These real questions are answered by me and US Master Builders after receiving them from readers of my e-book, "Residential Development Made Easy."

Question 1.

'Design / Build,' sometimes called 'Design / Construct' is a development process where the contractor (the builder) engages all the consultants for the project and submits a price for the design and construction of the project to the developer meeting the developers requirements as far as aesthetics and space requirements.

The builder, if awarded the project, goes ahead and builds the project without the developer having to deal with any consultant. This generally saves the developer the hassle of going through various tender exercises. Can you elaborate further on this issue please?

Master Builders & Developer's Reply:

Essentially what you have said above is correct, however as with most things in life, there is a "BUT" involved.

"But" - not all builders can provide 'Design / Build services.

Just because a builder can build a house, does not mean he can design one or supervise the design of one. Remember, in the pecking order of seniority in the industry, the designer architect usually 'tells' the builderwhat to do. 'Design / Build reverses these roles.

Builders are usually practical people - they get things done - and like to complain about the fancy ideas of designers. However it is the fancy ideas that distinguish your house for the one next door and makes it work better and sell better.

Now lets go up a few rungs on the builder expertise ladder to the Master Builders level. Well as with all human endeavors, there are different levels of expertise.

Design / Build is basically what I do at USA Master Builders.com (formally ProCustomHomes.com) except we have taken the process several steps further.

We call our Design / Build teams, "Residential Development Teams." Where we go further than other Master Builders is as follows:

* We do the basic market research for you.
* We create demand for the properties.
* We locate the buyers.
* We provide financing and insurance.
* We locate a developer who develops properties in a specific price range we've specified.

Question 2.

Will the builder be able to work out a package with me where I provide the initial concept and schematic design whist the builder provides all the working details and specifications to come to an agreed fixed price plus agreed profit?

Master Builders & Developer's Reply:

Depending upon the Master Builder you choose they should be able to do this for you. Let me walk you through how we work with developers.

Let's say that you've done your home work.

Know what property you want to build.

Know how much you want to budget for each property. (If not, we can assist)

I want you to tell me:

1) Fair Market Value $X

2) Appraised Value $X

3) Cost of each lot $X

4) How much you have budget for each property.

5) If you have floor plan that would be good. If not, we would help you with that. You would tell us what you have budgeted for each unit and ask us if we can build for that? We review the information, discuss details with you and give you a quote.

When we provide you with a final quote it is all inclusive.

It includes everything we can control. Included are the:

*Certified architect blueprints,

*Structural engineering reports,

*Cost for building the property,

*Providing financing for those who will be purchasing the property,

*Insurance for those purchasing the property,

*Realtors trained to sell and create a demand for your properties.

In addition, to the above we would provide you with a 100% Money Back Guarantee which simply stated, "If you don't like the property once it is completed you don't have to buy it."

We insist that you hire the property inspector of your choice to inspect the property BEFORE you take possession of it. We also provide you with daily video updates on the project so you have video documentation of the progress of your property.

Unlike a lot of builders we think "long term" not short term. We understand that we make our money building and you make your money selling at retail. If we want more business from you it's important to help to ensure your profitability as much as possible.

Question 3.

What kind of warranties do Master builders offer?

Master Builders & Developer's Reply:

Depends upon the property and place. Some areas require warranty on plumbing, gas lines, etc

We provide all standard warranties in each area. In addition our structural warranty is 20 years instead of five or ten that local builders offer. Our roofs are 20 years. And, we have a 100% Money Back Guarantee to ensure you're not stuck with a lemon.

Oh yes, one last point that does not really come under warranties, but it does give peace of mind to out clients. Every part of the house we build for you is computerized for you.

So What?

Well let's say, in 4 years or 10 years, you have a window badly damaged, a door, a kitchen bench - whatever - think about what you would have to do to get it fixed. Well with us, you just phone or email - tell us which part you want replaced, it's exact location, and we'll have the exact part, in the right size, in the right material sent to you, after you have approved the pricing.

So you see that the "BUT" I mentioned above covers a lot that is within the term 'Design / Build.'

Colm Dillon

I've spent 30 years in the development industry and have $1.2 Billion worth of developments completed.

That breaks down to about $800 million in commercial developments and $400 million in residential buildings.

While I was developing I would try to help people who wanted to learn "How To" become developers.

However I became frustrated when answering their questions, because I knew I should spend more of my "spare time" (none) giving a more complete answer.

Many questions required further elaboration and I just did not have the time. I searched the Web to get help for these people and found 'nothing'- not one usful bit of information.

So I spent a year writing, "Residential Development Made Easy." I now have students in all US & Canadian States and 83 other countries around the world.

To get it to the people who needed it, I made it into an E-book and it is now the only downloadable e-book in the world that teaches individuals how to become developers.

Book publishers are interested in sales numbers, and with the specialist nature of the development business, and the limited number of individuals who want to be developers, I cannot claim that the e-book is a commercial success, in publishing terms.

In fact, if I had to rely on a publisher to get the book to market in hard copy, it would still be sitting on my desk, instead of helping people enrich their lives.

"Residential Development Made Easy" has expanded and enriched my life beyond imagination and from the messages I receive my work seems to be helping others as well.

It is truely wonderful to be able to pass on your knowledge to others and see them grow. I would recommend the experience to anyone - do it.

With the help of the latest technology I will soon be able to mentor my readers "LIVE" from my home to their home, in Real Time, both Visual and Audio, and discuss their projects. All they need is a small Web Cam & a Mic.

Life has never been so exciting.