smaller and smaller
What guarantees do you have?
By law there is a one year guarantee on product material and workmanship. There are further warrantees on separate items installed in the house. We also realize that our next job almost certainly comes from our past recommendations from satisfied clients. It is our commitment to a positive history that allows our company to keep doing business and perhaps this is the best guarantee of all.
What are insurance requirements?
ASC provides liability protection through its master insurance plan and also requires sub contractors to provide certificates of liability coverage naming both ASC and the “home owner” as additional insured. The value of the construction material and labor is insured through the owner’s insurance carrier, for losses due to fire, vandalism or theft. We believe in a SAFE workplace and make no exceptions toward that end.