Hawaiian Bungalows

[Blakeyboy1]

I discovered these guys today and we really like the design style and their sustainable philosophy. Has anyone had any experience with them? I contacted them and if they check out we may have found our design builder.

http://hawaiianbungalows.com/bungalows.htm



-Blake
http://www.theboysgreatescape.blogspot.com/

[asly]

Thanks for sharing this info Blake, love the roof lines on these homes. Will add their link to my list too.

Enjoy the day! Ann

Back to blogging at
http://crazypineappledream.blogspot.com

[hpp4me]

Thanks! I've emailed them, too.

[Blakeyboy1]

Below is the response I got from Mike at Hawaiian Bungalows. I feel that it is appropriate to share here:

Aloha Blake,

Happy New Year!

Thank you for your interest in Hawaiian Bungalows!

All of our homes are custom designed to the site, the Client's budget, individual aesthetic considerations and overall program requirements. There is no minimum size. We are also able to phase the home in stages if so desired.

We can design the home to meet most any reasonable budget. If you are looking for a home under $100/s.f., we may not be what you are looking for, because we do focus on quality. Our homes are not set models or kit packages. We do believe that a quality home in Hawaii is achievable for $150-$250/s.f. depending on your selection of materials and finishes.

The process from start to finish, design through construction will be about one year, depending on the final scope of work. Green features are also available based on your personal preferences and priorities.

We have a process and approach to designing and managing the construction of your residence.

Rather than quoting s.f. costs, without knowing what your intentions are, we find out first off what your needs are (not just home size) and particular tastes. We will advise you if your expectations are realistic for the project, depending on your selection of materials and finishes.

If achievable, we will develop a conceptual floor plan that meets your program needs, responds to your site and is reflective of your budget. We take it far enough for you to clearly see what the home looks like and what it costs, as we will run a construction budget for you.

If we are still in line, we proceed to the working drawings phase. Updating the budget as we go.

When completed, we set the price for what it will cost to build your home with our team. We are also able to competitively bid out the project to ensure you are getting the best value.

As mentioned, we will work within your budget, whether it is generous or modest, however we will advise you if we believe the project and your budget is achievable.

Clients are highly recommended to prequalify for financing, unless they are in a strong cash position, because it is extremely difficult in this market to get the same loan programs of the past.

We will be posting more information to the website, to further clarify our approach.

Although we are focusing on Clients that have land already and are prepared to initiate the process, we will answer any questions you might have regarding our services.

If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us.

all the best,

mike

-Blake
http://www.theboysgreatescape.blogspot.com/

[hpp4me]

The $150-$250/sf cost seems a bit high to me. The website does not post any photos of completed projects either.

[d96778]

When I saw your post re: Hawaiian Bungalows, I requested more info such as floor plans, pricing, etc., & received the exact same response back from Mike Moore that you got, Blakeyboy. I was disappointed there wasn't more of the sort of info that I was wondering about in their website or in his response.

But, I do like the looks of the renderings he shows on his website. Very islandy looking. Left me wishing for more info.

[mr. bill]

Very nicely composed web-site.The houses are simular in design to pole house plans. Better suited to the dry Kona side as, the walk around lani would be wet most of the time here on the Hilo side. I like the 3 bedroom floor plan. It's open with no hallways and the room cross corner from the master bed could be an office. Don't care for the deep alcove entry as it will be dark and uninviteing upon entry and blinding when exeting. Same with the lani, some one siting with there back to the wall faseing out will see only a dark outline of a person on the on the perimerter. Just my 2cents wourth.

I'd rather be fishing "WITH BAIT"

[EightFingers]

"... The website does not post any photos of completed projects either. ..."

I noticed that too - a BIG turnoff

[hpp4me]

I'm sure they are "watching." Perhaps Mr. Mike can come here and talk about his company and services. Other architects, contractors and real estate professionals have done so, and the forum has benefited as a result.

[Blakeyboy1]

It'd be logical that he'd lurk here or even participate. I did not mention this site in my response but I mentioned my escape blog where I posted about his company. At any rate I spent some time formulating a response to him last night and have not heard back. Perhaps I am not far enough along or maybe he is still laughing at our budget. I'd love to hear if anyone else pursues this or hears more. Otherwise I can probably have an architect replicate the general style and I am a fairly good home designer.

-Blake
http://www.theboysgreatescape.blogspot.com/