That’s a big reason clients like working with us.” Being involved every step of the way like that is advantageous in many ways, Marc adds, but maybe the biggest advantage is the way it enables them to manage the budget. As a builder and a designer – and not just a designer – they have an intimate familiarity with the true costs of materials and labour, and they can make sure those costs are accurately reflected right from the design stage. When a client works solely with an architect or a designer up front, Marc explains that they often end up with plans that exceed their budget, as designers don’t have the same on-the-ground familiarity with costs as builders do. That’s unfortunate, because by the time they reach out to builders, they are typically in love with the design they came up with and are disappointed when they learn they have to make changes. Ellenwood Homes, however, can ensure their expectations are properly calibrated right every step of the way: “From the very beginning, we are sure the design will not only meet the client’s quality expectations, but also their budget expectations,” Marc says. Having one point of contact at every stage of the building process also simplifies communication, Marc adds. He believes communicating with clients is a significant strength of Ellenwood Homes: “We come in with a communication plan,” he says. “We conduct regular checkins. We send them constant updates. We make sure they’re always comfortable with what’s JANUARY 2024
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTYzNTg=