Building Process

Our computerized bids, specification sheets and contracts are extremely accurate, thorough and written in plain English. We itemize building materials down to the minute detail and provide budget allowances that you can comfortably work with. The combination of our building experience and spreadsheet analysis allows us to make very competitive bids.

Each month clients receive a written itemized statement explaining the current disbursements from the project budget. Included is a running update of credits and/or extra costs related to items they have asked to be subtracted or added to the project. (No one likes to be surprised by unplanned expenses at the end of a custom project.)

Because we are primarily custom builders and prefer our clients to "have it your way" we allow an unlimited number of changes. After all, it's your project and you should be able to call the shots. Please remember, it is better to make changes at the earliest time possible in order to keep the cost impact as low as possible.

In the homebuilding business most all mistakes, misunderstandings and un-realized consumer expectations are the result of poor supervision and communication. To avoid this, we make sure you understand exactly what you are buying. Also, you are assigned a project supervisor (Ken, Ron, or Dave Hannegan).

The supervisor is the project production manager. During construction, he is responsible for the coordination and communication between you, our company and our subcontractors. He will keep you informed of product selection timing and allow you adequate decision making time. He is available to answer questions at the jobsite, or by mobile telephone.

In order to improve our product we constantly upgrade our building materials and construction techniques. Equally as important, we have assembled a stable of professional workers and subcontractors. The same crewmembers are on our jobsites for many projects. We are therefore better able to monitor our subcontractors as they perform their tasks.

This is important because each crew is held responsible for doing things the "Hannegan way". Our crews have been trained to spot little problems and correct them or call for the proper subcontractor before they become big problems or worse, get covered up. Everyone must buy into this team approach or they simply will not be allowed to continue working on our projects.

There is a greater awareness of the true costs of home ownership among consumers today. Conservation of building materials, recycling of resources and future energy consumption has become more important than ever. New techniques and technologies driven by third party organizations and consumer demand are being added to our standard building practices and features package. It just makes good sense for our customers. We can help our clients choose features which yield even higher levels of system performance. For those customers who want to take the process to a more formal level we can include third party performance certification.

The decision of how to invest in energy saving and other Green Building features is not always an easy one. Consumers face the challenge of finding the balance point between higher initial costs, tax credits and increased resale value with the advantages of lower energy bills, improved comfort, better indoor air quality and socially responsible resource management.

We help our clients navigate through the process of determining what features make the most sense for them. In addition, we are continually improving our construction techniques, upgrading component products and standard features. Everyone wants to keep energy costs down and increase livability, how far you go in this process is up to you.

Energy Trust of Oregon has the Energy Star Program which reduces energy consumption and the carbon footprint of new homes. There are incentives and tax credits depending on which features are used. The builder/homeowner must choose products and techniques which meet or exceed higher levels of system performance for: Insulation, Doors and Windows, Ductwork, Ventilation and Air Infiltration, Heating and Cooling, Water Heating, Appliances and Lighting.

After a successful inspection and testing by a Northwest Energy Star verifier the home will qualify for an Energy Star Certification. Many of the components needed to meet Northwest Energy Star Certification have been written into the latest Oregon Energy Code which governs all new home construction In Oregon.

Earth Advantage homes must satisfy program requirements in each of four categories: Energy Efficiency, Healthier Indoor Air, Environmental Responsibility and Resource Efficiency. Homes are prequalified during a plan review process before construction begins. In addition, homes are inspected and tested during construction and after completion by an Earth Advantage representative. All the elements of Energy Star Certification are included within this program.

In addition, the program has established a points system which awards performance points for increased conservation and eco friendly consideration within many aspects of new home planning and construction. Points are awarded for Advanced Site Planning, Waste Management, Building Envelope and Systems, Heating and Cooling Systems, Infiltration and Ventilation, Lighting, Appliances and Water Heating, Indoor Air Quality, Resource Efficient Building Materials, Water Efficiency and Landscaping, Solar Measures, and lastly the use of Innovative New Measures.

The builder/homeowner must declare the advanced features and construction processes which will be used for the project. The total points for those items must add up to the performance point total required to obtain Earth Advantage Silver Certification. Higher point totals can result in a Gold or Platinum level of advanced certification.