Based on my experience and the comments of others, management issues during construction are not uncommon. A construction manager is usually handling several jobs at the same time and it isn't always easy for him to keep on top of each sub on each jobsite. Here are a few general suggestions:
I.
Beware of a builder who isn't interested in keeping you fully involved in the build process! The best builders prefer homeowners who ask questions and try to understand what is going on, knowing that an informed customer is a happy customer.
II.
Keep a journal. Record what you see as construction progresses. Most new homeowners are excited and this process of recording can be just as interesting and exciting for you. Write down events, meetings, discussions as soon as they happen so that your thoughts are fresh. Include dates and plenty of pictures. Some have made nice albums out of the entire process. At the same time, you never know when this journal may come in handy. If so, you have a very helpful collection of potential evidence.
III.
Talk to the building inspectors about your home. Consider being pressent for the inspections. Most appreciate homeowner involvement and are more than willing to answer questions. If there are code corrections or other issues that need to be addressed, the happiest homeowner is an informed homeowner. There will usually be a building inspector, an electrical inspector, and a plumbing inspector.
IV.
If you are in a neighborhood, talk to your neighbors-to-be. They can tell you what their experience was like. They can also tell you what sort of warranty issues they have dealt with since moving into their homes, how responsive and whether they generally fix the problem the first time or if it takes several visits to resolve the issue.
V.
A punch list is common in construction. This is a list of items assembled during the final walk-through that are not complete. The builder may push to close the deal promising to finish these items as soon as they can and encourage you to move in right away. This is why they are in business. heowever, it is not uncommon that once you are paid in full, the builder tends to refocus on the next unfinished business. You on the other hand, begin in a new house living with the punch list daily until it is done. Ideally, you would prefer a punch list as small as possible. Decide how much to insist be completed before you close because the builder's responsibilty changes significantly once closing occurs.
VI.
REMEMBER THE BUILDER IS ONLY AS GOOD AS HIS WORD. Whether talking about the contract, the resolution process, the warranty, or the quality of the product, just because it is promised or written doesn't make it reliable. Just ask anyone who ever had to test this. Disputes are ugly, expensive and favor the builder regardless of whether it is dealt with via arbitration or civil court. IF YOU HAVE TO RELY ON THE PAPERWORK, THE FIRST MISTAKE WAS RELYING ON THE BUILDER...and now you are relying on his paperwork.
As I said, these are general tips for you during construction. In my personal experience with Weiss Homes each of these has come into play to one degree or another. This was the first time I worked with a builder that I did not personally meet before signing a contract. It is one mistake I will never make again.
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Unhappy Owners of Weiss Homes