Who is Dovetail?
Nathan Christenson and Doug Tanner started Dovetail in 1998 with a vision to create a company with a commitment to client service and classic craftsmanship. Dovetail employs project managers, carpenters and office staff, and partners with architects, designers, and subcontractors who share the same vision for service and craftsmanship.
What do I need to know about building a new custom home in the Twin Cities?
As low inventory and bidding wars drive up prices of existing homes in the Twin Cities metro area, this year permits for new-home construction have hit their highest level in years. When faced with such a market, some of our clients, tired of their current house, have looked at their current lots/location and realized they could meet their dreams, needs, and budget better by building a new home on their current lot.
How will you communicate with me?
Depending on the scope of your project, Doug, Nathan and the rest of the team are going to be a big part of your life for a period of time. Consistent communication and defined expectations are key to creating a positive and enjoyable relationship with you. From the beginning, we’ll iron out how you would like to communicate, whether calls, emails, texts, 1-1. Our biggest goal is to both update you and hear from you on the project. We involve you in every critical decision while retaining our focus on quality and desired schedule.
DO I NEED AN ARCHITECT AND DESIGNER?
You know, you can choose to work just with a builder, or an architect and builder, or a builder and designer. Or if you’ve got big dreams, all three. But they need to work well with each other, no matter how talented. And many in the Twin Cities know each other and have worked together. We build new relationships with architect and designers frequently but have up to 20 years experience with some. So it’s a good question to ask of the team…are there projects you’ve both worked on? Are your communication approaches compatible? That’s the big thing: whichever combo you choose, make sure communication is consistently delivered at all stages.
How will you protect my property during the construction process?
During construction, it’s critical to us that your property, belongings, and privacy are protected and respected. We also recognize the distraction of people working on your home on a daily basis, the comings and goings of trade specialists, the appearance of strange machinery showing up: it’s a remodeling reality. So onsite planning with you to minimize disruption and chaos is step one. And that plan and communication continue throughout the project with Nathan, Doug, Project Manager, and the rest of the Dovetail team.
How will you work with me on budgeting and will you keep me up to date on costs?
What goes into building a new home?
Beyond the architecting, designing, zoning/legalizing stuff, there are tons of activities to go into the actual building. Here’s a list of some of them:
- Grading and site preparation
- Foundation construction
- Framing
- Installation of windows and doors
- Roofing
- Siding
- Rough electrical
- Rough plumbing
- Rough HVAC
- Insulation
- Drywall
- Underlayment
- Trim
- Painting
- Finish electrical
- Bathroom and kitchen counters and cabinets
- Finish plumbing
- Carpet and flooring
- Finish HVAC
- Hookup to water main, or well drilling
- Hookup to sewer or installation of a septic system
- Punch list
