quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:

….Do not rely on their word. I would seriously consider spending some $ on some kind build consultant to oversee the project and report it all back to you. If that cost you $7500 then it most likely will save you twice that or more when all said and done. Know your state laws in terms or knowing your rights and the builders rights in terms of resolving disputes. A consult should know all this and give you info so you know what and how things get worked out.

I DO THIS NOW AS A SIDE GIG IN RETIREMENT AND WHILE I AGREE WITH THIS STATEMENT ITS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND WHAT A CONSULTANT CAN AND CANNOT DO..


Have a start and finish date with consequences spelled out for non compliance. There is more but it is rare now days to have a builder do what needs to be done to satisfy a client.

THIS CAN BE A DOUBLE EDGED SWORD. DO YOU WANT IT DONE FAST OR RIGHT? I THINK ITS MORE REASONABLE TO MUTUALLY AGREE ON A TIMELINE UNDERSTANDING THAT WEATHER OR DELAYS ON THE OWNERS END IN MAKING DECISIONS WILL PUSH BACK THE COMPLETION DATE.I CURRENTLY HAVE A CLIENT WHO INSERTED A $500/ DAY PENALTY FOR NOT COMPLETING THE HOUSE ON TIME AND I CAN GUARANTEE YOU EVERY DELAY DUE TO WEATHER (LIKE WE ARE HAVING NOW WITH THE TROPICAL STORM) WILL ADD TO THE COMPLETION DATE. IN DOING WOUR DUE Dillegence AND TALKING TO PREVIOUS CLIENTS ASK THEM HOW THE TIMELYNESS OF THE PROJECT WENT. THE ONE TIME I HAD A CLIENT INSISTING ON HAVING THIS CLAUS I ALSO HAD ONE FOR COMPLETING THE HOME EARLY AND GUESS WHAT. HE PAID SEVERAL THOUSAND FOR THAT…

Have an iron clad contract. Not a boiler plate one the contractors knows he can screw you over with.

WOW YOU MUST HAVE REALLY BEEN SCREWED OVER AT SOME POINT. MOST BUILDERS HAVE VERY CLEARLY SPELLED OUT CONTRACTS THAT ARE RELATIVELY EASY TO UNDERSTAND. I ALWAYS RECOMMEND HAVING THE CLIENT REVIEW THE CONTRACT WITH THEIR COUNSEL BUT UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WOULD I AS A BUILDER ALLOW THE CLIENT TO BRING THEIR OWN CONTRACT. TO THE OP I WOULD BE GLAD TO SHARE MY BLANK CONTRACT WITH YOU KEEPING IN MIND THAT EACH STATE HAS ITS OWN REQUIREMENTS.

I know we have home builders here. I am sure they are good and honest. So I am not saying they all aren't. But like every other industry. Many are not.

quote:

Originally posted by smlsig:
PLUS YOUR UTILITY BILLS SHOULD BE HALF OF WHAT OTHER STANDARD HOMES ARE AND THIS WILL MAKE THE FINANCIAL PAYBACK JUST TAKE A FEW YEARS.

quote:

Originally posted by nhracecraft:

quote:

Originally posted by smlsig:
PLUS YOUR UTILITY BILLS SHOULD BE HALF OF WHAT OTHER STANDARD HOMES ARE AND THIS WILL MAKE THE FINANCIAL PAYBACK JUST TAKE A FEW YEARS.

HALF?!? That's a SERIOUS Number!

What type of efficiency design mods/equipment upgrades are able to achieve these results, and what are the standard building practices/designs/materials you're comparing it to? Serious question...

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
I would heed flesh's advice on 1 and 2.

I went through a recent build as a primary support for some family.

Do your due Diligence on the builder and every detail you can think of.

Do not rely on their word. I would seriously consider spending some $ on some kind build consultant to oversee the project and report it all back to you. If that cost you $7500 then it most likely will save you twice that or more when all said and done. Know your state laws in terms or knowing your rights and the builders rights in terms of resolving disputes. A consult should know all this and give you info so you know what and how things get worked out.

Have a start and finish date with consequences spelled out for non compliance. There is more but it is rare now days to have a builder do what needs to be done to satisfy a client.

Have an iron clad contract. Not a boiler plate one the contractors knows he can screw you over with.

I know we have home builders here. I am sure they are good and honest. So I am not saying they all aren't. But like every other industry. Many are not.