6 Signs You’re Working with a Great Builder
Choosing a builder – especially a custom builder – is an important process. From the quality and style of the homes to your ability to get along, finding just the right builder is vital. Here are some signs that you are working with a great builder:
- They are busy… but not too busy. If a builder has a good reputation, clients will line up for their services. While the jobs they are currently working on should take priority over new work, be sure to ask how many jobs there are and how the workload is managed before committing
. At The Calvosa Organization, Vince Calvosa makes every family feel as though they are his only client. He works directly with each home buyer, designing a home and a process for each project. - They’re trustworthy and dependable. If you find a builder recommended by someone you respect, that is a huge confidence builder. Whether it’s a friend or the local HBA, you’ll know they are trustworthy. Plus, you can inspect their work and get a feel for how they operate. Vince Calvosa has been building homes on Long Island for a long time. He and his crew are well-known and well-respected, and they are eager to have prospective home buyers look through their past jobs.
- They have a good team. When you hire a builder, you are inviting a group of strangers to become a very big part of your life. It is vital that your builder has a team that you respect and feel comfortable with. At The Calvosa Organization, you will work with an in-house architecture and design team that guides you through the creative process. Then, a best-in-class project manager and team of craftsmen ensures you get top quality construction and service.
- They have good ideas, and can stick to a plan. Any builder can (hopefully) follow a set of blueprints, but a great builder can think beyond what’s on the page. When you discuss your project, take note of good ideas and practical advice they builder may have. Also take note of whether they are straight with you about whether you’re being unrealistic. You need your builder to tell you the truth, not tell you what you want to hear. Vince Calvosa and his extended family of professionals work together to create a home that incorporates all aspects of your life, while staying conscious of budgetary constraints and practical needs. From 10,000 square foot custom homes to modest first homes, they know how to build unique residences – and stay on target.

- They’re on time and return your calls. Finding a builder who arrives on schedule for meetings is a good sign. It shows good time management and organizational skills, as well as respect for your time. Builders who return phone calls in a timely and respectful manner also pass the “great builder” test. If the builder you’re considering doesn’t hit these marks, then you should look somewhere else. Vince Calvosa prides himself on building close, personal relationships with his clients. If you need him, he’s never more than a phone call away.
- They have a brand. The builder that invests in cultivating a “brand” is also likely to be extremely dedicated to building a strong business and a positive customer experience. Look at their website, business cards, work shirts and vehicles. Are they consistent and professional? Is there good organization? Vince Calvosa is so dedicated to building the best homes on Long Island that he literally puts his name on every one. There’s never a question of where the buck stops. Talk about branding.
High quality materials will make your home last longer!

Throughout the ages, mankind has used a variety of materials to build homes. Certain materials have proven themselves to be dependable, sturdy, and flexible enough to meet the changing needs of people and architecture. Regardless of the materials, though, quality is the big differentiator. Here are a few examples of how the quality materials we use here at The Calvosa Organization help our homes last longer.
- Natural materials such as stone, brick, copper and slate have been used in construction for centuries because they are durable, low maintenance, and reliable. Homes that use these materials – like ours – are built to last.
- Wood can last for a very long time if taken care of properly. Whether used for shutters, doors, flooring, or trim, certain species of wood have incredible strength, and are naturally rot-resistant. The biggest thing to remember is that water is the enemy, so any wood must be kept dry and sealed.
- Iron and steel are the backbone of many buildings for good reason – they are strong and adaptable. Whether they’re used in beams or studs, rebar or door frames, iron and steel
will last practically forever. - Modern high-tech materials are dependable, too. High-quality vinyl, fiber cement, fiberglass or aluminum are lightweight yet strong, and can last for decades if properly cared for. Which is why we use these materials for our exteriors.
- High-quality eco-friendly & energy-efficient materials like foam insulation, MDF, and recycled wood and plastic composite lumber are reliable substitutions for aforementioned materials such as wood and fiberglass.
Whether your home is 20 years old or 2 years old, superior materials make the difference between something that lasts and something that is fleeting. At The Calvosa Organization, we firmly believe that if you start with the best quality, employ the best craftsmen, and maintain it properly, your home will endure for years to come.
The Calvosa Organizations Steps to Building Your Home On Your Lot
Building your dream home on your own land is an exciting time – and the Calvosa Organization is with you throughout the building process. Our proven approach makes the whole journey easier and more enjoyable.
THE PROCESS
- Conceptual meeting
- Meet with Vince
- Discuss financing options
- Approve layout & design
- Approve contract & pricing
- Finalize financing
- Pre-construction meeting
- Meet with designer for selections
- Construction begins
- Mid-construction review
- Pre-closing inspection
- Closing & move-in
- Post-closing inspection
THE SPECIFICS
Vince Calvosa personally works with you as you select a home design & layout. With his years of experience, you can trust him to handle your questions about design, financing, pricing, and construction.
Once you’ve finalized your financing, the fun begins! We’ll have a pre-construction meeting to review your plans and ensure that everything is correct. You’ll meet with our designer to make your interior and exterior selections – paint, flooring, cabinetry, lighting, and any other details that contribute to the uniqueness of your home.
As your home progresses, you’ll see the details that make your new custom home so special. Our team prides itself on building each Calvosa home as if we were building for our own families. From the expert framing to the handcrafted trim work, you’ll be in awe of the talented people working on your home.
Isn’t it time you started down the path to building your new Calvosa home on your own land? Call today to make an appointment to come see us.
5 Reasons Why You Should Buy New
You wouldn’t buy a cell phone from 10 years ago, so why would you settle for an outdated home? At The Calvosa Organization, we specialize in building new custom homes on the South Shore of Long Island. Our goal is to build you a brand new home that will last for generations, with superior quality, a unique approach, and innovative designs.
- Customization is key. One of the most appreciated benefits of building a new Calvosa home is being able to tailor it for your family. You have a say in everything from the floor plan to the cabinets, the flooring to the architecture. In older used homes, this isn’t the case. You have to renovate – or get used to what’s already there.

- More “you”. A new Calvosa home is designed to fit the way YOU live, with convenient features like walk-in closets, kitchen pantries, spacious garages, and flexible spaces that provide plenty of room for growth. With resale homes, especially older models, you may find that space is limited or has been customized to someone else’s preferences.
- The latest & greatest everything. A new custom Calvosa home is built to current building codes, and includes the latest, safest components. It also includes Smart Home technology, so you and your family will feel safer and not need to worry about updating your systems any time soon.
- Less maintenance. Another advantage to building a new Calvosa home is that you will have fewer maintenance issues. And if there is an issue, the home is under a variety of warranties that will cover it for years. If you had a previously owned home, there’s a strong possibility that you would be responsible for 100% of the repairs.
- Energy efficiency. There’s no question that new homes offer better insulation, low-E windows, more efficient appliances, and high-quality heating and cooling systems. Calvosa homes also include a state-of-the-art solar-energy package. If you buy a resale home, keep in mind that you could end up with poor insulation, drafty windows or an old furnace, all of which will drive up your utility bills.
Before you buy “used”, come see us. Soon enough, you’ll have the all-new, all-you Calvosa home you deserve.
12 Ways to get your home sold faster!
When families come to us here at The Calvosa Organization, they want to build their new dream home. But most of the time, they need to sell their existing home. For our experts, that’s no problem. We offer advice and support for choosing the right realtor, and Vince Calvosa himself will even go look at a potential home buyers current residence to make suggestions on how they may be able to sell it quicker. We find it helps having a true expert on your side with the market experience that can give you insight you need.
Though real estate markets vary drastically depending on where you live, there are some basic tips that will show your home at its best – and get it sold faster!
- Take a step back. Go outside and look at your house the way a stranger would. Walk up the driveway and front
path. Open your front door. Does the house welcome you? Imagine how it will look to a buyer.
- Curb appeal is key. A buyer’s first impression of your home comes the second they pull up to the house. Keep the sidewalks cleared, and the lawn mown. Spruce up the mailbox, siding and window trim. Plant seasonal flowers. Trim the shrubs. Make sure visitors can clearly read the house number.
- Make minor repairs. Replace cracked tiles. Patch holes in the walls. Fix leaky faucets. Fix doors that don’t close properly and drawers that stick. Replace burned-out light bulbs. And give everything a fresh coat of paint. Stick to neutral colors.
- De-personalize. You have stuff. Potential buyers don’t need to see it. Think of your home as a model home. All visitors need to see is uncluttered surfaces, empty closets and neat rooms.
- Less is more. Homes show better with less. Remove furniture that blocks views, paths or walkways. Remove extra leaves from the dining room table. Leave just enough furniture in each room to showcase the room’s purpose.
- Organize & de-clutter. Do you want people to see your messy coat closet or that over-stuffed kitchen cabinet? No, you want them to see neat, organized spaces with plenty of room to store things in!
- Let the sun shine in. Raise the shades. Open the curtains. Wash the windows. Turn on the lamps. Rooms that are bright seem larger and more inviting than those that are dark.
- Take a deep breath. It’s very common for people to be unaware of smells in their own homes. (Tobacco, pets, mustiness, cooking odors.) Open the windows, and thoroughly clean rugs, floors and walls. Put out fresh flowers. Bake bread or cookies.
- Clean the house – top to bottom!
- Rent a pressure washer and spray down sidewalks and exterior.
- Clean out cobwebs.
- Polish faucets and mirrors.
- Wash & wax floors.
- Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.
- Bleach dingy grout.
- Hang up fresh towels.
- Send pets and children away. If prospective buyers are coming to have a look, you don’t want them to be intimidated by your dog or distracted by your children.
- Price it right. Don’t price your home too high. A higher price will only discourage potential buyers, and leave your home on the market longer.
- Picture perfect. Make sure your listing has lots of good photos. Photos go a long way to enticing prospects to come visit your home in person.
When you’re ready to build a new home – and sell your current one – call The Calvosa Organization. We’re the experts who can get it done.