On the advice of a friend whose husband is a contractor, I began to look into owner-building. I found this website and downloaded the book yesterday. I'm halfway through it and this whole thing is enthralling... but I've figured out that I need to slow down and do this right. Jeff in Dickson, TN

Search for the foundation sub

Posted by Aaron in Valley Center, KS on 1/11/2011

I contacted a couple of ready mix concrete companies in town to get pricing information for concrete. I was kicking the idea around of pouring my own foundation; that desire has come and gone, by the way. The first company was a little short and slightly on the unfriendly side. I contacted another ready mix concrete company for some pricing. The companies name is R.A. Ruud and Son, Inc. They were very friendly, and the pricing was practically identical to the first company; also they have an A+ Better Business Bureau rating.

A day or so later after deciding not to pour my own foundation, I contacted them again and asked if they had any recommendations for good foundation subs. They said sure, and gave me a couple of names. Bob Cook Homes is the only one I have investigated so far. He has an A+ with the BBB and, after talking with him, I learned he started out in the foundation business. He later become a full-fledged builder, but still does his own concrete work due the fact that nobody does it the way he likes it. He was very friendly, helpful, and seemed to take an interest. I was very impressed and confident after speaking with him. He is number one on my list of one right now.

Posted by Peter in Burlington, WA on 1/12/2011 Peter's Forum Posts: 24 Interview Answers: 36 Average Forum Rating: 4.33 Randomly Selected Image 1/12/2011

Get your bids. On paper. No matter how much you like the contractor upfront, the best way is to get enough bids. Used to be that three complete bids was pretty adequate. These days, you want FIVE or more. It's a lot of work, and sometimes it turns out the first bid that hit your desk was the best, so you immediately start thinking about how much extra work you went through for no extra benefit, but it will pay off. Right now, I am seeing about three or four inflated bids for every reasonable one.

Posted by Aaron in Valley Center, KS on 1/12/2011 Aaron's Forum Posts: 0 Journal Entries: 2 Interview Answers: 5 Randomly Selected Image 1/12/2011

Thanks for the advice. I am going to do some research and put five names on my list. Thanks again.