Ask The Builder - Home Building, Remodeling and Improvement Information Page

Updated: Tue, 30 May 2006 10:26:10

Contractors - Builders
Tipping Etiquette for a Builder

Tipping a builder is not a bad idea, especially if he does superb work and you might use him again for different projects. But what to tip and how much can be a perplexing problem. You might be surprised at what could be the perfect tip.

Contractors - Builders
Construction Quality Control and Bad Home Builders
Construction quailty control is important to people building new homes. They want to avoid bad home builders. Quality construction and construction quality inspections are two things that are very important to people buying new homes. The trouble is, most builders do not take the time to actually define quality.

Contractors - Builders
Visiting Your New Home
Jobsites are different with each contractor. Some are neat and very safe while others are not. New home builders need to walk through their job site often. Read my tips on what to look for about how your home is being built. If you don't like something, talk to your contractor right away.

Contractors - Builders
Different Construction Quality Levels

Quality construction seems to be, in some cases, what the customer is willing to accept. Not all contractors do quality work. Some are not as skillful as others. And some building materials will not withstand poor workmanship. New home construction customers should work hard to find a contractor that will perform quality work.

Contractors - Builders
Construction Bids and Quotes

Construction bids can be confusing if you are comparing one to another. Sometimes one contractor is listing different things than the other. Sometimes you have trouble getting construction bids from a contractor at all. And, why is the price so high? Is it all profit?

Contractors - Builders
Negligent and Arrogant Builders
New home builders won't scare you off if you consider adding the right provisions in your contract. Specifications will keep your contractor from bullying you into accepting his poor workmanship. Contract law attorneys can help with the contract and save you from stress.

Contractors - Builders
Hunting For A Professional

Contractors come in all skill levels. To find the plumber, carpenter, painter or roofer that will do a professional job you must go where they go. Check with the supply houses who sell to these contractors, ask for recommendations. Get the right information about the right contractor for you.

Contractors - Builders
15 Helpful Clauses for Construction Contracts
Deposit clauses, insurance warranties and escrow? You'll have to know the following terms and more in order to write construction contracts. Here is a list of 15 helpful clauses to know before you sign a construction contract.

Contractors - Builders
Construction Contract Plans & Specifications
Construction contracts can be very complex or they can be simple. The best ones I have seen contain easy to understand language and are written as a person talks. The sentences are short, concise and clear. You know exactly what is going to happen. You can get into trouble with contracts if they become long, complicated and wordy. In fact, some contracts are so goofed up that they actually contain conflicting statements!

Contractors - Builders
Construction Contracts
Construction contracts can save you headaches and money. Plans and specifications when added to the contract become an itegral part of it. Deadlines, change orders and inspection issues should also be addressed.

Contractors - Builders
50 Contractor Interview Questions
The following contractor questions may make a few of you uncomfortable. You may gulp at trying to ask them. Well, before you give up, I want you to close your eyes and imagine $5,000, $10,000 or $25,000 of your money just vanishing in thin air. If you hire the wrong contractor for your job, this is a distinct possibility. I know, because I get numerous e-mails each week from people who have been cheated by bad contractors.

Contractors - Builders
Building & Remodeling Trade Magazines
There are many, many different trade magazines. Virtually each aspect of building and remodeling has its own. For example, there are ones that cover just concrete, brick, heating and cooling, roofing, tile, etc. There simply are not enough hours in the day to read all of them!

Contractors - Builders
Asking Your Contractor Questions
One of my editors asked me to write this particular column. We were together with several other people in the press lounge at the National Association of Home Builders Show in Dallas, Texas. One of the people in the group needed to hire a contractor and asked me exactly how to spot a pro. Once I finished answering the question, the editor said that she wanted me to write a column about the same subject.

Contractors - Builders
Find a Pro by Asking the Right Questions

Job interviews are the best way to see if the contractor you want to hire will be able to do the work you want. Ask the contractor about his business, the kind of trade magazines he subscibes to, his managment habits. Get references from the supply houses where he buys materials. What do they know about the quality of his work?

Contractors - Builders
General Contracting 101

General contracting on your new home construction is a huge undertaking for the non builder. House plans and specifications are your best means of communicating with your sub-contractors. Make sure the quality of these is the best. Be there when your subs are working. Don't assume that things will be done the way you want if you aren't there.

Contractors - Builders
Contractor Selection
Contractors need to go through a job interview with you in order for you to know what type of abilities they have. Ask about professional designations, association memberships and the types of trade journals he reads. Verify the memberships by making a few calls. Learn all you can about what your contractor knows.

Contractors - Builders
Building & Remodeling Magazines & Associations
When it comes to building and remodeling, both homeowners and remodelers/builders have a wealth of information from which to choose. There are countless magazines, books, periodicals, technical journals and trade association literature to stay informed. All it takes is a little initiative on the part of an individual who wants to learn.

Contractors - Builders
Watch Out for Bad Contractors
Homeowners across the nation are victimized each and every day by builders and remodelers who really don't know what they are doing. These builders and remodelers are often referred to as non-professionals. While that is true, very few people that I have come into contact with have ever discussed the root of the problem. Unfortunately, many problems occur long after the contractor is gone.

Contractors - Builders
Tips for Finding a Professional Contractor
Probably the most frequent question I am asked is "How do I spot a professional builder or remodeler?" When selecting a contractor, ask questions. A professional will not dodge a question. He or she will answer each and every one. The anxiety that you are feeling should diminish with each answer. If not, something is wrong. The answers that a professional will offer should help to make you feel more comfortable.

Contractors - Builders
Finding A Professional Contractor
Contractors seem to abound in the yellow pages. Plumbers, painters, roofers...who do you pick? What are their skill levels? Get all of your questions answered by going to supply houses where these contractors purchase material. Get references and information about the quality of their work.

Contractors - Builders
Eliminate Delays with Job Schedules
Planning your material shipment will require working with your contractor to determine how long each job takes. Schedules are the only way to keep work delays to a minimum. Having a good set of drawings will help. Talk to each supplier to find out how long each item takes to deliver. Then check up on the orders. Charting your project is the only way to keep sane.

Contractors - Builders
AWOL Builder
Advance payment to your contractor only when the work is completed. Make a schedule with a detailed cost breakdown that your builder will help you with at the beginning of the job.

Contractors - Builders
Job Scheduling Made Easy
Up front planning and job scheduling will help you, your contractor and subcontractors keep your building project running smoothly. Special orders will be spelled out and the delivery time determined up front. Each job listed should specify when it will be done.

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