Eau Claire Lakes Topics: builders/ subs

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	Name:	Ulysses E. McGill -
	Subject:	builders/ subs
	Date:	1/29/2009 2:31:01 PM

We are getting to the final stages of a major building project and have considerable experience the area of "self contracting" from several projects over the years. Here are some of my observations.

1.Building a home is a full time job.
2. Subs will try to jack up the price when they think they can get it; many DO think they can get it on the lake, but will negotiate if they know they have competition. Don't tell them who the competition is and you can get the work done for the same amount it would cost away from the lake. The lowest bid is not necessarily the best value.
3. If you have a contractor or supervisor working for you, they often do not press to negotiate; especially if working on a cost plus basis. They have "their guys", and may want to spread the wealth.
4. Get several quotes (in writing) and get several references for every subcontract job; it takes time, but it's worth it. Use homeowners (not builders or suppliers) for your most accurate references on satisfaction. do not hire someone only on what they say or because you like them. Go and personally look at work they have previously completed. Again, the lowest bid is not necessarily the best value. If a bid sounds too high or too low, it probably is.
5. Don't pay for any work that is not completed; you will need to pay a weekly draw to subs, but always keep the bill such that you owe them a little until the very end.
6. Many of the builders and subs that work around the lake are in serious financial trouble; be careful.
7. There are folks out there that will do great work for a reasonable price, you just need to find them. You may need to go slightly out of area such as Auburn or Sylacauga.
8. You, or a reliable builder or supervisor, should be on site when work is being done. If it's you, get educated and know what you are doing and what to look for. This is not something I would recommend for someone without construction knowledge; you don't need all the answers, but you do need to know when to ask questions and get opinions from experts in the designated area (architects, engineers, product suppliers, etc).
9. Keep a loose leaf notebook with names, phone numbers, bids, and notes of everyone you talk to and interview; you will be glad you did.