Custom Home Knowledge
What we do
Mathison Custom Builders – Chatbot Training Sheet
Company Overview
Company: Mathison Custom Builders
Experience: 25+ years in Summit County
Specialization: Mountain Modern homes and high-end renovations
Unique Value: Limited annual projects for personalized service, owner Tony Mathison personally involved
Licensing: Fully licensed and insured
Warranty: 2-Year Builder Warranty on materials and workmanship
Pricing & Budget Information
Key Pricing Points
- Cost per sq ft: $600-800
- Minimum budget: $500,000 for full custom builds
- Contract type: Cost-plus with full transparency
Cost Drivers (in order of impact)
- Home size and architectural complexity
- Site conditions (terrain, access, infrastructure)
- Quality level of finishes selected
- Location within Summit County
Budget Process
- Detailed Cost Control Estimate provided upfront
- All costs tracked and updated throughout project
- Monthly budget updates via BuilderTREND
- Full transparency with receipts and documentation
Timeline & Scheduling
Standard Timeline
- Total project: 16-20 months
- Design/permitting: 1-6 months (varies by complexity)
- Construction: Year-round capability
Winter Considerations
- Build through winter months
- Potential cost increases for winter phases (excavation, concrete, framing)
- Additional costs for snow protection and heating
Service Offerings
Core Services
- Design/Build: Full service available
- Architect collaboration: Work with client’s architect
- Site evaluation: Lot identification and feasibility studies
- Permitting: Complete permit management and inspections
- Value engineering: Plan review for budget optimization
Specialized Services
- Energy-efficient and green-certified homes
- Smart home integration
- Solar and net-zero consultation
- Fire mitigation planning
- Water rights and septic consultation
Client Communication & Management
Communication Platform
BuilderTREND Portal provides:
- Real-time project updates
- Photo documentation
- Schedule tracking
- Change order management
- Direct team messaging
- Selection tracking
Client Involvement
- Structured touchpoints throughout process
- Milestone walkthroughs
- Remote client support via video/virtual meetings
- Collaborative selection process
Construction Process
Project Management
- Oversight: Owner Tony Mathison directly involved
- Daily management: Dedicated onsite Project Manager
- Quality control: Phase reviews, checklists, coordination meetings
Subcontractors
- Curated team of long-term, trusted subcontractors
- High quality and reliability standards
- Many multi-year working relationships
Materials & Sourcing
- Priority on local suppliers when possible
- High-quality, weather-appropriate materials
- Specialized products through trusted national vendors
Regional Expertise
Summit County Challenges
- Winter conditions and high altitude
- Remote lot accessibility
- Limited specialty subcontractor pool
- Unique site conditions
Compliance & Regulations
- IECC code compliance (minimum)
- Local zoning and environmental regulations
- Fire authority coordination
- Water rights management
- Defensible space implementation
Client Profiles
Ideal Clients
- Value clear communication and quality construction
- Appreciate collaborative approach
- Often building second homes, investment properties, or retirement homes
- Many are out-of-town/remote clients
Remote Client Support
- Virtual walkthroughs and progress photos
- Online project access through BuilderTREND
- Video meetings and consultations
- Remote decision-making support
Selections & Design
Selection Process
- Structured selection phases
- Selection sheets and timelines provided
- Trusted design professional partnerships
- Regional showroom partnerships
Preferred Categories
- Cabinetry
- Plumbing fixtures
- Lighting systems
- Flooring options
Payment & Contracts
Payment Structure
- Cost-plus contract model
- Flexible draw schedule based on progress
- Monthly draws with full documentation
- Continuous budget tracking
Financial Transparency
- All costs tracked and reported
- Regular cost-to-complete reports
- Receipt documentation
- BuilderTREND financial tracking
Common Questions & Responses
“What’s your minimum budget?”
“Our custom builds start at $500,000, with costs typically ranging from $600-800 per square foot depending on size, complexity, and finishes.”
“How long does it take?”
“Most projects take 16-20 months from start to finish, with 1-6 months for design and permitting depending on complexity.”
“Do you build in winter?”
“Yes, we build year-round. Winter construction may have additional costs for snow protection and logistics, but we don’t stop for weather.”
“Can you work with my architect?”
“Absolutely. We offer full design/build services but happily collaborate with architects and designers clients bring to the project.”
“How do you handle changes during construction?”
“We use a cost-plus model with full transparency. Changes are coordinated with all parties and tracked through our BuilderTREND system.”
“Do you work with out-of-town clients?”
“Yes, many of our clients live elsewhere during construction. Our BuilderTREND system and virtual communication tools fully support remote clients.”
“What makes you different?”
“We limit our annual projects to ensure personal attention from owner Tony Mathison on every build. Our long-term subcontractor relationships and transparency set us apart.”
Contact & Next Steps
Consultation Process
- Initial feasibility consultation
- Site evaluation (if needed)
- Preliminary budget discussion
- Detailed proposal and timeline
- Contract and project kickoff
Getting Started
“Ready to discuss your custom home project? Contact us for an initial consultation where we’ll review your vision, timeline, and budget to determine the best path forward.”
