Progress!
The contractor and the builder came Thursday to look at the house, and look at the sketches we've done. They have the cycles to do the work, and we are raring to go. He took some printouts from the Google Sketchup model that I worked up. Then, will wonders never cease? The surveyor actually SHOWED UP yesterday. Of course, they didn't finish, but there was orange paint on the grass, and it looks like someone actually did something.
I called the builder back this morning to let him know we were making progress, and he suggested I call the engineer he likes to work with. SO I DID! Apparently the contractor passed the printouts on to the engineer, and he kept saying things like, "Yeah, they were great, no problem, let's get started!" I was kinda floored.
I told him that we still didn't have a survey report, although they'd come out yesterday, and he asked who was doing it. I told him, and he said, "OH! I'll call Mark and see where he is with it." Apparently this engineer works with this surveyor regularly. This is a good thing, or so they tell me. For the first time in this process, I feel like we're starting to make progress.
Next step...design an expanded septic system, and get blueprints.
Comments
Just some words of advice from someone who's been through a remodel:
-- Investigate your builder. Check references and previous work.
-- Search for judgments against him in your local Official Public Records Database
-- Make a detailed contract with itemized budget, timeline, and payment schedule.
- Specify materials, colors, and textures.
- Demand signed advance approval for overages.
- Build in late fees.
- Avoid an arbitration clause, so you can sue if things go horribly wrong.
-- Get a construction lawyer to review your contract.
-- Have your builder sign the contract before beginning work.
-- Hire someone, an architect or engineer, to inspect the work along the way.
-- Don’t expect the builder to look out for your best interests. If he feels he is losing money on your project, he will probably cut corners.
-- Keep a construction journal.
-- Summarize all your conversations and email them to the builder. Email is admissible in court.
-- Put any changes to the contract in writing.
-- Don't allow draws in advance of contract.
-- If you have to move out, be sure to visit the site daily.
-- Photograph and/or videotape the work at critical phases.
-- Speak up for yourself whenever you feel something isn't being done right.
-- Stop all work until things get straightened out.
-- Keep in mind that your builder may have developed a substance abuse problem to cope with stress.
-- Track inspections and permit status online, if possible
-- in Texa, a Certificate of Occupancy is required for completed remodels. Establish whether this is the case in your area.
-- Don't make final payment until everything on your punch list has been addressed.
-- Get written confirmation that subcontractors have been paid before paying your builder in full.
-- Write "Final Payment" on the last payment.
Good luck!
Posted by: Ignobilitor | August 5, 2006 03:15 PM