VictoryGate Custom Homes — Attraction in Canal Fulton

When we found Victory Gate, we liked what we saw. Their website showed a clear listing of included items and a gallery with quality photos and beautiful finishes.

Their primary contact is Jonna, who was lovely. We had very fast responses and she was eager to provide whatever information we needed. Jonna toured us through several under-construction homes and we didn’t see any red flags. It was also nice to see that James, the owner, worked directly with each buyer.

I created a custom floor plan and brought basic line drawings with me to our meeting. We talked it over and paid the down payment toward having Victory Gate’s architect draw up our plans. This was a mistake. Victory Gate’s design agreement allows them to have full intellectual rights and copyright to any design they put to paper--even if it’s your own. This means if you choose not to move forward with Victory Gate for any reason, you don’t have the rights to your own design.

We went back and forth with James on the plans, making small tweaks to the design. As quoted from their website, “A spreadsheet is used to determine the price of the home. Everything is in black and white and shows what we do above and beyond what is expected.” However, when the pricing came out, it was relatively vague. Some things were outlined, but there was a rather substantial amount of money that was just lumped together. When we asked for a breakdown, James told us that is all they provide and “it’s worked in the past.” We asked for time to consider and look things over.

We took the plans and price breakdown to a consultant in the construction industry for an opinion on pricing. We were told the price was coming in high and they suggested we bid the job out. Going back to James, we requested a release for the plans so we could bid the job out--specifically stating we were still interested in moving forward with Victory Gate, but needed reassurance. James’s response was disappointing: “I am sorry you feel this way but we do not release our plans for we know other builders standards are not our standards and an apples to apples comparison will not be met.”

We were disappointed. It was our intention to strengthen Victory Gate’s position by making sure that pricing was fair and appropriate. When we said this, James’s response was the following: “It is unfortunate that you feel the way you do. VictoryGate feels that we have delivered everything that was asked. However, at this point if you wish to pay for the plans up to we typically charge $2.00 per square foot. The plans are then yours. It may be best to go with a more production type builder with lower quality standards than what we have as a custom home builder.”

His unprofessional demeanor and inability to provide a price breakdown were pushing us away. We asked for a written release to use the design we’d brought and plans we paid for. The “release” Victory Gate provided allowed us to use the plans, make alterations to them, but only for one-time use and at this specific location (the lot we owned). In other words--they are purposefully being restrictive and uncooperative. Also, when we shopped for quotes on architectural designs, the common price was $0.50-$1.00 per square foot, so they charged over and above what is common for the area.

A caution: if you bring your own design, don’t use their architect. Pay for your own and have the rights to use your plans as you wish. Also, it’s the customer’s right to have a price breakdown and to ask details about what is surely a large financial risk and commitment. It is also the customer's right to bid the job out if they want to ensure quality and competitive pricing. Overall, we feel that Victory Gate’s customer service was on par until we asked for detailed pricing. We advise you to do your homework and choose a builder whose interest is in providing the best service (home) to the customer.

We did not go with a production builder, but another custom home builder and...

We're currently building our home with Victory Gate. This isn't our first experience with home construction. We used a "big box" builder for our previous house so we came into this somewhat familiar with the process. But I must say our experience with Victory Gate has been pleasantly surprising. From the one-of-a kind design, the high quality products they use, to the details of their fit and finish...we can see that VG is a first class custom builder who cares. They listened to us as we shared our design ideas and they came up with the perfect layout to suit our needs. And the trades and vendors VG uses have been first-rate. They take the extra step to do it right and not rush through their work. (So glad to see this trait still exists!) We've also been surprised at how many small details VG does to give our home that extra measure of quality and outstanding craftmanship. This is exactly what we were looking for from a premier builder and Victory Gate did not disappoint!!!

While there are always bumps in the road with any builder, we can see James, Jonna and the staff at VG genuinely want us to be satisfied with every step of the process. For us, they have been personable, easy to talk to and prompt in responding. They're physically involved and present at our build, which is important to us. They even suggest great ideas when we...actually I... was undecided on a color, design, or style! I love that they're willing to share their professional viewpoint with us. We are very happy with our experience so far and if you're looking for a true custom home from a quality builder who cares about your project...Victory Gate is your builder. Would highly recommend them!

Cindy...

James and his team are good people! I appreciate that James meets with his clients one on one at the start of the process. I came across VG through a coworker of mine who is good friends with Jonna (Hi Jonna!). After touring the then model home in Rolling Green Estates, we were sold! We believed that VG provided great quality and amenities at an affordable custom home price. We visited multiple home builders model homes, and VG’s normal package would have been upgrades with other builders.

We now live in Rolling Green Estates, VG’s development. We hadn’t planned on moving to Stark county from Summit county, but we’re glad we did; and that’s because James recommended that we move here. THANKS JAMES!

However, being first time home builders, it was stressful & unsettling at times during the process. There were some issues with communication between us and his team. At some points during the process, they weren’t on the same page with each other. Knowing James and his team, I know they will take care of this. After this experience, if we are blessed to build again, we will know what to expect and what questions to ask; whoever the builder may be.

But overall, our home is FABULOUS! My family and I are truly blessed to be living in a beautiful home! We live in a beautiful neighborhood with very nice people.Whenever James, Jonna, or Matt are in the neighborhood, they always wave if they see me!

I would have given a 5 star rating if it wasn’t for the communication aspect. I would highly recommend VictoryGate as your custom home builder! Keep up the...