Fall/Winter 2004

Value Engineering Makes
Couple’s Dream Feasible

Think about this:  you live in a one-bedroom apartment in the city, you’re expecting your first child, you have a very tight budget, and you want to build a home in the county.

Unfortunately, many builders just don’t have the interest or experience in making it work for a young couple.  It was fortunate for Dan and Lauren Coleman to meet Bill Rauser, of RPC.  According to Dan “our working relationship could not have been better.”

Here’s how it started.  Dan and Lauren found plans for their dream home in Architectural Digest, which needed some modifications.  After working them over and over in her mind, Lauren wanted the opinion of a builder to make sure the changes she and Dan wanted, were feasible from a construction standpoint.

The company they approached first would not even look at the plans in any detail.  That builder simply told the Colemans they would have to hire an architect and should be prepared to spend at least $1000.  Disappointed and frustrated with the lack of interest in their project, they talked to Dan’s mother who recommended RPC—the company that had done an addition to her house years earlier.

To their surprise, Dan and Lauren realized they actually had gone to school with Bill Rauser’s son.  While the “all in the family” feel was nice, it was not what made this project work.  According to the Colemans, “From the first time we met with Bill, he told us there was no need for an architect and that they (RPC) could just modify the plans and implement their value engineering to meet our budget.  We knew we were in good hands.”  Dan added, “Bill exuded honesty and competence.”

That “gut feeling” proved true and the Colemans are thrilled with their 2000+ square-foot home in White Hall.

Dan explained that Bill made many suggestions for ways the couple could save money and left it in their court to go with the Cadillac version or the Chevy version, armed with the costs of each.  For instance, RPC told Dan and Lauren they could save money by using ceramic tile as fireplace facing and by doing their own lot clearing and landscaping.  He also suggested that the Colemans consider going lower budget with “elements that can be changed in the future,” such as the floor coverings.  

The value engineering offered by RPC made it easy for the new homeowners to prioritize their expenses and to consciously decide which projects, such as finishing the basement, to postpone until they could save more money.  Once Lauren and Dan ran the numbers that Bill provided, they opted to go with a Butler stone chimney and fireplace, and saved money by doing their own lot clearing and landscaping. 

In addition to the engineering and recommendations from RPC, which the Colemans valued, they also made comments about the quality of the suppliers and subcontractors RPC used.   

Interior Images, for instance, knew the Coleman’s floor covering budget before they even got to the showroom, so there was no up-selling or pressure to look at options they could not afford. 

Lauren also said that Al Cleaver, the owner of Interior Images, also made good suggestions about maintenance of the flooring—just great information for a first-time home owner, she said.  She remarked that even the title company, which RPC recommended, was easy to work with and explained everything very well.

Another point made by the Colemans, was that this was one of the most stressful times in anyone’s life—expecting a baby, thinking about moving and building a house for the first time.  Ironically, RPC broke ground on their house just two days before Lauren delivered the couple’s first child.  Not only did they now have their hands full, but the couple was nervous, as can be expected, having heard so many horror tales from friends and family who had builder experiences to share.  There were stories about delays, budgets running over, and poor work quality. Obviously, those people had not used RPC. 

With RPC, Dan and Lauren said, “It was an awesome experience.”  They elaborated, “Everything was on schedule, within budget with absolutely no surprises, and the craftsmanship is superb.  They even worked to accommodate our difficult schedule once our baby was born.”

“Everyone who comes into our new home loves it and comments about the quality of the work.”  Lauren goes on to add that the recommendations Bill made regarding the front windows, not only saved them money, but didn’t compromise the “look” they wanted to achieve.  It has made it so they rarely need lights on during the day—making their BGE bill more affordable.

“We really can’t thank the Rausers enough.  They never made us feel like our job was too small for such an experienced builder.  It’s clear that they are happy to start with a family at any point in their lives,” said Dan. 

He  added, “We will gladly recommend them to everyone, and when we do more work on the house or ever move, RPC is the only call we’ll make.” 

back