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News & Tips
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Choosing a Builder
Summer, 2008
Initial Meeting w/Prospective Builders
Choose the builder who will provide the best value
- Builder's' reputation
- Your peace of mind
- Protect yourself from lawsuits
Ball Park Estimates
- Ball Park Estimates tell you if the budget you had in mind is realistic or not.
- Ball Park Estimates do not tell you if your contractor is more or less expensive than another
- Does your contractor tell you what you want to hear or give you the information you need?
- The ball park estimate is based on a rough idea of what you plan to do and what the contractor has in mind.
- Until you have those details nailed down, it means little.
Client's Budget
- All clients have a budget
- Your builder deserves to know whether or not the project fits within your budget.
Designing & Planning
Use this process to get to know your chosen builder
- Choose your preferred builder to help you design and plan the project. It's a great way to get to know him.
- Expect to pay for this service.
- Design contract -- a reputable builder wants all cards on the table and will provide a detailed design contract for you to sign.
The Design Choices determine the Final Price
- Start with your budget -- it's the best way to get what you want for your money.
- Encourage your builder to make suggestions.
- Nail down every detail now -- it will save you money in the long run and allow the job to proceed on schedule.
Pricing & Contracts
Details, Details, Details -- you can't have too many
- Clients get taken advantage for three reasons:
- They don't spend enough time checking out their prospective builders.
- They don't spend enough time/money on the plan.
- They don't insist on getting everything in writing before they begin.
- Builders get taken advantage of for three reasons.
- They don't check out their prospective clients
- They don't write detailed contracts.
- They forget this is routine for them and a rare event for their clients -- they don't take the time needed to review the contracts with the clients and talk them step by step through the process before they begin and along the way.
Time & Materials Contract with an Estimate
- Time & Materials contracts are the most litigated contracts.
- They can save the client money but only if the builder is trustworthy and the contract is clear.
- The builder has less risk but only if the client is trustworthy and if they communicate well.
- Time & Materials allow for maximum flexibility. We use them a lot with certain repeat customers.
- They trust us to give them the best value for their money.
- They want the freedom to make choices along the way.
- Customization, not budget is the main criterion.
Fixed Price Contracts
- A detailed, fixed price contract from a reputable builder, which is based on a well thought out plan is the least litigated.
- Pricing out a job carefully and writing a comprehensive contract takes a lot of time and money from the builder.
Treat the Prospective Builders as you would like to be treated.
- Be respectful of your builder's time and remember that you get what you pay for!
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