Ed the Roofer

From a site named; smartconstruction.com
Some good content and I got this as a free newsletter e-mail.
This one actually is feasably pertinent, not a gag like the "Unconditional Disclaimer" I just posted.

Ed

22 UNDENIABLE CONSTRUCTION TRUTHS

#1. Architects, Engineers, Contractors, Vendors will all make mistakes, and so will you.

#2. Not everyone you hire will be crooks, but some are.

#3. Not all homeowners are crooks, but some are.

#4. There is no free lunch in construction, and if you think there is, you'll be sorely disappointed at the time when you least can afford it.

#5. The best way to maintain control of your project and your Contractors is by controlling your payments to them in a fair and equitable manner. Don't neglect to pay them, but don't overpay them.

#6. Construction will not go like clockwork except in rare cases.

#7. People whose plans count on construction going like clockwork will end up bitter, frustrated and unhappy, and so will their Contractors. You will pay the price now, and your project will pay the price forever after.

#8. The only place where construction is perfect is in heaven.

#9. People whose plans count on construction being perfect should reread #7 and substitute the words "being perfect" for the words "going like clockwork."

#10. Never lie to your Contractor, he will probably find out, and treat you likewise.

#11. In the interest of a successful project, fight the urge to place blame when you encounter a breakdown. Placing blame does not solve the problem, it merely places blame. You are then still left with the problem, and a Contractor that will begin to hate the sight of you.

#12. Dealing with problems by seeking the solution often results in better relations with your Contractors. He is usually smart enough to know who was at fault, and the fact that you are more interested in solving the problem then placing blame will usually motivate him to do better.

#13. You have the right to expect the Contractor to supply your job with competent personnel, unless you didn't plan ahead, then you get what you get.

#14. A small earnest money down payment is reasonable, however, the "cheaper" Contractor that needs money up front to buy materials may end up being too expensive for you to use.

#15. The cost of "shafting" a Contractor will be far more than you can afford to pay.

#16. It may be necessary for you to fire your Contractor at some time. Consider writing your contracts to include an additional "work stoppage without permission" clause, and another clause requiring all personnel on your job to have at least 3 years experience in the trade they work in for additional protection.

#17. If you have not finished making all your choices before construction begins, your Contractors will end up making those choices for you, whether you know it, (or like it), or not.

#18. Keep your Contractors on your side through the use of "Benevolent Control," unless you wish to grow eyes in the back of your head. Maintaining good relations with your Contractors if at all possible will be the best investment you will ever make on your project.

#19. Communicate with your Contractors concerning changes in scheduling, etc., as much in advance as is possible. Never tell them you need them on Monday if you don't need them till Thursday, thinking that this will ensure promptness (it won't). Further, he will not honor future schedules thinking you continually do this.

#20. Visit your prospective Contractor's place of business unannounced (unless it's a 1987 Chevy Pickup)! Your Contractor will pursue your job in the same way he keeps his office. If unorganized, messy, poorly cared for, that's how you may expect him to treat your property and your project.

#21. It is true even in construction: You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

#22. When soliciting bids from Contractors, you'll get more quality bids if you don't mention "I'm going to get 10 bids on this, so sharpen your pencil!". First of all you will be too confused to choose, and the good Contractors will never enter into a competition such as this.

Bonus Truth!

#23. When requesting bids, require of your Contractors an extra year of warranty. Good Contractors usually do not believe that this would cost them much, so 90% of the time you will get it for no charge. Further, if your bids are over budget, you can always ask for a deduct to eliminate the extra year warranty. Even though they probably didn't charge you for it, they still might give you a deduct. Amazing but true!