Good communication with your contractor is vital. Keep a written record of any verbal exchanges. Communicate effectively with your contractors to maintain a good working relationship, and keep a paper trail of records to assist resolution should any problems arise.
Your new home construction can be the dream you imagined if you plan ahead. Avoid these construction problems for starters for years of contentment.
Construction requires you to get organized in advance to avoid costly changes and assure that your chosen amenities are the ones actually delivered. Keep your multiple decisions organized in a three ring binder with sections for each room that store all details for that room so that contractors and you can check back. Getting organized will eliminate very costly change orders as long as you stick to your decisions. Make changes during building and be prepared to pay the price!
Contractors should be asked for an itemized bid. Obtain an affidavit from each party at time of payment. Do not pay for unfinished work. Compare bills with work performed by the contractor to assure they match. You will avoid many headaches with your construction bids if you follow these simple procedures.
An affidavit and materialman's certificate are important to avoid a mechanic's lien against your property from contractors or subcontractors. A professional contractor will not hesitate to provide these forms.
Affidavits and liens protect homeowner and contractor. Consult a good real estate attorney concerning laws in your state before a problem ensues.
Obtaining a bid stresses homeowners. Arm yourself with information by reading about the work you want to do, draw a plan outlining your needs as precisely as you can, or develop a good description of your desired job to give to all contractors. This will obtain bids on the same work so that you can make comparisons.
A bid for time and material pricing may not be in your best interest. Fixed price bids lend more cost control than payment by the hour. Before signing a time and material contract, read this.
Contractors can supply a more precise quote if you are specific about your needs and desires. Ask each of the contractors you contact for itemized bids. Get copies of insurance certificates from each contact as well to prove that it is in force.
A contractor allowance is rarely a good idea. Preselecting every item you desire in your home will virtually eliminate construction delays, cost overruns, and homeowner heartache.
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