How I Can Provide A Service For You

Picking the right General Contractor or subcontractor requires either a bit of knowledge about the job that person is doing or to ask for references from other people who understand the job. You know the old adage, “you get what you pay for”, can be very appropriate in the field of construction. Some things to keep in mind when hiring people in construction is, that it’s not just about the labor that is being performed and whether that person “can” do the job.

Almost every job in construction requires specific tools and the person you hire should have the correct tools to do the job that you want done. Depending on the level of quality or complexity of your job, some subcontractors will not always be prepared for the task at hand. Does the subcontractor have the finances to purchase the materials that it takes to do his/her job? Does the subcontractor have the proper tools and are they in good condition? Does the subcontractor have his/her license to do the work if a license is required? Does the subcontractor have the proper insurance in case he/she damages your property or someone gets hurt on your job? As always, insurance seems like an inconsequential cost until something goes wrong and then you realize how important it is to protect your assets.

These are the questions that your General Contractor should understand and are important to know about his/her subcontractors. Picking the right subcontractor can make or break a great quality job. It’s not always about the cost when quality is an important aspect of a custom home. A good General Contractor understands each jobs requirements and has the knowledge to tell the difference between quality and qualified or just plain cheap.

Below are the types of services I can provide for you...

Price Planning Services

The scope of work in Price Planning provides a package for clients who have a set of architectural plans that they wish to construct. The package includes a preliminary estimation based on standard construction practices or based on architectural guidelines spcified in the plans provided. Current prices for material and labor, allowances for finishes and construction specifications will be used. If the client is satisfied with the Price Planning figures, the project could advance to the Pre-Construction Services Agreement.

Design-Build Services

The scope of work in Design-Build is involved and includes desiging a full set of building plan drawings with elevations and schedules for window and door as well as a price planning estimate. By then end of this phase the contractor should have a very good idea of the level of finishes and type of house the client is wanting to build. The final set of plans will allow the contractor to obtain a building permit and with an informed client, the project could advance to the Pre-Construction Services Agreement.

Pre-Construction Services

The scope of work in Pre-Construction takes the project through the coordination of such items as obtaining permits, installation of the well and septic, all utility connectioins, tree removal and the excavation of the building site and driveway. The physical project is underway and the final step is the Construction Service Agreement.

Construction Services

The scope of work in Construction is the most exciting phase of the process. By this time the client and contractor should know if they are working toward the same goal, with no major conflicts, to insure a successful completion of the project. The Construction process consists of items such as termite treatment, coordination of foundations, waterproofing, backfilling, rough-framing, decks & porches,roofing, installing windows and doors, installing siding, all mechanical services, gas, fireplaces, insulation, drywall, painting, interior finishes and all the inspections along the way to obtain the Certificate of Occupancy.

Modified Construction Service Agreement

Because of the current economic climate a modification of a standard Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee Agreement could be established in that the client would be much more involved with the process of managing the construction of the house. Under this agreement the client would get the permit, set up accounts with the vendors and pay all subcontractors. Taking some of the financial liability off the contractor could allow a client to save a considerable percentage of overhead fees. If you are interested in learning more please contact my office.

Addition/Renovation Service Agreement

Addition or Renovation of a clients current home is a popular choice when home sales are in a downturn. Given the uncertainty of existing building conditions that comes with renovation work, most of those projects will likely be entered into using a Cost-Plus-Percentage-Fee Agreement.