Retired Couple Brings Dream Home To Life With Directbuild Franchise

If good things come to those who wait, the past 15 years was time well spent for Terry and Terry Courtright.

In 1992, the Courtrights purchased an 80-acre plot of land in rural Elbert County where they planned to build their dream home when they both retired. Though they knew exactly what they wanted aesthetically, as a petroleum geologist and stained glass artist, the Courtrights hit a roadblock when it came to execution.

"We knew we wanted to blend Frank Lloyd Wright prairie style with Mesa Verde with contemporary overtones and bungalow and lodge style details but for such an intricate concept, our experience was very limited," said Mr. Courtright. "We had volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in the past so we knew the basics but certainly not enough to construct an entire house on our own." The Courtrights' apprehensions were quashed when an associate from Pella Windows and Doors mentioned Mike New and his business, DirectBuild. With New's years of homebuilding experience, what was once a topic of concern for the Courtrights quickly became worry-free.

"Our biggest concern was being able to find contractors and subcontractors that were willing to make the trip out to our property and work competently but with DirectBuild, we didn't have to give that a second thought," said Mr. Courtright. "Mike and his team provided a level of knowledge and supervision at a fraction of the cost of other contractors we considered. They were so thorough with every step, advising us about scheduling and pre-notification to the interaction of the trades, that we had very little lost time. In essence, we were building a home for ourselves but not by ourselves." For individuals torn between building a home on their own or hiring a general contractor, DirectBuild bridges the gap by allowing clients to retain control of their project yet assisting them with consultations and onsite visits to ensure the project runs smoothly. Because clients benefit from discounts of 20 to 40 percent using DirectBuild's pre-screened network of subcontractors and suppliers, homeowner/builders gain even more equity value in their new homes.

DirectBuild clients "own" the project, which takes about nine months to complete, and must be willing to commit about 15 hours per week during the first three months (framing, mechanical, plumbing, electrical work), 20 to 25 hours during the next three months (exterior finishing and dry walling) and 15 to 20 hours during the final 90 days (inside and outside finishing stages). Time is spent visiting the job site, meeting with subcontractors, making phone calls and sending faxes and e-mails.

DirectBuild expects to grant 10 franchises within the next 12 months and expand to 50 locations within three years. Besides DirectBuild's home state of Colorado, targeted initial growth areas include Florida and California, based on their population and housing growth.

From their groundbreaking in October to receiving their certificate of occupancy on June 29th, the Courtrights have had a hand in each step of the construction process. Their new 2,311-square-foot home boasts two bedrooms, a study and a spacious great room connected to the kitchen and dining room. Its large, south-facing, energy-efficient windows allow light to filter into their home all day and, in conjunction with a generous deck, offer sweeping views of the Pikes Peak area.

In addition to the main house, the full unfinished basement will serve as a workshop for Mrs. Courtright's stained glass business, TDC Glass Designs, and the 583-square-foot garage provides ample space for the couple's vehicle and extra storage. The Courtrights also elected to install a geothermal heat pump and an energy recovery ventilator to keep their energy costs down.

Without DirectBuild's assistance, the Courtrights said they wouldn't be nearly as pleased with their abode.

"The house is better than anything we could have hoped for and well worth the wait," said Mr. Courtright. "If we ever decide to build another house, DirectBuild will be the first number we call."

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