Bay Homes, Custom Builder, Hilton Head Island, SC

Bay Homes is truly a "Sister Act"

Bay Homes has operated in the Hilton Head area since 1988, and during that time they have built over 300 homes. President and founder Buddy Cheek moved his family there in 1985 and started his current company. But the story of how his daughters Jodi Cheek Easton and Kelly Cheek came to operate his family-owned business starts in the Asheville, N.C. area.

"Our dad built log cabin homes there," says Jodi, now VP Sales/Marketing for the company. "We grew up around construction sites, watching and learning the building business from the ground up."

She and her sister Kelly, VP/Operations, now are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the successful home construction company. And by all indications they are doing a fine job.

A Turnkey Approach

The company works in a team environment of architects, designers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, installers and decorators who are all focused on providing customers with a turnkey package.

Jodi says, "We guide you through the process, from the design of your new home and through the construction." This approach has created a "can do" attitude in the company and in the product they produce. Bay Homes is known in the area as being knowledgeable and cost-effective.

They pride themselves in being expedient in construction and trouble-shooting the problems that inevitably arise in new home construction. Weather delays, materials delivery and any other unforeseen snags are all handled and accounted for as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Growth Hasn't Changed Core Values

The homes they build range in price from $400,000 to $2,000,000+. Bay Homes works at building premium finishes into their home, and the results show it.

They are determined though not to ignore the first time homebuilders with lesser budgets. "We'll never turn away those people," Jodi says. "After all, people who can afford a $250,000 new home deserve just as much quality and effort from us as those with much bigger budgets. After all, a quarter million dollars is a big investment for anyone, and we want to build as much value into the job as we can."

Bay Homes' Five-step Process To Building Homes

Step One is an in-depth consultation with prospective clients, including a tour of recently completed homes and homes that are still under construction. Budgets are determined and styles and features are discussed.

Step Two is selection of a home site. Bay Homes' personnel visit the proposed construction site, gather information and reports prepare on soil conditions, flood elevations, tree specimens and elevation drawings.

Step Three is the vital process of designing the home. Clients can work with Bay Homes' designers or choose their own designer. Either way, they become the liaison to assist clients step by step through the surveying, engineering, landscape planning and architectural review processes.

Step Four is finalizing the home. Based on all the previous steps, a final construction price is determined. Financing is finalized and the construction agreement is explained in detail.

Step Five is the actual construction process. Clients are kept informed throughout the construction phase, and are able to monitor the progress with the Under Construction section of Bay Homes website. (www.Bay-Homes.com).

It's a process that works. And a process that has created a very successful company and a "Sister Act" that is a hit with their customers.