What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Detail in pricing is what the customer needs to make well informed decisions that will be in their best interest. We stand well above the norm in our approach to pricing out our work. No hidden agenda, no misleading information, just well details cost analysis that exposes the true cost to construct. If you need preliminary costing and you do not have complete plans or concepts? We are expert at letting our customers know what projects might cost....even when information is still in the concept phase. Just ask and we will provide sample breakdowns to you so you can se the level of detail we can provide.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Every project is very different and each customer is unique. Hearing the needs of our customers and understanding their individual needs is the best way to help guide the process along. We have a wealth of knowledge in building and use that knowledge to help our customers make critical and beneficial decisions in the building process for projects both large and small. Schematic designs, architectural reviews, value engineering, review of methods and means, and other important services we offer assure our customers that they are getting the best construction available at a value that is fair and reasonable.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
As President of Expericon, Van Smith has been a building professional for over 40 years and has constructed both residential and commercial projects in San Diego County with a volume in excess of $200,000,000. From basic construction of room adds, home renovations, decks and fencing to very large and complex homes of distinction and commercial projects, nothing is out of range and Van and his associates have the background to undertake any project that is offered up. Building is a family tradition with two generations preceding Van in the business of building and development.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
Building has been a lifetime endeavor. Van knew as a young man that building was his passion and would be his career choice. With that in mind, at age 18 and fresh out of high school, Van entered the industry as an apprentice carpenter on several of his father development projects, but quickly grew to management positions. At the age of 21, Van became a licensed general contractor and began to develop his own companies and act as an independent businessman. Van has a lifetime of service in the building industry and would be glad to provide his complete resume at any time upon request.
What types of customers have you worked with?
Expericon and its predecessor company, The Point Company, have built everything from ground up custom homes in the multi-million dollar price range to commercial shopping centers and industrial projects. Having said that, Van its president, is a field trained tradesman who has the knowledge to construct anything from dog house to mansion. "At heart, my passion for the industry and my artistic ability plays out when I have a hammer in my hand and a saw nearby. I love this business and have learned it from the bottom up. There is nothing that I consider too menial or too complex, I am a team player, and I love what I do!"
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
There is simply no way to highlight any one project that has been constructed in the recent past. Where do I start? The love of the work I endlessly undertake at my own home in Kensington? I love of the beautiful back yard decks and rails in Point Loma that II labored on personally because I wanted them to be as good as it gets? I love what I do and every project has merit and leaves me with a sense of accomplishment. More important, I love the smile of a happy client!
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
My advice is very simple and honest. The selection of the right persons(s) to construct your project is very important. First, you must like and respect the person you select for your project. Will they be fair, spend your money wisely? Will they honest and trustworthy and most important; will we be friends when the project is complete? Building is stressful, can create strain on relationships, marriages, families and life in general. That is the no nonsense. So my advice is to follow your instinct and choose the most competent, fair, reasonably priced, true professional you can find. If you find that person...hire him or her and you just might have a friend for life!
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
You are about to spend hard earned money on your project. You should know in detail how your builder is spending your money. Ask for as much detail as you need to have a clear understanding of cost, inclusion, materials etc. No question is unimportant, no detail too small and there should be no hidden agenda with your builder. Open, honest and complete dealings assure you that you are being treated fairly and that you have met the right person or company to construct your project. Again, follow your intuition. If something seems wrong, you are uncomfortable or feel you are being pressured in any way, step back and reconsider.