The company pioneered the “Build Your Own Home” program, an
innovative concept in building that is being franchised throughout New
York State and trademarked on a national level. Using this program, people
who could not have considered building a new home now have an opportunity
to structure the building process to suit their financial situation, timing
and design needs.
The “Build Your Own Home” program was started in 1991 to allow
homeowners the opportunity to participate in the building of their homes
at a level of involvement they chose. According to Thomas Oot, president,
many homeowners become heavily involved with the help of Oot Brothers.
The program assists the homeowner in becoming their own general contractor.
Oot Brothers provides consulting from site selection and building permits
to product and labor selection and complete construction and permanent
home financing.
Oot Brothers professionals help design the project and discuss material
and labor options for each phase of construction. Oot also provides a
full selection of materials and home systems at very attractive prices
from the wholesale/retail building supply arm of the company. Homeowners
establish a “Contractor’s Account” for purchases. Oot
Brothers provides complete construction financing. Sub-contractors are
selected from a list of qualified suppliers. Detailed budgets and scheduling
are established and construction begins.
Once construction begins, Oot professionals are available as needed on
a daily basis to provide help, advice and assistance. Every two weeks
there is an accounting review to ensure the financial integrity of the
project and discuss any changes required by the homeowner. When construction
is complete, Oot Brothers works with each homeowner to obtain permanent
mortgage financing with one of the 12 area financial institutions familiar
with the “Build Your Own Home” program. Apart from the flexibility
of the program and the savings in construction and management costs, mortgage
financing costs can be greatly reduced with Oot’s involvement in
early construction financing.
“Our reputation and our quality building practices have helped set
us apart in the central New York area,” said Thomas Oot, president.
“It’s hard to beat our collective years of experience in the
business and the standard features we offer, many of them considered upgrades
by other builders,” explained Oot. The company builds upwards of
115 homes each year ranging from $80,000 to $500,000.
“ We continually research new building trends, style ideas, custom
features and new product lines to offer our customers the most comfortable,
energy efficient and versatile designs for special lifestyle needs,”
said Oot.
“The majority of our new homes are built with a 2x6 wall system,
and our insulation package has always been ahead of the industry,”
said Oot. The company uses an R-19 to R-21 fiberglass insulation on walls
and R-38 is the standard ceiling insulation. “We pay particular
attention to proper attic ventilation, insulation of the rim joists and
insulation of the foundation walls—all critical for the best energy
efficiency for homes in the harsh northeast weather,” Oot said.
The company switched from building paper to Tyvek® about
20 years ago and it has been a standard feature on all Oot homes ever
since. “It is simply the best product of its kind on the market
and has continued to offer new and improved features over the years. Tyvek®
has proven to us and to our customers over and over again that it helps
prevent drafts and improves overall comfort levels of new homes,”
Oot explained. “We believe it is critical to educate our siding
contractors on the proper installation of Tyvek® HomeWrap™
, including wrapping the rim joists, taping of all seams, corners, and
windows.” Tyvek® is used under all different siding
materials, including wood, brick, stucco and all types of vinyl siding.
Tyvek® is the leading housewrap in the industry and according
to Oot is one more example Oot Brothers, Inc., can use with its prospective
customers to show the quality in a long-standing Oot family tradition.