Deciding to build your dream home is an exciting milestone, and choosing the right builder is crucial to bringing that vision to life. Every builder works differently, but asking the right questions can help you find the perfect fit for your project.
The Essential Questions
We enjoy joining the team early in the design process to fully understand your goals and priorities, assist with budgeting, and foster a stronger sense of collaboration.
At Hagstrom Builder
Getting involved early makes the entire project more enjoyable for everyone involved. The earlier we understand your vision, the better we can support it — before decisions become difficult or costly to change.
We do not have in-house design services. Instead, we collaborate with architects and designers to deliver the best results for our clients. This partnership allows us to work with any aesthetic while offering problem-solving expertise and quality on-site installation.
At Hagstrom Builder
Our portfolio showcases the benefits of this approach — from restoring the historic Asa Parker House to creating a sleek, modern home like Cloud Forest. Regardless of the project style, our goal is always the same: to build an incredible, high-quality home and make our client's dreams a reality.
We work hand in hand with architects and interior designers throughout the entire project. During the design phase, we provide ongoing feedback on how design choices impact the budget, and make sure to prioritize what matters most to the client.
At Hagstrom Builder
Once construction begins, we value continued collaboration to address on-site challenges and make necessary adjustments. Since every project is unique, thoughtful design input throughout the construction process is essential — and it's one of the reasons we love what we do.
We maintain long-standing relationships with trusted trade partners who align with our standards and processes. Having multiple partners in each trade allows us to ensure competitive pricing, maintain accountability, and keep projects on schedule without overbooking.
At Hagstrom Builder
While we don't perform main scope items in-house, we have skilled carpenters on staff to handle miscellaneous tasks efficiently — providing added convenience for our jobsite supervisors and keeping things moving.
Once an intent agreement is in place and plans reach a "Pricing Set" stage, we send the project out for bids from our trade partners. This process takes two weeks, followed by an additional week to compile bids into a detailed 52-line-item estimate. Once ready, we review it with you and make any necessary adjustments.
At Hagstrom Builder
During the project, change orders are handled on a case-by-case basis. We obtain pricing and require client approval before proceeding. Change orders are compiled monthly and correlated with billing — and we do not charge extra fees for change orders beyond the corresponding contractor fee.
Each project is assigned a dedicated job site supervisor, whom you will meet at the Project Start meeting. During this meeting, we review the construction schedule, get you familiar with BuilderTrend, and outline our team's structure.
At Hagstrom Builder
Your job site supervisor will be on-site daily, updating the online schedule and providing weekly progress updates. BuilderTrend is also used to manage plan updates, change orders, and selections — keeping everything transparent and in one place.
After signing a contract, we require a 5% deposit. Once construction begins, we bill monthly based on completed work and deposits made for material orders. With each billing cycle, we provide lien waivers for the previous billing period.
At Hagstrom Builder
Our billing reflects finished work rather than future work, ensuring full transparency. Payments can be made via check, wire transfer, or BuilderTrend — and we're always happy to review invoices with you at any stage of the build.
We primarily communicate via email for selection updates and approvals. Once construction begins, your job site supervisor becomes your main point of contact, available daily by phone and in person. We also hold regular site meetings with our office support staff to review progress and discuss upcoming tasks.
At Hagstrom Builder
For signing contracts and change orders, we use SignNow. Every touchpoint is designed to keep you informed and in control — without unnecessary complexity.
As a certified GreenPath builder, we are dedicated to delivering sustainable, high-performance homes. We conduct a comprehensive HERS (Home Energy Rating System) rating on all new construction projects, which involves multiple tests designed to optimize energy efficiency.
At Hagstrom Builder
A key component of this process is the blower door test, which we perform both when insulation is installed and at the completion of the home. This dual testing approach allows us to identify and address potential issues early — ensuring that every home we build is airtight and energy efficient, whether the client is specifically seeking a "green" home or not.
We strive to make each project an enjoyable experience. In an industry often associated with stress, our goal is to create a smooth, engaging process from start to finish — building personal relationships with our clients that often extend well beyond the project's completion.
At Hagstrom Builder
Transparency is fundamental to how we work. Our estimates break down 52 detailed line items, each linked to subcontractor quotes or specified allowances. With an open-book policy, we provide clients full access to all quotes and invoices — ensuring clarity at every stage. Ultimately, we aim to make sure you enjoy the journey as we bring your dream home to life.
"Our goal is to make sure you enjoy the journey as we bring your dream home to life."Emily & Nils Hagstrom
We've been building exceptional homes since 1962. Bring your questions — we'll bring six decades of experience.