Get it in Writing
"One of the most important steps we will take is to make sure everything is in writing." - Paul Lehmann
Once you've chosen your builder, the contracts are drawn up, specifications will be decided and recorded, and you will have many conversations with your builder and staff over the next several months.
Understanding the Contract With Your Builder
Documenting Verbal Communications
Understanding the Contract With Your Builder
There are generally two types of building contracts that a builder will use—a "cost plus" contract or a "fixed price" contract. The pros and cons of these methods were detailed on the Questions for Customers page, so it's important to understand what this means when the terms are put into a contractual agreement.
Ultimately, your building contract protects both parties by avoiding disputes and helps to make sure everyone is on the same page. No detail is too small when it comes to building your dream home.
I have been building high end custom homes since 1997. In that time, I've built on home sites that were easy to build on, and sites that consist of challenging cliff faces that would make even the most experienced builder think twice. My experience is an asset to you as a homeowner because I can offer guidance with decisions as well as provide fair estimates for related work. Regardless of which method you choose for your final contract, I will follow through on your wishes for your dream home with integrity.
If you or your architect have questions about your contract I will make myself available to make sure you get the answers you need. Most importantly, I will not become less available to you just because signatures are in place and the deposit has been made. Our relationship will be a long standing one, even after your home is complete.
Detailed Specifications
People can sometimes take for granted all the details involved in building a custom home, and sometimes assumptions can be made when it comes to thinking something is included. This is always a recipe for disaster considering that anything not included in the specs could turn into a gray area.
I would say the building specifications are the most vital part of your contractual agreement with a builder. This part of the contract details everything including but not limited to:
- appliances included or not included
- types of locks for the doors
- moldings and trim
- floor coverings
- electrical wiring and fixtures
- heating and cooling systems
As I've said before, no detail is too small, so it will be important to have a comprehensive list of specifications detailing everything, especially when it comes to items included in the purchase price. A high end custom home should have several pages of specifications.
Documenting Verbal Communications
Anytime you communicate with your General Contractor or a staff member, you should always send an email summary to the builder as a way of documenting the conversation. If the conversation results in a change to the contract or specifications, then proper initialing of said changes in the contract should be made by both parties to reflect the change has been agreed to. Proper documentation should always occur before any physical changes to the building process begin.
