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.
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.