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How to Avoid Disputes As an Owner-BuilderBy William Trimble Owner-builders seem to have a knack for getting themselves in hot water, and I don't mean from a broken water line. Disputes seem to happen more than they should with them. I think it's fair to say that most of us dislike bickering and arguing. Imagine you are having a pretty good day on the jobsite and along comes a disagreement. Now your stomach is churning, you're blood pressure is up, and you want to growl at the first person who comes near you. Not a good way to spend the rest of your day. I have found that the majority of disagreements owner-builders experience with subcontractors and tradesmen could have been avoided before any of the work was started. Here are four typical complaints: 1. I hired him because he did a nice job for the guy down the street, but now I think he is overcharging me. 2. I had the electricians change location of 5 outlets and add 2 TV jacks and now I get a bill for it. Shouldn't this be part of the contract? 3. I wanted 5/8'' drywall in the house and the contractor is hanging 1/2'. What's the deal with that? 4. My plumber's contract includes a new sewer lateral out to the street. Yesterday he informed me he doesn't do trenching. People like to have fun with their construction projects, whether it's a kitchen re-do or the addition of a den, which means the owner-builder must have a good working relationship with the subcontractors on the job. If you want things to run smoothly, you must do your due diligence when you are making agreements and contracts prior to the work starting. For example: --Make sure the scope of work is put into the agreement. This means everything you want done should be stated in the paperwork. --Check to see that the company is licensed and insured, regardless of whether it worked for someone down the street and therefore they must be OK. --Have the subcontractor give you unit prices (how much will they charge for an electrical outlet or switch), so if you want to add these during construction you will know the costs up front. --A common proposal will state that the work is to be done according to the plans and specifications. Be sure your plans specify the work as you want it to be done. --If materials are to be supplied by the subcontractor, make certain they are specified and priced in the agreement or contract. If the plumber is supplying bathroom fixtures, his contract needs to state the manufacturer, style, model number, and finish for each fixture. --Look for 'exceptions' on proposals. They sometimes appear in smaller print, but it is very important to find out what the bidder is NOT going to do on your project. Some bidders will give you a list of the items they are not including in the proposal and some will simply signify a portion of the work 'by others.' Carefully writing up an agreement of work to be done will save you grief and arguments throughout the project. When negotiating your agreements and contracts with the building team, make an effort to let them know what you are expecting. This will go a long way in eliminating misunderstandings and those dreaded change orders. About the author William Trimble is the author of Screw it! I'll Be My Own Contractor: Manage Your Project from Permit to Final Inspection and manager of www.owner-builder.net. With 30 years experience in the custom home field, Bill has been advising owner-builders for the past 12 years. http://www.owner-builder.net |
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