CRAFTING COASTAL DREAM HOMES
A Better Building Process Starts with RBC Homes
Our proven process and experienced team guide you from planning through construction with clarity and care.
Steps You Can Expect When Working With Us
Step 1: Ballpark Pricing
Step 1: Ballpark Pricing
Complimentary Preliminary Ballpark Estimate
Supporting early planning and informed decision-making
We begin by gathering key information about your project, including your goals, expectations, budget, and timeline. Based on this information, we provide a complimentary ballpark estimate that offers a high-level understanding of potential project costs to support early planning and decision-making.
How This Estimate Is Used
This initial estimate is based on RBC Homes’ standard materials and specifications, intended to establish a realistic baseline during the early planning stage. When these standards are used, ballpark estimates are typically within 15–20% of final project costs.
Recommended Next Steps
To develop a more complete and accurate understanding of your project, we recommend moving into a Professional Service Agreement (PSA). This allows our team the time needed to fully evaluate all aspects of your project and develop a well-researched price you can confidently rely on
Why This Is an Early Estimate
Final selections, design decisions, site conditions, and existing structural considerations—especially in renovation projects—can significantly impact pricing, and are often unknown at this early stage. Additional time is required to fully assess these variables and refine project costs.
Our goal is to provide clarity and direction early— so decisions later are made with confidence
Selecting a contractor based on the quickest or lowest estimate often results in unexpected costs down the road
Step 2: Service Agreement
Step 3: Conceptual Plan
Step 4: Cost Proposal
Step 5: Contract
Questions to Consider
Important Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask
Choosing the right contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your project. These questions Ip to focus on what truly matters- so you can compare companies confidently and make informed decisions.
Qualifications & Protection
Licensing & Insurance
Is your company properly licensed and insured; how many years have you been in business
Subcontractor Vetting
Are your subcontractors fully vetted, experienced, licensed, and insured
Warranty
What warranties do you provide for workmanship and materials for remodels and new construction
BBB Rating
Does your company maintain a Better Business Bureau (BBB)
References
Can you provide recent client testimonials and/or references for projects similar to mine
Process & Planning
Timeline Clarity
Can you clearly outline your full project process—from initial planning through completion-including realistic timelines
Materials List
Can you provide a standard materials list so I understand what is included if final selections have not yet been made
Description of Materials
Can you share an example of a recent Description of Materials so I know what level of detail to expect
Scope Clarity
What services are included in your scope of work; are there any items I would be responsible for supplying
Design Services
Do you offer in-house design services and have access to architects and structural engineers if required
Pricing & Contracts
Commitments
Am I required to sign a contract that commits me to your company before receiving a detailed quote/cost proposal
Allowances
Do your proposals include allowances; how are those allowance amounts determined
Change Orders
How does your company handle change orders; what fees or costs are associated with them
Financing
Do you offer or coordinate financing options if needed
Team & Communication
Project Contacts
Who will be my primary point of contact throughout the project; will I have direct access to that person
Full-time Staff
How is your team structured; how many full-time employees support your projects
Backup/Contingency Plans
Do you have a contingency plan in place if a key team member becomes unavailable during my project
Management Software
Does your company utilize construction management software to track schedules, selections, and communication
Reputable contractors who are transparent, prepared, and able to confidently answer these
questions are better equipped to deliver a smooth, predictable building experience
Common Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions During the Construction Process
Answers provided to help better understand our process and what to expect
May I Order My Own Fixtures?
While it may seem like a straightforward option, many builders-including RBC Homes-prefer to take charge of ordering and securing fixtures for several important reasons. When homeowners handle purchases, there is a risk of delays, incorrect deliveries, overlooked or missing components, and receiving damaged items, among other issues. If fixtures are purchased too early, warranties may expire before installation, and homeowner-purchased fixtures cannot be covered under the builder’s warranty. Any of these situations can create unnecessary stress for the client and complications for both parties. By allowing RBC Homes to manage all orders, any issues that arise can be addressed more efficiently, helping ensure a smoother and more streamlined process for everyone involved.
May I Use My Own Subcontractor?
Subcontractor selection is crucial. We ensure all subcontractors are properly licensed and insured, obtain the necessary permits, and complete all work in accordance with our standards. If a subcontractor selected by the homeowner does not adhere to the project schedule, it may cause delays and create unnecessary stress for all parties involved. RBC Homes also cannot provide a warranty for work performed by outside subcontractors, or the materials they use. If a homeowner wishes to use a specific subcontractor, please inform your RBC representative as early as possible. This allows adequate time for the subcontractor to complete the required approval and contracting process with RBC Homes.
What is Under Warranty?
Builder-provided items typically include applicable warranties, and any issues such as shipping damage, missing components, or defects are handled directly by the builder-unlike items ordered by the client. RBC Homes also provides warranties for new construction and remodeling projects; detailed warranty information can be found in the contract.
What Timeframes Can I Expect?
As-Builts are typically completed within 15 days. The Design Phase generally takes 30 days, and Cost Proposals are typcially completed within 30 days. For new construction, the construction phase typically spans 215 days from the date the permits are issued.
What is a Change Order?
A change order is any modification to the approved plans, Description of Materials (DOM), or the contract after signing. Any change that affects materials, labor, and/or schedule will be made via a change order. Allowance item changes also require a change order since it is a change to the DOM.
Quality construction starts with a clear process and experienced management
Change Order Example
When a Client Requests a Change
After the contract is signed, any client-requested changes are carefully reviewed by our team to assess their impact on cost, schedule, quality, and compliance. This ensures transparency and helps avoid surprises later in the project. This process may include:
Product & Design Review
- Confirming product availability and supplier lead times
- Verifying installation requirements and product limitations
- Reviewing whether plan revisions are required
Schedule, Permits & Trade Coordination
- Assessing impacts to construction schedules
- Confirming whether permits or inspections must be updated
- Ensuring qualified subcontractors are available for installation
Cost Accuracy & Documentation
- Obtaining updated pricing from suppliers and subcontractors
- Reviewing plans to calculate precise material quantities being added and deducted
- Recalculating labor, materials, and associated costs
- Preparing a formal change order with updated pricing and documentation
Because this process often requires time and coordination across multiple team members, a $150 change order administrative amount is applied at the time of request. If you move forward with the change, this amount is credited toward your change order, as shown in the example. If you choose not to proceed, it simply covers the time and resources invested in researching and preparing accurate pricing for the requested change.
Sample Change Order Cost Breakdown
| Cost for new stone siding | $5,697.40 |
| Credit for original lap siding | ($3,467.76) |
| Net change order amount | $3,665.01 |
| Credit for Administration Amount | ($150.00) |
| Total Change Order Amount Due | $492.95 |
If the change results in a credit, the amount is applied to your final project balance
No change order administrative amount applies to allowance selections, as these items are included within the original scope of work
Current Pricing
How Construction Costs Have Changed Over Time
RBC’s Cost Proposals reflect today’s labor and material market-not outdated costs.
Over the past decade, rising labor, material, insurance, safety, and coordination costs have significantly impacted construction pricing. Accurate, up-to-date pricing is essential to delivering realistic budgets and avoiding surprises during construction.
Material Volitility
Material costs-especially lumber-have increased over time and can fluctuat significantly due to economic conditions and market demand. Because pricing and availability can change quickly, accurate material pricing is essential to reducing unexpected adjustments and change orders during construction.
Labor Costs
Labor costs have risen steadily as demand for qualified, skilled trades has increased. These industry-wide changes directly impact overall construction costs.
The Value of Well-Researched Pricing
Pricing that isn’t fully researched often leads to unexpected cost increases or change orders later.
Understanding What’s Involved
When reviewing quotes, it’s important to understand what’s included. Lower pricing may reflect differences in material quality or trade experience, which can lead to delays, repairs, or higher costs later.
Figures below reflect published average hourly wages for skilled construction trades in Virginia since 2016
| Trade | Avg. Hourly Wage (2016) | Avg. Hourly Wage (2024/2025) | Increase | Change % |
| Electricians | $23.74 | $29.43 | $5.69 | 24% |
| Construction Laborers | $14.31 | $22.91 | $8.60 | 60% |
| Carpenters / Framers | $20.20 | $29.77 | $9.57 | 47% |
| Roofers | $20.78 | $26.17 | $5.39 | 26% |
Information was obtained from U.S. Bureau of labor statistics, https://www.bls.gov/oes/tables.htm
Built on Experience. Backed by Professional Standards.
At RBC Homes, our reputation is built on decades of hands-on construction experience, a proven planning process, and a commitment to doing things the right way from day one. We believe great results come from thoughtful preparation, expert execution, and accountability at every stage of your project.
When you build or remodel with RBC Homes, you benefit from:
- Award-Winning Class A Contractor & A+ BBB Rating
- Licensed & Insured — $2M Coverage
- Advanced Construction Management Software
- 2-Year New Build Warranty & 1-Year Remodel Warranty
A Local Team Built on Experience and Relationships
RBC Homes is proud to be a locally managed, family-owned company that has served the community for decades. Our strength comes from the people behind every project and the long-term relationships we build with our clients, partners, and trades.
- Locally Managed & Family-Owned Company Since ‘93
- 120+ Years of Combined Construction & Management Experience
- 13+ Full-Time Employees Dedicated to Customer Satisfaction
- Highly Skilled, Licensed & Insured Subcontractors
- In-House Designers & Licensed Realtors
Trusted By Virginia Beach Homeowners
OUR TEAM
Meet the Experts at RBC Homes
David Whitley
President & Founder
Pat Whitley
Vice President
Kathryn Wood
Director of Accounting
Cole Holtzclaw
Director of Construction
Sarah Olenik
Director of Building Design Services
Sara Boggs
Director of Estimating and Purchasing
Blair Ray
Director of Sales and Marketing
Hope Michiels
Client Services Manager
Brittany Rodgers
Office Administrator/Accounts Receivable
Will Holtzclaw
Logistics Manager
Ray Ballance
Assistant Project Manager
Shane Crosby
Lead Carpenter
William Holtzclaw
“Pops”
Jimmy Husser
Lead Carpenter
Margaret Caputo
Inspector
OUR PORTFOLIO OF WORK
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