I started my building career in 1999, in our family business working for my father, Henry. My father’s training was a great gift and I was fortunate to have been exposed to every part of the business, soup to nuts. This exposure and my father’s kind efforts, have established my principles for a successful business based on providing a safe, properly functioning, and well built product to some of Houston’s best people. 

 
 

Building is a challenging endeavor. From understanding our complex physical conditions, navigating the nuances of the city permitting system, to delivering a consistent level of product by retaining and building relationships with the best trades. If it’s important to deliver a product with the right level of attention, proper budget and honest schedule, then it begins with building a relationship with the right contractor. 

There are some important criteria to consider when selecting a general contractor. My recommendation is to interview builders and architects at the same time. The goal being that, based on the type of project and finish level, a builder can tell you a rough estimate for the cost. Then, narrow it down to two builders you really like. Be prepared for your builders to help field the architects plan progression, so as to aide in keeping cost overruns down. Not only is this to ensure the final drawing matches your vision, but that you have the assurance that it will still be within your expectations. 

 

When choosing a builder I would consider the following: 

  • Personality. Is this a person you feel understands your vision and communicates well with you and your team? 

  • Ability. Does the contractor have the reasonable past experience to build your product? Do they have the time? What is their current workload? 

  • Desire. It doesn’t have to be a different or unique project, but does the builder grasp its value to you and are they excited to be a part of this? 

  • Compensation. How is the builder paid and what do they typically charge? What are their very rough estimates for your project cost and are they in line with your hopes? This process always has adjustment on both parties- budgets and scope- but it should be somewhere in the ballpark before beginning.