Stanley Martin Co

The company name suggests explicitly that they build CUSTOM homes (i.e., Stanley Martin CUSTOM Homes).  In actual fact, they do not have people who possess the proper skill sets to deliver on a CUSTOM home.  Our Project Manager was quite clear when he said, "we don't REALLY do custom homes."   I do believe that SMCH could deliver on a very nice, well-built custom home but they are unable to do so with the employees they have currently, or at least those that we had the misfortune of working with.  The primary issue is that they do not focus on any of the details.  Their project management approach is to set it and forget it....meaning they schedule sub-contractors to do certain work but do not quality check anything along the way.  
A small sampling of issues:
- Wrong stairs were ordered and installed, and not configured as per the plans;

• - Basement rough openings were poured to wrong heights; Outside trim finishes not as spec'd;
• - Several wall studs were broken into two pieces at the plumbing rough in; never replaced as requested;
• - Wrong sized windows were ordered and installed; the installation enabled SMCH to claim a scheduled payment was due;
• - Drywall was to be screwed (as spec'd) rather than nailed; we'll now be living with "nail pops" indefinitely
• - Wrong cabinets were ordered and installed, several times;
• - Utilities for appliances not installed as spec'd, appliances scratched/damaged due to moving repeatedly
• - Water main not turned off after work (as required due to above appliance issues), resulted in flooding of kitchen; required hardwood floor replacement and cabinet replacement
• - The water damage required the floors be refinished; resulted in "chatter marks" on floors that were never properly remedied
• - Toilet plumbed with HOT water rather than cold

Many of the above issues were completely avoidable.  But with a project manager that does not carry a paper or pencil, it was impossible for him to be on top of things.  In fact beyond a tape measure, he didn't ever have any tools with him (i.e., framing square, level, etc).  As a result, it was impossible for him to keep track of the myriad of issues that are not unusual, and consequently avoid those that are uncommon.

After looking at several builders in the area, I chose Stanley Martin Custom Homes (SMCH).  As the name implies, SMCH is a Stanley Martin company but operates as a separate division.   For me, this has been an advantage because the parent company is a large local builder with purchasing power and a stable team of experienced employees/subcontractors.  SMCH is smaller unit, which has also been an advantage because the service is very personalized.   Currently, I'm in the middle of the process of finalizing the floor plans and submitting the requests for permits to the county.  I have found that everything I was told during my earlier meetings and the other sales information has been completely accurate.  The SMCH has been extremely accommodating with everything - include my schedule, my choices, and my family situation.  At this point, I am working directly with the president of SMCH, who is Michael Schnitzer.  He is extremely professional and yet the service is provided as if we have known each other for years.  He always shows a genuine interest in my questions and is as enthusiastic about the house as if he was the first house he's built (like me!).  I found the SMCH website to be helpful with answering many of the initial questions I had.   This website was initially a bit hard to find because it is different than the Stanley Martin parent website, but it's at  http://www.mysmch.com/, John Jorgenson of Long and Foster is a business associate of SMCH and handles some of the initial sales issues.  I also found him to be extremely knowledgeable and hard working.   It’s been a pleasure working with Michael, John, and their colleagues so far.