Frequently Asked Questions
We’re thinking about building a custom home. What are the things we should consider?
Consider location, budget, and lifestyle needs. Custom homes offer unique possibilities but require time and clear communication with your builder.
What are the steps in building a new custom home?
Start with a consultation to discuss ideas and budget. We guide you through planning, design, construction, and final touches with clear timelines.
What is a design-build, and why should I choose it?
Design-build manages both design and construction in one, reducing costs and enhancing communication for a home that matches your vision.
How do we know if the project we are envisioning is within our target budget?
This is at the very heart of the design-build process. We have been working with the same contractors, in some cases, for 25 years or more. We have compiled vast amounts of data from previous projects and have experience in residential work. We can quickly estimate project costs and decide which direction to head.
How is Russ Doucette Custom Homes different from other home builders?
We build a limited number of homes yearly, ensuring personalized attention. Russ Doucette oversees every project from start to finish, ensuring satisfaction.
How long will it take and how much will it cost?
Timelines vary by project size. Our thorough planning minimizes surprises, ensuring each detail aligns with your vision and budget.
What if we make a change in the middle of the project?
Besides regular planning and update calls and meetings during the project, Russ makes sure you can reach him, and that he can reach you. We understand the busy schedules of our customers, and will go out of our way to facilitate convenient times and ways to meet or talk to you. Although rigorous planning usually uncovers all elements of design and technical issues, sometimes ideas occur or a change in a product or feature is desired after construction is started. In these cases, Russ and his team will work with you to explore options and identify the best solution. The resulting change may or may not require additional costs, but in all cases you and Russ will agree on a documented plan of action so there are no miscommunications or surprises. Because of the high degree of collaboration, many of our customers have found that their changes are identified early enough to avoid major impacts to the schedule or budget.
What is your geographic range for design and construction projects?
Generally, we build within a 30 mile radius of Scarborough, Maine.
Will you work on any size project?
No project is too big or too small for us to tackle. Whether your budget is $200,000 or $2,000,000, we get as much house out of the budget as we can. We can usually schedule smaller renovations and remodels in between the larger projects. We work on older homes, newer homes, any style of home that can be imagined.
What is your policy regarding follow-up service? Do you have a warranty?
By law, we have to offer a one-year warranty on our work. Our warranty goes way beyond the one year. We stand behind our products and workmanship 100% and will respond to any questions you may have regarding either.
How long have you been in business?
Russ Doucette Custom Home Builders has been building and renovating homes since 1980.
How do you handle problems?
As with any complex building project, unexpected things can happen. Because of the close working relationship you will have with Russ Doucette, most issues never escalate into problems. Russ and his team have a keen sense of detail and a dedication to follow-through on action items and issues that even the most discriminating customers have come to trust. When a house is completed, you and Russ will conduct a detailed walk-through to identify any finishing touches. The items on this “punch list” are scheduled and completed to coordinate with your move-in and with your schedule in mind. You will find that Russ is “on call” long after you move in to help make sure you are satisfied with your home.
Do you have a particular building style?
No, we work with each customer to design their unique home. Some customers come to us with a very detailed list of features and know what style home they want. We work with each customer to find out how they intend to use the home and what features are most important to them (ex. Do they need big spaces for formal dining and entertaining, a chef-style kitchen, a cozy library, a spa-like master suite, etc.).We will advise you if we feel your home plan includes wasted space or based on our experience, elements that may make it unattractive to future homeowners.
Do you have references and past customers we can talk to?
We would be happy to provide you with a list of past customers at your request. We also have customers who will allow a walk-through of their home. We encourage you to talk to other customers and view other projects we have completed before making your decision.
