Learn more about the construction of Sorrento homes in this interview with Ron Hawkins, General Contractor and Darwin Crabtree, Construction Operations Manager

What quality control practices were implemented that will help a Sorrento homeowner will enjoy their home without problems for decades?

In putting our construction team together, we implemented a production management system with a quality control checklist that would systematically check every item rather than chaotically check 31 homes. Because the entire team has been very demanding, the quality of a Sorrento home is over and above what our warranty would require. Our tolerances are tighter and actually at the level of individual custom homes.

Another area of quality control that many developers don't use is the management of suppliers and sub-contractors in the process of value engineering. Unlike the average building project, the Sorrento team turned to our sub-contractors for information and suggestions in the pre-construction planning. The Sorrento team looked to our sub-contractors for input regarding better quality products that would meet the same cost standard.

What decisions were made in the use and selection of materials at Sorrento?

Starting with the roofs, which are such a substantial part of the house exterior, we used an authentic clay tile manufactured by MCA. Most builders use concrete simulated to look like clay. Authentic tiles give that custom feel with warm texture. On the house siding, we used El Dorado stone, which isn't a real stone but it is the most authentic looking simulated stone. To insure contrast and enhance the beauty of the exterior, we paid special attention to the grout color (citrus blend) and integrated four different types and shapes of this stone. The color shading is a caramel color that was customized for the project. Instead of using a standard stucco finish, we upgraded it giving the homeowner an extra "R" (insulation) value on all stucco surfaces. We know the homeowners will enjoy the elegant look and feel of our customized wrought iron. The interior and exterior iron is custom fabricated by a young entrepreneur who has a manufacturing facility in Chico. He does great work and is very creative in the balconies and railings. Even though Sorrento is built in a production fashion, 4 of the 5 models have different facades and color schemes, resulting in each house having a customized appearance. Thus, when a Sorrento owner or their guests drive up into the site they experience elegance and lots of curb appeal. Inviting is the best word for a Sorrento home.

Inside a Sorrento home, the walls all have radius corners, which create a soft, inviting feel and continue that Tuscan look. All kitchen counters are slab granite with stainless steel appliances. There is no vinyl flooring in a Sorrento home. Instead, combinations of hardwoods, tile and or carpeting have been installed depending on the home.

The bathrooms are pleasing to the eye with massive framed mirrors that reflect the elegance in this room. Solar tubes are introduced in bathrooms and closets. They work efficiently with natural solar light, thus saving electricity during daylight hours. Even the bathroom hardware is upgraded with Emtek hardware. The shower and tubs are separate and the showers have elegant full glass enclosures and full tile enclosures.

In the living room the fireplace, in addition to its aesthetic beauty, also heats the rooms. The gas fireplaces are energy efficient and don't introduce the air pollution and mess of wood fireplaces.

Defining the separation of the dining area and living room is a unique combination of high-vaulted ceilings and beautiful exposed beams.

All entrance doors are 8 feet (vs. standard 6 feet 8 inches) and all interior doors are solid core. We have combination sliding or French doors to the patios. Some homes have covered balconies, which are a unique combination of stone, stucco, and wrought iron, and incorporate a quality waterproof walking surface. In these homes you access the balcony through the French doors and the balconies overlook the park areas and the mature trees in the neighborhood. And let's not forget the beauty and practicality of the private courtyards.

Even the outside is ready for the homeowner to implement their own personal touches in the interior courtyard, side yard, and back yard. All back yards are plumbed with a 4-stage irrigation control, ready for matching a sprinkler system with the type of landscaping the homeowner desires. Selected homes have pre-wiring for hot tubs, and all houses have a connection for natural gas so one doesn't need propane bottles for the barbeque.

A big energy saver is the on-demand water heaters which are a 50% energy savings over conventional water heaters. Using today's energy costs, there is a 3-5 year payback on the water heater.

Simply, we put pride into entire Sorrento subdivision from the placing of stones to upgrading all our products from contractor level to a near custom home level of materials. Any Sorrento buyer will be pleased with the magnitude of quality. From the exterior to the interior Sorrento holds special surprises.