Construction
We typically act as the general contractor for the construction of our new home
communities. Our project development activities are controlled by our operating
divisions, whose employees supervise the construction of each new home community
by coordinating the activities of subcontractors and suppliers, subjecting their
work to quality and cost controls and ensuring compliance with zoning and building
codes. We specify that quality, durable materials be used in the construction
of our homes. Our subcontractors follow design plans prepared by architects
and engineers who are retained or directly employed by us and whose designs
are geared to the local market. Our home plans are created in a collaborative
effort with industry leading architectural firms, allowing us to stay current
in our home designs with changing trends, as well as to expand our focus on
value engineering without losing design value to our customers.
Agreements with our subcontractors and materials suppliers are generally entered
into after a competitive bidding process during which we obtain information
from prospective subcontractors and vendors with respect to their financial
condition and ability to perform their agreements with us in accordance with
the specifications we provide. Subcontractors typically are retained on a project-by-project
basis to complete construction at a fixed price. We do not maintain significant
inventories of construction materials, except for materials being utilized for
homes under construction. We have numerous suppliers of raw materials and services
used in our business and such materials and services have been, and continue
to be, available. However, material prices may fluctuate due to various factors,
including demand or supply shortages, which may be beyond the control of us
or our vendors. Whenever possible, we enter into regional and national supply
contracts with certain of our vendors. We believe that our relationships with
our suppliers and subcontractors are good.
West:
Arizona
Phoenix
California
Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, San
Diego County, Ventura County, Sacramento, Kern County
Nevada
Las Vegas
Texas
Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston
East:
Indiana
Indianapolis
Maryland/Delaware
Baltimore, Howard, Anne Arundel, Metro-Washington, D.C./ Sussex
Tennessee
Nashville
Virginia
Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Stafford County
Southeast:
Florida
Tampa/St. Petersburg, Orlando
Georgia
Atlanta, Savannah
North Carolina
Raleigh/Durham
South Carolina
Charleston, Myrtle Beach