Need An Advice On The Construction Queries Of My Builder!

Danielrow

Hi everyone, I have planned to start the construction of my house in a few days. I have finalized the builder that would be taking care of the construction for my new house. He is a little bit confused on the purchasing decision of architectural materials like columns, entrance systems and the other details. Since, the competition on these has stepped up; he is just seeking a second opinion from me. What do you people suggest would be a good source for the purchases?

concretemasonry

I would say you have the wrong builder. - Or a very loose set of plans.

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Dick

Engineer, designer and consultant recently active domestically and internationally on construction and design in about 35 countries.

Burby

I have to agree with the post above me, you have the wrong builder!! How did he end up as your final selection, because of price??? You may find this to be the wrong reason.
If you haven;t commited on price or him/her 100% then there is room for being certain.
Any plan question needs to be asked at time of bidding on project, not after and is the reason for problems to begin before the first stake is in the ground.
Unclear specs need to be brought to your attention when pricing plans, this allow you or person bidding to obtain the needed info to properly build the estimate. They may just be unclear to this person because of his work history has not called for the use of the product in the past. Designers typically spec items known to be readily priced & purchased, (exception to some upper end plans which may call for some unique special order items). Do not let this builder's level of experience talk you into something he/she does not know of.
If your selection was based on price only, know one but you are at fault for his/her lack of knowledge.
If you have not check his last 3 jobs completed, then again, you are to blame for not doing your homework. Never just take a list of references a builder offers, (w/exception to specialty work not typically done on an every day bases) Ask for the last 3 jobs/houses built and DO contact the names he/she offers you. Fail to, do not blame a Builder/tradesman for not building to your expectation.
Talk to the references offered, look at the quality of work as well to see if up to your standards. This way you will have a better idea of how the Comapny operates TODAY, not years past.
But make sure YOU do the homework you are supose to do or be ready to accept what you hired.
There is responsibility on both sides with every job that is performed.
3 bids should be within 10 to 15% apart, because of overhead and or years in business to get better deals from subs & suppliers.
Bids that are 30% and or more than the other 2 you need to seriously get rid of them quick, in my opinion. Your arch and or designer can offer you an idea as to where the final bids should be, not exact, but close. If you have no idea of the process and know close friends to offer great referrals, do yourself a large favor, spend a few bucks extra & hire a building consultant to help you thru the building process, starting from the builder selection.
Good luck and it is a great time to build price wise, do your homework and please do let us know how you make out.

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Never judge another by one's own intelligence

Ed the Roofer

What contracting trade are you personally involved with?

Ed

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Burby

[quote=Danielrow;558738] He is a little bit confused on the purchasing decision of architectural materials like columns, entrance systems and the other details. Since, the competition on these has stepped up; he is just seeking a second opinion from me. [/quote]

An additional note: Your builder is in the business, you are not, so would this not make you a bit nervous that he/she is asking you for a 2nd opinion?? And more important, what did he/she price?

Seeing you stated your build is to start in a few days, I just be thinking out loud now, but I sure be thinking you failed to do your proper homework and the Builder realized this, patted you on the back, shook your hand while saying:'yeah buddy, we are going to builld this house together".
He/she may have some blame, but he who signed the contract & writes the check will have to accept blame as well.. 50/50 ya know..

Hopefully you will report back and say, yeahhhhhhh all going great

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Proud to help make a house your Home

Never judge another by one's own intelligence

mickeyco

Home Depot or Lowes.





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OCRS

Us people would suggest that you take your 'n spam elsewhere

Ed the Roofer

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