Mike Jarrett

I really love the challenge of designing and building projects which require imagination and creativity. It is most exciting and satisfying to work with a client to create a vision and then see it materialize. Here are some of the elements which I believe are important for a quality project.

Site selection: Choose a site with a great view and design living spaces accentuating this view and you have something better than fine art to enjoy because beautiful scenery is ever changing.

Solar efficiency: The value the sun plays in heating your home can be demonstrated by noticing how hot a car gets inside when the sun shines through the windows on a winter day.

A significant amount of heating energy can be saved by simply having the appropriate amount of glass facing south to capture heat energy and store it in a solar rock mass under the floor. This free source of heat during the winter provides warmth, as well as pleasant natural lighting. You might ask how do you keep the house cool in the summer? This is accomplished by roof overhangs which shade the sun from entering the house and cooling the rock mass under the floor off at night by circulating cool night air through the solar floor system. It might sound complicated but is quite easily accomplished in new construction with very little added cost. A 2200 sq. ft. solar home we built in 1986 has used an average of less than $100 of energy per year to heat the home and keep the temperature above 72 degrees. This investment in an efficient solar home has paid great dividends for many years.

Street appeal: A project should look great from all elevations, especially from the street. The proper proportions, scale, balance, and choice of building materials must all work together to be aesthetically pleasing. The style, grace and character of a well planned project can have a very positive influence on its occupant.

Living space relationships: The size, location and volume of the primary living spaces are determined after carefully considering the views, sun movements, privacy, and flow to adjoining rooms.

Kitchen and Dining: The kitchen is one of the most important rooms of the house. A lot of time can be spent preparing meals and it can be especially enjoyable if the kitchen has been designed with state of the art appliances, work surfaces, areas for baking, food prep, cooking and pantry storage. This room should be efficient to work in and also comfortable for family and friends to visit.

Budget: Having realistic expectations as to how much can be accomplished within a certain budget is one of the first discussions I often have when I first start working with a client. I try to give buyers the most value for their dollars spent by matching the design materials and craftsmen who are most appropriate for the job.

Engineering: I have a good working relationship with a number of quality engineering firms. Depending on the scope of work and timing it is at this point in the design process I bring the engineer into the process to evaluate the important structural considerations before plans are sent to the draftsman to do the working drawings.

Construction Contract Option 1:
Time and material Plus: There are two ways I have used to structure the building contract. Each have their advantages. One is to work on a time and material basis, meaning the owner agrees to pay on a bimonthly basis for all materials and labor plus contractors profit and overhead. This method works particularly well when it comes to making changes, modifications or additions to a plan because I can simply include them in the overall contract and they are billed at the same rate as the base project. Another advantage is the total project cost can be less because I charge a lower profit and overhead rate on time and material projects because I have less risk. After the plans have been completed and the subcontractors have submitted their bids the total project cost can be estimated.

Construction Contract Option 2:
Fixed price: The second method is to build is on a fixed price contract. This is good if the owner is good at making decisions at the design stage in order to specify all the materials and specifications for the project to properly instruct the subcontractors as to the scope and quality of their work. One down side of building under a fixed price makes the relationship between the owner and contractor more of a business agreement and less of a collaboration to get the finest product for the owner.

Construction Phase: This is one of the most exciting and satisfying phases of the project. To see a vision coming into reality can be a lot of fun. Jarrett Construction has a very fine team of craftsmen and subcontractors who have labored to create some of the finest homes in Carson Valley.

Landscaping/ Site planning: The overall success of a project can be maximized by tastefully designed landscaping, like putting a great frame and mat on a fine work of art. Landscaping should provide an inviting setting for your home, privacy in areas where you wish to spend time with your family and habitat for birds and wildlife.

Fine Details: We have always been proud of the fact that we have been noted for our attention to details. If our customer wants a furniture quality finish on their cabinets we will hand sand with 400G paper between coats then wax and polish to achieve a satin smooth finish. Custom millwork can be fabricated in our workshop when special features are desired. Special attention is paid to creating interesting special features which help the owner to be more efficient, organized, comfortable, and relaxed.