Christopher maintains level of luxury

Since its founding in 1981, Christopher Homes has maintained a reputation as a leading builder of luxury homes. The Las Vegas-based company focuses on offering its clients the latest in architectural design and customizing options, and has garnered more than 70 industry awards at the local, regional and national levels.

"Our roots are in custom-home building, where the builder tends to develop a very close relationship with the client," chief executive J. Christopher Stuhmer said. "When we expanded beyond custom building, we carried that tradition with us, providing our buyers with the same service they'd expect from a custom builder.

"Anyone familiar with (us) will know that we spare no expense in designing our new homes and neighborhoods. We utilize the finest architects, landscape planners, interior designers and other professionals to create a complete indoor and outdoor living environment."

The company is developing six neighborhoods, and has more than 25 custom homes under way valleywide.

All clients initially consult with a sales representative, who assists with the selection of options. These may include elevators, motor courts, courtyard fireplaces, casitas, major room additions, four-car garages, extra baths, bonus rooms, libraries, wine cellars and wet bars. Afterward, an architectural designer creates plans for the client to review. Interior design services are also provided.

Shelly Martinez is the builder's client service liaison.

"My job involves keeping our home buyers informed, performing ongoing quality control checks and making sure that all of the options and upgrades are properly incorporated as construction progresses," Martinez said. "I keep each buyer updated on the progress of their home and I am their liaison with Christopher Homes for any questions, requests or concerns they may have."

Martinez and a construction superintendent accompany each client on a "pre-slab walk" and later a "frame walk."

"The pre-slab walk gives the buyer an added level of comfort, because they know that the infrastructure is in for all of their selected options," she said. "At this time, we also go over the structural functions of the foundation and discuss the construction schedule for their home.

"The main purpose of the frame walk is to show the buyer the quality behind the walls," Martinez said. "We point out our construction methods and the many upgraded materials we use to afford better quality in our homes.

"Since our buyers tend to put in lots of electrical and home automation options, the framing walk is also an excellent time to show them that all of the necessary wiring and components are properly installed. Once again, the buyer gets an added level of comfort, as they can see everything in place before the drywall goes up."

Just before move-in, Martinez accompanies her clients in a homeowner orientation conducted by the construction superintendent and a customer service representative.

"The homeowner orientation takes place just after the home is completed and before close of escrow," she said. "The purpose of this meeting is to introduce the buyer to the completed home and to demonstrate the home.

"We generally start in the kitchen by checking all the appliances, plumbing, finish work, cabinetry, ceramic tile and flooring installation. We work our way around the house step-by-step, making sure that every single item is in order. With a team of professionals all searching for the slightest imperfections, there's not much that we will miss. If we should find something that requires attention, our customer service team attends to it immediately, as Christopher Homes will not deliver a new home that is not in perfect condition."

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