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Press For Success

A builder's best advice is to build a solid team first

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BENJAMIN BENSCHNEIDER / THE SEATTLE TIMES When you set out to build or remodel a house, remember that "you're not buying an object but a process," says Eric Stelter of Flip Builders. That means you should consider the personalities of those involved, he says, not just their aesthetics. BENJAMIN BENSCHNEIDER / THE SEATTLE TIMES

CLIENTS COME back to Eric Stelter of Flip Builders repeatedly for help with their various projects. Clients hire him over and over again to build or remodel projects that range in scope from vacation homes to business offices. So it makes sense to listen to what he has to say on how to ensure a successful project.

"It's all about teamwork," says Stelter, and although he's far too diplomatic to put it this way, it can be a problem when the architect is too much in charge. Stelter thinks the alpha role must be played by the client. "Projects always go better if, early on, the owners have the mindset to develop a team they can trust," he advises. On the project Flip did for Larry and Susan Tseng, profiled on page 46, Stelter was involved from the beginning, but the Tsengs led the search for an architect. Stelter made sure they interviewed candidates thoughtfully.

"You're not buying an object, but a process," he says. "It's important to focus on the people involved and their personalities, not just their aesthetics." Problems stem from starting in on a project too early before all the details are in place. Creating a team well in advance can help avoid this common pitfall.

And what about the budget? Stelter sees the money issue as all about process and relationship, too. "So often there's wishful thinking about budgets," he says. Homeowners make what they think are small changes, only to be shocked by big-budget repercussions. If the team works together to get revisions down on paper and sort it through ahead of time, that'll help prevent expensive changes. Strong client leadership and team relationships prevent problems, and blame, from developing between builder and architect.

How can people new to major remodels or custom building learn to be good clients? First, don't worry about not knowing just what you want. Sometimes people hire Flip Builders before they've even purchased land or a house to remodel. A good team can lead you through the entire process, draw out your priorities and help you discover what it is you want.

Here are the steps:

• Create your team, setting out in the interview process your hope for harmonious relationships.

• Work to make clear decisions.

• Be willing to challenge the team with the goals of the project. (If you find a team that just says yes all the time you need to push back.)

• Be thoughtful. And listen to the experts you've hired. You have people who know more than you ever will. "Even thinking about being a good client is important," says Stelter.

Relationships can be confrontational, or a project can be characterized by give-and-take and mutual respect. "There's always some tension because we oversee each other's work," says Stelter, "but give-and-take comes from the owner making it clear to everyone that the team is expected to work together harmoniously."

Flip Builders and Arellano/Christofides Architects had never worked together before the Tseng project. Both were so pleased with the process and result that they've gone on to tackle more projects together.

Valerie Easton is a Seattle freelance writer. Her e-mail address is valeaston@comcast.net. Benjamin Benschneider is a Pacific Northwest magazine staff photographer.