BE PREPARED -- Building a house is lots of fun, but it's a huge time investment, too. There's a ton of paperwork and planning, so it's essential to establish a system to stay organized. You may have collected articles, paint samples, roofing samples, etc, etc. over the past few months (or years, depending on how long you've been dreaming of this!) that you want to incorporate into your new house. A see- through plastic bin is handy for keeping your miscellaneous items in, so you can sift through them every so often. Sometimes it's a good way to keep your goal in mind if you periodically look at the items in the box, as a little reminder of what you're going for.
Keep a good filing system. You'll be getting a lot of quotes (a word to the wise: don't get too many quotes for each job ? establish what a reasonable rate for the job at hand is, then settle on a contractor you're comfortable with. Remember, the cheapest guy isn't always the best, and neither is the most expensive one, necessarily?). Quotes that require a lot of detail (Framing, Foundation, Drywall, Mechanical, Cabinetry, etc.) should be kept intact.
Make a copy of the original quote, then block out the prices and use that for the new quotes. That way, you're comparing apples to apples, oranges to oranges. (Word to the wise -- Dwight insisted on this going in, although I don't agree with it. I have found that just asking for a Complete Quote, stating the exact same information, will give me a much better 'feel' for the Contractor. You can tell right from the beginning if the guy is trying to pull the wool over your eyes -- stay away from this type -- it only gets worse. This kind of guy will give you a quote that seems very reasonable, but often leaves out crucial components.
We had a number of situations like this during this Build -- the first quote for the Basement -- and it was extremely detailed -- was $20,000. higher than the other quotes. I know -- craaazy! You gotta watch out and stay on your toes! The Cabinetry quotes were all over the board, and the Drywall for the Garage alone varied from $2,500. to $9,500. Our house cost was cut down by at least $40,000., just by shopping around and really reading the quotes.) It's not fair to get two different quotes and one includes the cement for the foundation and the other is only for the cribbing? asking for a complete quote might eliminate this situation, but being careful from the outset will save you a lot of bother, later.
Sometimes, you may notice that you'll get very different 'complete quotes'. We have found that the quote you get is often a 'forewarner' of the work you'll get. If it takes a ridiculous amount of time to even get the quote, and you can't get the guy to return your phone calls, that's probably what it'll be like when he's actually working for you, if you give him the job. If the quote is sloppy (we call them 'napkin quotes', since they're scribbled out on a napkin from the restaurant, so you have to look through the coffee stains to see the numbers, or on a crumpled up piece of paper!), the workmanship might be careless, too. Keep in mind that prices go up over time, so if the quote is old, it'll need to be up-dated before any work commences.
Also, mistakes happen, so go over your quote to make sure that it is relatively accurate ? you should never be responsible for knowing exactly how many screws will be required for the project (how are you paying for this?! Ha,ha,ha!), but you should check the windows and doors, what's included in each package, to make sure it's actually for your house!
Be sure to go over the Check List of every step that must be followed. Missing a step (like permits!) can cost you time and money (jail time in some States, if you haven't gone through the right authorities to make sure you can build what you want ? be especially careful with this if you live in an historical neighborhood).
BE DECISIVE -- It's important to have a clear idea of what you want in your home before you start to build, or even draw. The more you decide early, the fewer distractions and delays that will happen later. This is not to say that you can't or shouldn't make changes throughout the project, but be prepared to make quick decisions on those changes. Fence sitting or being wishy-washy will drive everyone crazy.
Keep in mind that if your contractor asks you more than once or twice about something you haven't made your mind up on, he'll probably head off to another job, and you may not see him again for a while! The reality of a contractor's life is that he'll have many projects going at the same time, so don't think he'll wait around and hold your hand while you decide on a tile? it ain't gonna happen. Be decisive and clear - you'll save time and money.
BE NICE -- I love the stories from people who say proudly, 'Yeah, I really ground my contractor down', and 'I told my contractor off, this morning. He left, but I think he's coming back later, today?' Ha,ha,ha,ha! Those crazy nuts! That's a great way to get rid of your contractor, and make it very difficult to find another one. Contractors are, for the most part, connected. And maybe a little gossipy? what do you think they talk about while they drink all that coffee?! Ha,ha. Also, if you bring in another contractor to finish another guy's work, they'll know immediately that there was conflict on-site, and they may be reluctant to get involved. The bottom line is, be respectful of your contractors as you expect them to be respectful of you. If you do have an issue, meet off-site to discuss the situation and come to a resolution.
Word to the Wise: Normally this is sound advice, but sometimes you will find yourself faced with a crisis that needs to be dealt with head on...like the one we had with our first carpenter. We gave him as many chances as we could before I had to confront him on the job about his work. It was very unpleasant, but I had to let him go -- the whole Job was suffering because of this one guy.
The real key, even in this case, is that we knew we had Trevor (our favorite Carpenter!) waiting in the wings before we said anything to the first guy... better safe than sorry!
BE REALISTIC -- Set a time frame that is reasonable. When you're starting from scratch, it takes weeks or months for many stages. The plans and blueprints can easily take 3 months or more, depending on how elaborate your plans are. The actual building process is quite quick if you have planned everything out in advance, but you should still allot at least 3 - 8 months for the building process. Then be prepared for another couple of months if things go wrong. It's been known to happen! Have a back up plan for where you will live if you have a specific move-out date in your current home so you won't be panicked if your new house isn't even at lock-up stage and the moving van is at your door!
Remember, again, that you're are probably not your contractor's only client, so you may or may not be at the top of his priority list. (Calling him at home at 6:00a.m. every day will not put you higher on the list, just so you know - we've had people try that!) Keep this in mind when you have a short time frame - it's amazing how much easier it is to schmooze when you're desperate!
One more thing - I notice that there's a lot of crappy advice out there on 'How to Find a Contractor'. 359 Thousand Easy Questions to Ask a Builder. Puh-leeease. Like they're gonna respond well to that! Gimme a break! Do these people know any contractors?! You need basic information - How much is it? Are you available? When will you be available? Can you recommend any other trades? Keep it simple. Meet face-to-face. Go see some of his previous work. Don't annoy people from 10 years ago who had work done by the contractor. Would you like someone calling you? Asking a million stupid questions will raise a red flag for the contractor that this potential client is more likely to be a potential pain in the shirt. Contractors are (generally speaking) so busy that they don't need the hassle. Also, if the contractor has a group of sub-trades that he regularly works with, it'll be waaay easier to keep track of everyone once the project gets underway, which will make the whole thing much easier all round.
BE FLEXIBLE --No. This does not mean bending over backwards for your contractor (although, truth be told, they might like to see that ?ha,ha). It just means that if your significant other really, really, reallllly wants Sand Beige, and you have your heart set on Evening Taupe (yes, it's practically the same shade, but couples often have major disagreements over tiny, tiny issues), go with whatever gets you in the house. Maybe you can choose the five foot tall gargoyles for the top of the fireplace, then let there be a compromise. 'Okay, you go two shades up on the colour and I'll give up on the gargoyles on the mantel ?' Voila! You've got what you wanted! (Don't try this little ploy if your spouse actually likes indoor gargoyles!)
Building a house (or any other joint effort that involves hammers and paint) can be very trying on a relationship. Be sure to work out problems as they arise - letting things stew will not make the project easier. Reassure each other when necessary, then randomly after that! Keep your eye on the prize -- you'll both love the house when it's done. Hey, you can use your Air Miles Credit Card when you're buying the million things you need to build the house, that way you'll have accumulated enough points to take a well deserved break at the end of the job! Hawaii, here we come!
BE POSITIVE -- Keeping a positive attitude always helps the situation. Chances are pretty high that you'll encounter difficulties, or things that you hadn't anticipated. Don't spiral downwards - it won't help. Stay focussed; find a solution. Have you ever talked to someone who is always spinning a negative tale? Can you get away from them fast enough?! Ugh. Nothing worse. You want to maintain a positive outlook on the whole thing. You'll be surprised by how that affects everyone around the construction site. (Oh, yeah. Don't be a pest, either. Visit from time to time, but 'supervising' professionals is totally annoying and will slow up the work. They're there to build, not teach, so you can ask the odd question and make nice comments, but that's about it - the less said, the better. You can bring treats and cold drinks, though - everyone will love that!) Also, to the untrained eye, a project might appear to be 10% done when in reality it is 80% completed, so uninformed comments from the peanut gallery will not be appreciated. People work best when they're praised, appreciated, and fairly paid. (Okay, here's my last little addition-make sure you pay your contractor. Seems simple, but it makes a big difference on future work - either different work or maintenance on the current work.) Good stuff to keep in mind when you're at the building site.
Ailsa Forshaw is a Writer, Builder, Website Owner & Manager, Teacher, Mother... all in Alberta, Canada. She is Married with Two Lovely Children, and one gorgeous wee dog. Her Website, http://www.buildyourownhouse.ca, is chock full of all sorts of useful & fun information to help anyone become Financially Successful, Slim, Trim, and Happy... what more could you want?? Pop in for a wee visit! http://www.buildyourownhouse.ca http://www.theScottishDiet.com
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
In years past a patio was sort of a throw... Read More
Does the coming winter chill remind you how much you... Read More
A table saw is one of the most popular pieces... Read More
Choosing the right Contractor is the most important aspect of... Read More
Would you like to make your house feel more like... Read More
Buying a home is a big and important investment for... Read More
My Grandmother used to say to me "Nothing cheap is... Read More
A Jacuzzi has been popular since the 40's. We stopped... Read More
In the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant must undergo a change... Read More
No one wants to have their house equipment broken. But... Read More
Your choice of bathroom cabinet can affect the look and... Read More
Are you frustrated with the high prices you've been quoted... Read More
This article takes a look at a number of ways... Read More
Most of us enjoy daydreaming about our perfect home. Do... Read More
As I sit on a plane in route from Chicago... Read More
Many Florida residents that have come from the North are... Read More
Are you considering using renewable energy resources to heat water... Read More
Purchasing a hot tub is a big investment and one... Read More
Hardwood Floors are beautiful to look at and expensive to... Read More
I love Feng Shui! Whether you believe this ancient Asian... Read More
Do I need planning permission for a conservatory?Do I need... Read More
When you think about an above ground pool do you... Read More
1. Q. IS NATURAL STONE A GOOD CHOICE FOR HOME... Read More
Let's suppose you still have those old aluminum single pane... Read More
What's in a name? Whirlpool baths have been around forever,... Read More
Window coverings are important to the overall look and feel... Read More
If you're planning to show your home mainly during daylight... Read More
With a little bit of creativity and some imagination you... Read More
If you are thinking of remodeling your bathroom and redoing... Read More
It can be difficult to choose from among the countless... Read More
Did you know that over 50% of women now run... Read More
Everyone can use more organization in their lives (except those... Read More
Marble is any limestone or dolomite that can take a... Read More
If your toilet is old and in need of repairs,... Read More
Jacuzzi's are a great recreational and health benefit for a... Read More
With the varied availability of swimming pool equipment and designs,... Read More
Housing and smart houses. I believe that we could have... Read More
There are many styles of picnic tables on the market,... Read More
The United States Environmental Protection Agency says that the way... Read More
The health benefits of saunas are not a recent discovery.... Read More
Last week I explained how to measure your existing sliding... Read More
Homeowners are getting high-tech when it comes to controlling the... Read More
Selecting a Persian rug can be a daunting task for... Read More
A major US corporation recently launched a new line of... Read More
Pre-drawn house plans are those that are drawn by architects... Read More
Worktops and Countertops for Kitchens - Buyers Guide to MaterialsThe... Read More
It's that time of year where rats and mice are... Read More
There are some things to consider when creating plans for... Read More
You can't opt out of the process altogether, though, because... Read More
Mailboxes crafted from copper give you traditional elegance and extraordinary... Read More
In recent years there has been many stories about dryers... Read More
Even if you undertook the task of building your own... Read More
One of the most important principles to understand when designing... Read More
Sofa slipcovers are designed to be easy to fit over... Read More
Your house doesn't have enough storage space, bathrooms, or counter... Read More
It is quite simple to repair a hole in a... Read More
Choosing a color scheme for a room can be a... Read More
High quality residential and commercial mailboxes are available in styles... Read More
There are at least two dozen brand names marketing dehumidifiers.... Read More
When you live in old house like I do, remodeling... Read More
In this fast moving world of the 21st century, we... Read More
Interior design for bargain hunters is the new fashionable item... Read More
Many of us avoid home improvement projects due to their... Read More
Conservatories remain a popular accoutrement and attachment to homes throughout... Read More
In the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant must undergo a change... Read More
You are visiting a friend that has just had a... Read More
Home Improvement |