With this program, TLC begins the shell from the top of your foundation on up to the point of being lockable and weather-tight. The shell includes all the labor and materials such as framing lumber, siding, windows, exterior doors and roofing. When we are done with our portion of the project, it is a finished product on the outside, and on the inside, there is subflooring, interior partitions/walls, lolly columns and carrying beams installed. The home is then ready for rough plumbing and electric to begin. The subcontractors that provide these services, along with all the others needed to complete the interior portion of your home (ex. heating, insulation, drywall, etc.) are people you pay directly, saving you the “middle-man” cost.

One of the greatest advantages of our program is the option of completing work yourself so that your project accrues “sweat equity”. In other words, the time and energy you invest in your home equals money saved which is money earned. You are able to have project appreciation by completion.

TLC Homes provides all the working drawings for your home. You can choose from a plan we have on file in the office, bring in a plan that you have found or designed on your own, or we can design a home with and for you. The choice is yours.

Other services we provide include a cost specification sheet for presentation to your bank when seeking mortgage approval and assistance with town permits. We also obtain proposals from our subcontractors on your specs and, most importantly, we provide consulting services and guidance throughout the entire project, and beyond.

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What is a shell?

A shell is the exterior portion of a home. TLC constructs the shell from the top of your foundation on up to the point of being lockable and weather-tight. It includes all the labor and material such as framing lumber, siding, windows, exterior doors and roofing. When we are done, the outside is a finished product. The inside is a skeleton with subfloors, interior partitions installed, lolly columns and carrying beams and is ready for subcontractors to begin their work.

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What does “weather-tight” mean?

Weather-tight means that the entire exterior of the home is sealed (excluding fireplace openings). In other words, the outside is finished with siding, roofing, windows and exterior doors installed.

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Can I build a home if I don’t have any experience?

Our Owner Involvement Program enables anyone to build their own home. TLC takes pride in educating our clients during the construction of their custom home. From conception to completion, we act as a consultant and guide throughout the entire process.

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How much money can I save with the Owner Involvement Program?

With this program, you coordinate and pay all the subcontractors directly. If you were to hire a General Contractor, you would be paying that person to do that service for you, which is what the “middle-man” cost is. By doing that work yourself, and acting as your own General Contractor, with our guidance, you can save anywhere between 15-30%

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What if I don’t have the time or desire to be so involved with the building process?

TLC can General Contract your home, depending on your location. TLC can act as the General Contractor on the construction of your home. As the General Contractor, we assume all responsibilities and providing you with a turnkey operation. Using your specifications, we will provide you with a bottom line for the completion of your home.

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Can I build a home that’s different than the 11 example/brochure homes that you have?

Of course! Those 11 homes are examples that we chose as a general representation of what we can do. We are custom builders and can design and build any home that you wish. All of the plans that we have can be modified to meet your needs. Essentially, what you can build is only limited by your property size, zoning requirements, building codes and structural limitations. It’s up to you to let us know what you want, need and can afford.

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Where can I find one of your example/brochure homes?

Our brochure homes are some of our favorite examples of homes that we have constructed across the state and each custom home is currently being lived in.

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Do you provide land?

No, we don’t provide land. We recommend that you contact a realtor, look in real estate magazines or even drive through the towns that you are interested in building in and look for empty lots that may be for sale. If you see something you like, then go to the town hall and ask about that property (i.e. who is the owner?, etc.). TLC can help guide you in buying the right property.

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Do you provide financing?

No, we don’t provide financing. We refer our clients to our bank contact. But of course you can work with whichever bank you are comfortable with and we will provide you with cost specifications and assist you in getting a mortgage approval where possible.

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Do I need to provide my own home plans?

No. We provide a set of building plans for your home. If you see something in a magazine or online that you like, you can bring that to us as a guide or you can look through the plans we have in our office. With your help and input, we will create plans that meet your needs and budget requirements. You are part of the designing process and we include the blueprints of the home we have designed with you as part of our program.

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How much do the home plans cost?

There is no additional cost because they are included in the shell price.

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Do you provide blueprints or design services for people who don’t build with you?

Our design services and plans are mostly for our clients who are building with TLC Homes. On occasion, for a fee, we can design a home and provide blueprints for other clients.

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What if I know someone who is a tradesman (i.e. electrician, plumber, excavator, etc.), can I hire them to work on my home?

Yes. That’s what’s great about our Owner Involvement Program. You are acting as your own General Contractor and you have the final say as to who does work in your home. If you are in a trade, then you could do the work yourself and put a little “sweat equity” into your home. If you know someone that can do some of the work and you are confident in them, then, by all means, use them. The choice is yours and we want you to get the most home for your money.

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Do I have to find my own subcontractors?

We will recommend a subcontractor for: plumbing, electric, heating/AC, insulation, sheetrock, etc. You can use the subcontractors we recommend, shop around, use a friend, or even do the work yourself. Ultimately, the decision is up to you. Remember, we are here to act as a guide and consultant every step of the way.

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Do you build spec homes?

We build your home, on your lot and to your specifications.

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Do you have any model homes?

No. We are custom builders and the homes we build are customized for each client and not for sale. We have over 150 home plans in our office that we have previously built and would be more than happy to show you any of these plans. Many of our past clients would be pleased to talk with you about their experience with us.

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Do you build modular homes?

No, we are custom stick builders who build on your lot to your specifications.

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What is the advantage of stick built homes versus modular?

With a modular house, your size options are limited because the task of transporting your house halves prevents you from building a wide house. Our custom stick built homes are designed to your specifications. With TLC, there are no limitations to the home you can build (subject to building codes and structural limitations).

Also, a modular house has to be transported from a factory to your lot. During that trip, anything can happen, the worst of which is the structure falling off of the transport trailer damaging the house along with all the unseen interior work (i.e. plumbing, etc.). Stick built homes are constructed on your foundation. Your home will not get damaged in transporting because it does not move!

It’s important to note that a foundation is critical to the construction of a home. If your foundation is not square or level, you could have many problems placing a modular structure on the foundation. In comparison and without exception, a TLC stick built home will be squared and adjusted to the foundation.

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What type of materials do you use on the shell?

We use Doug Fir #2 for framing. All exterior home walls are 2x6 @ 16” O.C., interior walls are 2x4 @ 16” O.C.. The walls and roof are sheathed with ½” CDX plywood and the subfloor is ¾” tongue & groove Advantech that’s glued and nailed. Our standard roofing is a 25 year 3-tab shingle, siding is double 4” vinyl, windows are vinyl single hungs and exterior doors are steel insulated. These are the standard materials we use, but we can upgrade your home to any siding, roofing, windows and doors that you prefer. You also have the option of upgrading to engineered lumber for the floor system and trusses for the roof. It’s your home and we will build it the way you want.

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How do I know that TLC Homes, Inc. is a reputable and reliable company?

We have a client referral list that we provide to you upon your first appointment. You can call past clients directly and ask them about our company yourself. You will find that TLC Homes is a company you can trust.

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How long have you been in business?

We were established in 1986 and are celebrating our 20th anniversary.

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How many homes have you built?

We have built over 150 homes.

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Where do you build?

We are licensed to build in Connecticut and we travel to most areas of the state.
New Home Construction Contractor Registration # 90.
Home Improvement Contractor Registration # 520315

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Do you build only residential homes?

Our primary business is residential homes and additions, but we can also build light commercial buildings.

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Do you build additions?

Yes, we build additions with the same programs that we offer for homes – the Owner Involvement Program and the General Contracting Program.

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Do you build multifamily homes?

Yes, we can build multifamily homes. If your property is zoned for this type of construction, then we would be more than happy to work with you on your project.

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Are there advantages to working with a smaller company?

Absolutely! Being a smaller company, we are able to provide more personalized attention to each of our clients and also oversee ALL aspects of the building process, which aids in the completion of your project. We are accessible and have a friendly business style that encourages frequent communication. But, most importantly, we provide the Tender Loving Care that puts YOU first!

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