Nice to hear that there may be some demand for a builder! Definitely a reasonably important part of my business plan!
FYI: If things go as I hope, I will need clients and co-workers once I get up to speed. I hope it doesn't seem egotistical or arrogant, but I thought I would share how we've been doing business in the US. I am humbled and grateful for my good fortune and truly hope the following is taken in that spirit.
I guarantee my residential projects in writing for the life of my company or the life of yours truly, whichever is around longer! I'm a third generation builder and love what I do.
I build with only renewable materials (rammed earth, ICF's, straw Bale, concrete, farmed frame) and use passive/active solar, wind, rainwater catchment, etc., but only when it makes sense. There has been far too much "greenwashing" going on the past few years. Responsible building doesn't have to be expensive or complicated- it also doesn't have to be unsophisticated or unattractive.
We've got hundreds of houses under our belts and haven't had a formal complaint or lawsuit...ever. We've made plenty of mistakes, but learned from them, fixed them, and moved on. I try to only build for people I would share a meal with. Many have become friends, a few have become people I wished I hadn't built for, but all have taught us something about managing people with as much diligence as managing budgets.
We have never advertised, we don't have a website, our telephone number is unpublished nor in the phone book. People have found us by word of mouth and referral because of our reputation. We encourage potential clients to speak to past clients.
We build for a set percentage and don't charge for changes. We do not mark up labor or materials....ever. We show the client every check we write and every bid and contract we have with our subcontractors.
If we are under budget, I encourage the client to share a bit of the savings with a charity like Habitat for Humanity or the local library. It sounds like a marketing ploy, or even complete hogwash, but it's true and has worked out most of the time.
It's a crazy business plan in the states and many said I would be out of business years ago. I'm curious to see if it will work elsewhere. Feel free to share your thoughts and criticisms....I'm open-minded and have very thick skin. Thanks again to you all.