Riedel Communities

We set standards for every aspect of our lives, how we raise our children, treat our neighbors, run our businesses.  Our level of standards is tied to our values and the more we value something the higher we set our standards for whatever that may be.

Setting building standards is no different.  Builders determine minimum materials and installation standards based upon their values.  Custom builders typically place a higher value on quality than do production builders although not all is that black and white.  The value of quality between custom and production is a continuum where most builders fall somewhere in between.

What complicates setting building standards, regardless of the diverse values of builders, is that customers’ values differ as well.  For instance, although most everyone desires an energy efficient home, not everyone values energy efficiency equally.  Some individuals would not consider a home that did not include every energy efficient feature imaginable, whereas others are willing to sacrifice some energy efficiency for a feature or amenity that offers more value to them.

The challenge to a builder in setting building standards is balancing his own values with that of his customers.