Budd writes: I am building an addition to my home. My contractor is charging me a 22% markup, which is fine. However, in his contract, he states that if I find someone outside his business to do part of the work (like put in flooring, for example), he will still charge me 22% of what the flooring guy is charging me, since he says he is still in control of the entire … [Read more...] about Owner-Supplied Labor for Part of a Job?
Project Management
Who Pays for Architect’s Mistake?
Q: We had to build a new basement under our home and hired an architect to develop plans. The job included enlarging our downstairs bedroom and adding a garage off the bedroom. The former back entrance was a split-level (you either walked up 5 stairs to the main floor, or down 7 stairs to the basement). The exposed foundation wall at the entrance was about 2-1/2 ft. high. … [Read more...] about Who Pays for Architect’s Mistake?
Allowances — What’s Fair? Also Fixed-Price vs. Cost-Plus Bids
Dawn writes: I need help! I am a homeowner who is doing a major remodel. I should say up front that I really like the GC we have picked... good reputation and references, been around forever. He has been very fair about working with us to change wording in our potential contract so that both of us feel like our interests are covered, etc. We have not signed a contract with … [Read more...] about Allowances — What’s Fair? Also Fixed-Price vs. Cost-Plus Bids
Buy a Land-House Package or Hire a Builder?
Nadia writes: Hi, I'm planning to have a home built in an established subdivision with a couple of vacant lots. I have the option of either buying the lot and then building, or having the developer build and then buying the entire land-home package. I'm leaning towards doing the land-home package, but I want to have control over the process. I want to be able to make site … [Read more...] about Buy a Land-House Package or Hire a Builder?
Where to Find Residential Construction Specifications
Gina writes: I am a self taught decorator who has recently been asked to assemble a specification book for an architect on a project he is working on. I need a template for this information, any suggestions? Steve Bliss of BuildingAdvisor.com responds: I suggest you start by reading the section on specifications if you haven't already. A widely software package widely … [Read more...] about Where to Find Residential Construction Specifications