In today’s economic climate it is more important than ever to perform your due diligence as you prepare to design and construct your new home. Too often we hear the ‘horror’ stories of designers who don’t deliver and over charge, home builders whom have been bankrupt in the middle of a project, construction funds diverted to other projects and even home owner’s who have paid for a home and not received the level of quality that they’ve paid for.
Whether you’re working with a design professional or builder already or about to select one, you should be sure to ask them a number of important questions that as you embark on the selection process for this important new “partner” in your project.
Over the years, our experience and the accumulation of similar guidelines from numerous trade and professional documents have provided the following information that we typically share with our clients as we assist them with these important selections.
Guidelines for Clients
1. Seek experienced professionals with a solid reputation.
You can identify the design and construction players in a particular city by talking with appraisers, bankers, Realtors, and even lumberyards or the local building department. Don’t be afraid to ask if someone providing a referral, such as a Realtor, will charge a referral fee. Any money changing hands should be out front and aboveboard.
2. Always check references.
Most clients resist performing a thorough reference check list on builders being considered for their project. But this easy step will reinforce your decision-making process. In addition to builder-provided references, contact local building material suppliers and ask for a credit reference. Falling behind in monthly accounts to suppliers is probably evidence that a builder is facing troubling financial issues. Steer clear.
3. Work with professionals you trust.
As you interview any construction professional (architects, builders, etc.) be aware of your thoughts, feelings, and perceptions about them. It is most important that you select people you are comfortable with and can trust.
4. Communicate your expectations.
Design and building pros cannot possibly meet your wants and needs unless you tell them what you expect. What are your worries and concerns? Are you afraid of making decisions and selections? Being wary of sharing your apprehensions with your design professional or contractor will lead to misgivings and miscommunication.
5. Know your priorities.
Are you most concerned about the cost of your project, the time to complete it, or its finished quality? Each one of those items can and will impact the parameters and management of your project.
6. Respect the advice of your architect and builder.
It’s always acceptable and even expected to ask questions of your professionals and to discuss decisions with them. But if you feel that you have to seek outside advisors to verify information they’ve provided, you’re likely working with the wrong team. Communicate directly with your designer and builder about problems or changes. It’s common for clients to chat with sub-contractors about the project, but directing the work of tradespersons on the job is always unacceptable and usually generates a myriad of problems.
7. Pay in a timely fashion.
Construction is a business that is fueled by money. Your contracts should include a defined draw (payment) schedule that stipulates a specific payment amount due when a specific portion of work has been completed. Most professionals are licensed and bonded as a consumer security for monetary payments.
8. Respect business hours.
For most builders this means 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays and after hours and weekends by appointment only. Clients should view their building professionals in the same light as their doctors and lawyers. Your builder is not your personal valet available 24 hours a day!
9. Talk about money.
The costs of design and construction are frustrating for architects, builders, and their customers. Having a reasonable discussion with your pros about costs, prices, profit, and billing methods is always acceptable. But challenging and arguing about the cost of a project and any changes or insisting on borderline legal practices in negative consequences.
10. Understand the professional marketplace.
Architects and contractors are as varied in price and quality as they are in their individual personalities and experience. Good, dependable professionals are usually busy and will require some planning and scheduling to get your project started.
I wish I could take credit for these “rules” and simply can’t remember where I got them or I would give appropriate credit where it is due. But you should heed this advice – it can save you not only money, but heartache in the important months to come as you begin your new home.
