The majority of our projects are on remote ranches or acreage in Texas where the customer owns the land. Sometimes we assist customers moving to the Hill Country area with finding their unique acreage to build their custom home. Once your building site is determined, Mary & Billy Canavan work with the customer to find the appropriate architect for the project.  Plan design could take an estimated three to nine months depending on the size and scope of the project.  The Canavans work as a team with the architect and owner to design a home plan that meets the owners’ vision and budget goals.

As the architectural plans develop, the Canavans meet with the homeowner multiple times to review selections, building materials, and costs. The goal is to have the majority of building materials and selections for the home finalized before breaking ground on the project. 

Buffalo Homes builds on a cost-plus contract basis.  All bids are openly reviewed together with the customer during the planning phase and throughout the project.  Once budget goals are set, the builder and customer go to contract.  Each project is unique thereby making specific details of contracts vary for every project.  Draw requests often start with a small deposit at closing followed by the second draw at the foundation phase.  The draw requests are accompanied by subcontractor invoices and builder fees and an updated budget spreadsheet.  A 6,000 square foot project will have approximately twenty-four draw requests. 

Change orders are treated the same as the initial plans and selections.  Owners are welcome to make multiple changes on a cost-plus basis.  We understand that not all decisions can be accomplished before starting.  As the project develops, the owners will see items they wish to change.  The change is priced out and if there is a cost for the change, it is discussed and agreed upon with the owner before moving forward with the change.

Billy Canavan works in the field on your building site with the subcontractors allowing ongoing communication between the builder and subcontractors. The majority of Billy’s subcontractors have worked with him for 30 plus years. The line of communication and teamwork between Billy and the seasoned subcontractors is key to running an efficient and exceptional project.  Our customers experience the same open communication with the Canavans as well.