Building a House

[cjjiv]

You guys should check out the Owner/Builder Network. They help people all the time act as their own contractor and save a load of money. I think the web address is something like www.obnonline.com or ownerbuildernetwork.com one of those should work.

[HappyHeart]

Being a construction company owner it saddens me to hear such horror stories. We don't have one unhappy client and that's because we do a great job. However, we often lose out on work because we aren't the lowest bidder on a project. Of course we aren't! We are experienced professionals who will complete the job and do it right. My advise is to select a contractor based upon qualifications and check their references. I am so excited to relo to the MA, NH areas. It sounds like we're needed!

[WannaComeHome]

Originally Posted by cjjiv

You guys should check out the Owner/Builder Network. They help people all the time act as their own contractor and save a load of money. I think the web address is something like www.obnonline.com or ownerbuildernetwork.com one of those should work.

Thanks! I'll check it out. Although it seems to me that the headaches and ulcers of things not happening on time (supplies not arriving, etc) that delay work can be really bad if you're your own GC! Hubby is looking at getting some hands-on experience in building with his old boss as well.

[WannaComeHome]

Originally Posted by HappyHeart

Being a construction company owner it saddens me to hear such horror stories. We don't have one unhappy client and that's because we do a great job. However, we often lose out on work because we aren't the lowest bidder on a project. Of course we aren't! We are experienced professionals who will complete the job and do it right. My advise is to select a contractor based upon qualifications and check their references. I am so excited to relo to the MA, NH areas. It sounds like we're needed!

Hi Happy,

so what area are you going to move into? We're not building immediately
I've heard from a number of people who do contracting that a lot of it is the quality of employees... and it's not just in this country. people in too much of a hurry to do their work and they cut corners. Like not checking the blueprints when they install the heating system vents... so my parents now have an air conditioned pantry! and my sister has the linen closet opening into her bedroom closet! I'm sure a lot of it is just rush-rush work.

I wouldn't tend to be wary of the lowest bidder on a project, simply because I'd wonder what they were cutting to get it lower than anyone else. I tend to trust an intermediate more.

[nhyrnut]

For a while NH was talking of making Genral contractors get a lisence but it fell through. I know alot of contractors being in construction an I would only recomand maybe 3 out of all of them. Funny thing is they are also the most Money. But there work is top notch. And if you work for them and your not, than your gone before the house is even done. They have a black list and they keep the best contracters in there cells.

[cjjiv]

Originally Posted by WannaComeHome

Thanks! I'll check it out. Although it seems to me that the headaches and ulcers of things not happening on time (supplies not arriving, etc) that delay work can be really bad if you're your own GC! Hubby is looking at getting some hands-on experience in building with his old boss as well.

Yeah, your concerns are warranted but I think you'll find that all the issues that happen to Owner/Builders still happen to GCs.