If you’re having a home custom built for you, it’s imperative that you find a construction contractor that you can establish a good working relationship with, and who will get your home built as you want it, and within both the time frame and budget.
More than just a contractor, you need someone with whom you can place your complete trust in, and by following the tips laid out below, you should be able to have a successful relationship with your general contractor:
Complete every aspect of planning before construction work starts
If you’re working with a licensed general contractor, they will take care of every aspect of the planning process, such as floor planning, 3D renderings and architectural blueprints, which should also include full specifications on your finishes, like electrical and plumbing fixtures, flooring and tile, doors and windows, trim details and even color schemes.
If all of these details are planned out meticulously before any construction work begins, you’ll find that the entire project is able to move much more smoothly from beginning to end, without any delays.
Put a clear contract in place
A proper contract will lay out all agreements between you and your general contractor surrounding scheduling, payment draws, communication and updates, and even how disputes will be handled. With a clear, detailed contract that both parties are in agreement over, this should help keep the project on the right course.
Determine the kind of project contract you want to use
You can typically choose from cost-plus or fixed price construction contracts. Cost-plus is when your general contractor shows you his bids and detailed costing, with a set markup on top. Usually more expensive, it requires more input from the homeowner, since they’ll be expected to understand and approve every bid. The fixed price method is when your general contractor agrees to deliver a specific scope of work, for a fixed price.
Request regular, detailed updates
If your contractor is able to keep you informed and up-to-date in terms of the entire project, then you’re far more likely to understand what’s going on, and feel more in control of things.
Resolve disputes face-to-face
Should you happen to feel frustrated or dissatisfied at any stage of the project, then it’s important that you can vent these feelings appropriately, and ideally, in person. Things can get tense and stressful during any home building project, but provided you’re willing to talk them over calmly and rationally, they can usually be resolved.
By working to follow all of the points of the above when having your home custom built, you’ve got every chance of creating a successful relationship with your general contractor, and of your custom built home, being everything you’d ever dreamed of, and more!