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Journals
Name Visits Posts Pics Videos

Eschete-Dome11,32627470
YesterdayLafayette, LA

Holy-Hill-House4,93313160
YesterdayRichfield, WI

NorthPoleHome14,29627860
SundayNorth Pole, AK

TheHoskensProject41,8181153153
ThursdayDome-ville, central, FL

Seven-Peaks-Faswall-...20,679422891
4/30/2012Graeagle, CA

Tanglewood42,4906962,06642
4/26/2012Colorado Springs, CO

Family-Affair1,781200
4/25/2012

30215,76721730
4/1/2012Belfair, WA

Dionnekay623100
3/29/2012Omaha, NE

SunburnStateHome487110
3/6/2012Charlotte County, FL

VICTOR-MONTANA1,031110
2/22/2012Victor, MT

Houston-720125961,009100
1/21/2012Houston, TX

Workshop7,923630
1/8/2012Florissant, CO

Our-simple-home4,304223080
12/5/2011LaPorte, IN

Beaver-Creek-Ranch19,255142160
11/14/2011Santa Rosa, CA

ICF-Construction6,276500
11/11/2011Elkridge, MD

Little-Help-from-my-...4,91611150
11/4/2011Rockwall, TX

YaNYca7,451810
10/29/2011Boston, MA

The-Man-Refuge2,961310
10/19/2011San Antonio, TX

mckernanmc5,291320
10/6/2011Amite, LA

1860s-Texas-rehabnew...30,150431910
9/26/2011Boerne, TX

Jay-House3,6236180
9/26/2011Sebastopol, CA

Large-Family-Compoun...1,589200
9/23/2011Covington, GA

Woodchuck-Ridge3,544480
9/12/2011Akron, OH

Forever-Home-Sweet-H...7,07034310
8/24/2011Issaquah, WA

Clarksville-MD2,512200
8/22/2011Eldersburg, MD

steve-n-carolyn8,7154140
8/21/2011Sun City, CA

Old-York2,085200
7/27/2011Bridgewater, NJ

Carriage-House8,43320282
7/24/2011Ft. Collins, CO

DomeSweetDome10,27718291
6/4/2011Suffolk, VA

Goodpasture8,885562880
5/28/2011Westminster, CO

TheCastle3,129160
5/25/2011Cheshire, CT

Marks-Log-Cabin6,910392210
5/12/2011Altoona, PA

Bill5,683100
5/4/2011Tucson, AZ

Mueller-Dream-Home2,877100
4/15/2011

Oklahoma-Steel4,187650
4/13/2011Minco, OK

DutchG2,623200
4/5/2011

HiddenInOhio3,9789130
4/1/2011Elyria, OH

MagnoliaHouse2,954100
3/29/2011Houston, TX

Buffaloader4,643200
1/11/2011Valley Center, KS

SouthernEcoHome13,35320210
1/9/2011Blacksburg, VA

Austrian-Chalet6,450780
1/2/2011Twin Lakes, CO

Vista-Ridge5,62421660
12/21/2010Swanton, OH

OurFarmstead12,071601890
12/10/2010Pennsylvania

sherman9,069211410
12/7/2010Downers Grove, IL

AirparkHome-Remodel19,06522460
11/8/2010Hillsboro, OR

Holloway5,071200
11/7/2010Petersburg, VA

Building-Our-Lakefro...3,712110
11/5/2010Piscataway, NJ

SunburyGalena-Build3,476100
11/3/2010Galena, OH

BUILDING-OUR-GREEN-D...3,836800
11/2/2010Pattison, TX

RR-Homestead11,40631740
10/26/2010Janesville, CA

Casa-Paradiso-Vieque...3,961200
10/19/2010Chelsea, MA

Millerbuild4,8885110
10/1/2010Carstairs, AB

VilanoBeachCasa-de-S...13,219381170
9/20/2010Saint Augustine, FL

Delisledigs5,373300
9/16/2010Jacksonville, FL

h20dave5,298430
9/10/2010Waterloo, AL

Mountain-Idyl4,874900
9/9/2010Asheville, NC

High-over-Lake-Granb...7,38012230
9/8/2010Granbury, TX

Homestead25,97264850
9/8/2010Smithville, MO

philandjan5,083100
9/2/2010

octagonaltopsider35,75510920
8/25/2010Cupertino, CA

Commons4,025200
8/21/2010Atascocita, TX

Our-First-OB-home4,433300
7/27/2010Gardner, KS

Louisiana-Mediterran...12,638311870
7/21/2010Sunset, LA

Crows-Nest4,027100
7/20/2010

Patterson-Project4,584400
7/16/2010John's Island, SC

Hidden-Meadow-Home5,8102100
7/13/2010Murrieta, CA

New-house-in-Selah-W...4,161140
7/4/2010Belfair, WA

Arnold-CA-Alpine-cha...11,55022100
7/2/2010Arnold, CA

Working-Wilton30,962343010
6/16/2010Wilton, NH

JJ-Residence3,787100
6/7/2010San Antonio, TX

Thompson-Valley-Home5,031330
6/6/2010Monticello, FL

Naperville-Webster-S...14,5762360
5/21/2010Naperville, IL

Gary--Suzi4,873100
5/7/2010

crystal-falls-home16,67620270
5/5/2010Cedar Park, TX

Kapoho-Retirement-Ho...4,873130
5/4/2010Santa Ana, CA

NC--New-Construction4,588100
5/3/2010

Collins-on-Cobblesto...4,72521910
4/30/2010Waynesville, NC

Dwight--Colleen-Hart...5,402130
4/30/2010Vaughn, WA

Riley17,45932950
4/29/2010Cave Creek, AZ

The-New-Ries-Homeste...7,58419980
4/21/2010Polk/Richfield/Erin/Hartford, WI

OwensNewHome37,8221023810
4/17/2010Chandler, AZ

The-Season4,047130
4/10/2010Mount Airy, NC

The-Naas-Place4,236200
3/30/2010Pittsburg, CA

Phil-and-Lauras-home7,221400
3/20/2010Tulsa, OK

Southport-NC-Home8,400201281
3/18/2010Southport, NC

Loris9,528110
3/11/2010

Seaton-Station4,310140
3/10/2010Siloam Springs, AR

Backwoods-Project7,882390
3/4/2010Jeffersonville, GA

ICF-in-Ann-Arbor18,341293710
1/25/2010Dexter, MI

DancingPines5,234200
1/25/2010Clinton, LA

Log-Cabin4,615150
1/23/2010indianapolis, IN

The-Kinzel-House4,127100
1/21/2010New Orleans, LA

PahrumpProject10,1535390
1/17/2010Spokane, WA

TheBeachHouse8,13213200
1/16/2010Shoreline, WA

Artist-Haven-Home8,599970
1/13/2010Kansas City, MO

SOPHIA--SAMUELDELAWA...8,50611310
12/2/2009Smyrna, DE

Plant-City-Craftsman11,0304100
11/22/2009Plant City, FL

WestermanFarm5,350130
11/10/2009Dickson, TN

Shane9,801600
10/31/2009San Antonio, TX

ADCountryHome6,2681130
10/31/2009Fort Worth, TX

ICF-Keller-Tx41,901321220
10/6/2009Roanoke, TX

digs9,306100
9/30/2009Tracy City, TN

threegables11,681201340
9/29/2009Hartland, WI

LittleLakeCorner54,9731016040
9/29/2009Groveland, FL

Utah-Casa5,539200
9/28/2009Saratoga Springs, UT

Tornado-Reconstructi...5,412800
9/24/2009Port Neches, TX

toolehouse37,027891450
9/20/2009Reno, NV

Bobs-Blog43,465614140
9/16/2009New Florence, PA

Blessings4,381100
9/11/2009farmville, NC

Schrammelot9,1097900
9/11/2009Pierson, FL

PennsmithLostValleyT...24,931552150
9/9/2009Dripping Springs, TX

River-House4,823220
9/7/2009Clinton, NJ

SantaFe-in-AJ4,678100
8/28/2009Apache Junction, AZ

Dennis-Dream-Home18,346385050
8/27/2009Readington Twp, NJ

Massive-Undertaking5,6231100
8/26/2009Wimauma, FL

Lafayette4,674200
8/11/2009Cramerton, NC

Dream-site-on-the-La...5,108200
8/5/2009La Porte, TX

Williams-New-Home-Si...4,560110
8/2/2009Windsor, NC

Cobblestone-Lane4,870100
7/30/2009Great Falls, MT

PensacolaBeachHouse4,581110
6/22/2009Gulf Breeze, FL

12YEARSINTHEPLANNING4,938120
6/16/2009LADSON, SC

The-Cortes-Adventure10,112320
6/13/2009Snowflake, AZ

Steinys-Hideaway5,051200
6/9/2009Venice, CA

DreamHome22,260261900
6/7/2009Orlando, FL

CastleHeims12,89521590
6/5/2009Cedar Rapids, IA

Utah-Warehouse4,443220
5/20/2009Fairview, UT

Where-to-start6,087610
5/16/2009Lemoore, CA

Castle-Rock-Lakehous...9,60210840
4/27/2009Necedah, WI

Oleg10,017360
4/22/2009San Diego, CA

MoeCompound4,477340
4/9/2009Camano Island, WA

Huckleberry-Home4,758200
4/8/2009Williamstown, NJ

Vonk8,883100
4/7/2009Zeeland, MI

Small-Timber-Frame8,015110
4/2/2009Central Mass, MA

EatonLoch-Haven5,358110
4/1/2009Roanoke, VA

windowsnsiding4,962110
3/28/2009Long Island, NY

Arkansas-First-Timer16,51939880
3/27/2009Trumann, AR

Back-Home-In-Crisp6,261111510
3/22/2009Ennis, TX

Victor--Susan-0813,006211210
3/17/2009Ruckersville, VA

Rick-and-Tinas-dream...5,669120
3/14/2009Auburndale, FL

Keener-Road6,9124100
3/11/2009Elizabethtown, PA

NC-Newbie4,839100
3/10/2009Boone, NC

MadisonGA5,1211130
2/26/2009Madison, GA

Techbuilt-Scammed6,245100
2/25/2009Rebew, LA

choanne8314,672100
2/9/2009charlotte, NC

WilliamsinVegas25,531301190
1/29/2009Henderson, NV

PhilesBryant6,308260
1/20/2009graham, WA

MortgageSmart4,809100
1/19/2009Cocoa, FL

QuarterlyHouse44,944136990
1/12/2009Orlando, FL

RabbitRun12,839311690
1/11/2009Afton, VA

Sonave-Sunsets4,937120
1/9/2009Yucca, AZ

Heart-of-PA8,1809160
1/6/2009Lewistown, PA

Krusehome5,681200
12/27/2008Lake City, FL

BrunkHouseAlmaKansas7,036260
12/26/2008Garden Grove, CA

Raider-Bills-Tenn-Ho...8,5326320
12/22/2008Largo, FL

Andel-Ranch20,037334020
12/17/2008Rogers, TX

Elijahs-Home5,922460
12/6/2008Vero Beach, FL

ranch-house5,182100
11/25/2008springfield, IL

Howard-Georgia-Retir...7,561670
11/9/2008Harlem, GA

The-Woods-Journal5,502110
11/6/2008Doraville, GA

StansTLH8,4491090
11/1/2008Tehachapi, CA

Kevin--Kerrys-Dream5,486350
10/17/2008Northvale, NJ

Katabatic-Wind6,045470
10/16/2008Huntsville, AL

Elmhurst-Modern7,507120
10/14/2008elmhurst, IL

Accessible-House5,6853100
10/14/2008Munford, TN

Cherry-Valley-Vista5,066120
10/5/2008Duvall, WA

Jon-and-Mollys-House8,345150
9/25/2008Ellicott City, MD

Proctor-ICF5,833110
9/25/2008Fredericksburg, VA

Hawaiian-Bungalo11,144111020
9/23/2008Holualoa, HI

Pete--Rhiannon6,777430
9/19/2008Springfield, MO

2008-Cedar-Ln9,04614350
9/19/2008Seaville, NJ

dmaceld12,95014880
9/16/2008Nampa, ID

Help-with-Goulds-and...6,749100
9/16/2008tampa, FL

Consulting4,939100
9/2/2008Orlando, FL

AlaskaICFREMOTEHouse9,05519380
8/17/2008Wasilla, AK

NC-Pond-House5,629320
8/4/2008Wilmington, NC

MargaritaVilla5,154240
8/4/2008Raleigh, NC

Latest-update6,6818100
8/4/2008Sierra Vista, AZ

ANDREA4,937400
8/2/2008Dallas, TX

The-Ridges6,41211130
7/31/2008Logan, UT

Avenida-Del-Sol8,74913520
7/31/2008Peoria, AZ

dream-home-ohio5,544600
7/30/2008Zanesville, OH

Penetang-Craftsman5,166360
7/27/2008Penetanguishene, ON

Tristan--5,323600
7/25/2008Lebanon, NJ

Dreamy-Design-in-Glo...8,707100
7/9/2008Clifton, VA

need-help-Jim5,689110
7/8/2008Bandon, OR

deltona-fl-custom-ho...6,3724140
7/6/2008Deltona Beach, FL

Ingraham-House-Chape...5,649200
6/29/2008Cary, NC

famborgie4,606100
6/26/2008Lockhart, TX

95821-Addition12,9167140
6/24/2008Sacramento, CA

Cajun-Homestead10,52512930
6/22/2008Lafayette, LA

West-Texas-Ranch-Hou...6,601110
6/18/2008Andrews, TX

Quail-Bluff-Pasco6,3489290
6/10/2008Pasco, WA

Spyders-Web4,771100
6/10/2008Norman, OK

mike-and-tori-darnle...6,824510
6/2/2008Rainbow, CA

Lin-Washington5,009100
5/29/2008Fresno, CA

Capernall-House5,410420
5/15/2008Belleville, MI

Hidden-Valley-Texas5,144100
5/7/2008Southlake, TX

cosdreamhome31,611731470
5/5/2008Colorado Springs, CO

Sowle-Family-House7,507590
4/29/2008South Burlington, VT

Cyberdoc-Residence5,566200
4/25/2008San Diego, CA

Fortune-House4,983100
4/17/2008Mooresville, NC

Joeb12,533400
4/15/2008Oakland, FL

Alvin-House5,032200
4/14/2008LaPorte, TX

Thomas-Home--Raintre...13,613271800
4/9/2008Lee's Summit, MO

Greg--Kathys-New-Hou...6,666200
4/3/2008Barryton, MI

Where-is-Waldo21,28944830
4/2/2008Marion, OH

Nimmerrichters-Fores...4,803100
4/2/2008Waldorf, MD

Mayfield-House5,296100
3/31/2008Mayfield, UT

beamanhouse5,128100
3/27/2008Manistique, MI

Kanak-ICF--Virginia8,168900
3/26/2008Fredericksburg, VA

Sheldon-St7,072300
3/21/2008Orlando, FL

Bert-11,693310
3/20/2008Southern, CA

Our-Ohio-ICF-home15,17620270
3/20/2008Mansfield, OH

ericdc5,536310
3/8/2008Uniontown, PA

EurekaHouse-ICF8,1775150
3/6/2008Berkeley, CA

Superstition-Views9,217281600
3/6/2008Mesa, AZ

Blue-Springs-Project6,9568230
2/24/2008Broken Arrow, OK

Our-House4,764100
2/24/2008Miami, FL

httpownerbuilderbook...7,006830
2/19/2008Clayton, NY

JourneyBackHome4,952100
2/3/2008Oviedo, FL

Collier-Home6,673110
2/1/2008Little Rock, AR

DDs-ICF6,612330
1/27/2008New Smyrna Bch, FL

EurekaMT-Timberframe6,1861430
1/24/2008Augusta, MI

The-Larnerd-House7,5085210
1/21/2008Newport News, VA

Casa-Bella5,441100
1/14/2008Pueblo West, CO

Gordon-Lake-House9,32917510
1/3/2008Oakland, IA

STEPHANIES-DREAM6,25317570
12/30/2007Lower Burrell, PA

Florida-Waterfront-C...8,790310
12/29/2007PB, FL

6158-in-Montgomery-T...5,758410
12/23/2007Conroe, TX

ClearwaterHills7,956260
12/14/2007Paradise Valley, AZ

BobDonna4,374100
12/12/2007Sacramento, CA

AboveTheAppleTree4,487100
12/8/2007La Farge, WI

Casa-Nostra6,064230
12/2/2007Bangor, PA

Building-the-Dream-i...7,743700
11/29/2007Gladstone, OR

Ingram-Fleming-ICF-H...8,079480
11/29/2007Plant City, FL

inniagara4,080100
11/24/2007Niagara Falls, ON

SchnabelEstate5,102240
11/16/2007Avon, IN

WeAreBuildingAgain11,67927560
11/15/2007Orlando, FL

Lake-Pleasant4,897210
11/14/2007Erie, PA

Green-for-Dean5,076100
11/10/2007San Jose, CA

The-Ponderosa6,4378220
11/4/2007Perry, OK

FlagholeRoad5,044260
10/25/2007Franklin, NH

Beckynray5,813300
10/24/2007Powhatan, VA

Spicewood-TX6,685330
10/20/2007Austin, TX

Powderhorn15,912481760
10/4/2007Florida

Luray-VA-1stTimeBuil...8,800730
10/4/2007Luray, VA

kittyfhughesnet5,031250
9/27/2007Noblesville, IN

Scott-Family5,145100
9/25/2007Trinity, AL

Taking-the-Plunge7,5406180
9/18/2007Springfield, OH

RozBuildingAdventure5,362100
9/14/2007San Pablo, CA

Helpful-Tips5,952200
9/13/2007Encinitas, CA

Poplar-Creek-Farm6,7435250
9/10/2007Oakland Park, FL

TheWillemsHome13,0981750
9/10/2007Galloway Township, NJ

ComfortHome5,610200
8/30/2007Dublin, OH

10000-sq-feet29,55325260
8/26/2007La Habra Heights, CA

Bird-house6,6863400
8/22/2007Ithaca, NY

Circle-S_ICF_House25,163462640
8/21/2007Sparta, IL

New-England-Saltbox5,144100
8/16/2007Columbia, SC

RamblewoodatJeterFar...5,7356330
8/10/2007Kansas City, MO

Kraemer-Collinwood-H...5,573200
7/21/2007Delano, MN

BigOakBuilderTX8,193270
7/20/2007Wharton, TX

Johnson-Family-Dream5,585100
7/20/2007Normal, IL

Pensacola-Waterfront5,322100
7/16/2007Pensacola, FL

19225-ROBERTSON-ST11,27315320
7/12/2007Orlando, FL

Thattle-Dew-Farm5,566220
7/12/2007Halls Harbour, NS

WindyJ8,93111260
7/2/2007Knoxville, TN

Vistoso-Green-Home6,526310
6/28/2007Tucson, AZ

Lewis-Chapel-House8,300200
6/25/2007Dunlap, TN

father-daughter5,254200
6/25/2007Loveland, CO

davewhite6,053100
6/24/2007Nanaimo, BC

NutmegWedgefieldOrla...7,013600
6/22/2007Orlando, FL

4600SF-Dream-Home-in...9,005410
6/19/2007Mooresville, NC

Coeur-dAlene-Idaho-H...6,363240
6/13/2007Coeur d Alene, ID

Tampa-Bay8,140490
6/10/2007Ruskin, FL

Dream-In-Progress7,741540
6/7/2007Shawnee, KS

todd-in-tullahoma5,610100
6/4/2007tullahoma, TN

TheOwens6,064300
6/1/2007Dickson, TN

Country-Cleaver6,222140
5/29/2007Springfield, IL

South-Dakota-Lake-Ho...6,4986110
5/23/2007Sioux Falls, SD

Gods-Home5,743200
5/18/2007Eustis, FL

hammock5,613110
5/14/2007Martinez, GA

Grove-St-Rocklin5,828300
5/13/2007Orangevale, CA

Gardeners-Delight6,391330
5/13/2007Norristown, PA

Newman-Family6,546100
4/26/2007oralndo, FL

do-over-house6,549200
4/25/2007Roseville, CA

Mountain-Building5,878370
4/21/2007Hiawassee, GA

Alaskan-Log-Home6,488120
4/15/2007Tok, AK

Warner-Dream7,302600
4/11/2007Astatula, FL

RehmannSchreiner7,45118150
4/2/2007Maple Grove, MN

outspokenbikeguy8,2374140
3/29/2007Sanford, FL

SmelltheForest25,624471480
3/23/2007Colorado Spgs, CO

PolkCityProject9,3027110
3/21/2007Norcross, GA

DwaynePam6,429200
3/21/2007Normal, IL

cypressknoll5,868100
3/20/2007Palm Coast, FL

candlepower11,145241550
3/20/2007Lansing, IA

Team-Rosa6,606200
3/19/2007Springfield, VA

GLOUCESTER6,066120
3/17/2007Newport News, VA

Ohiodreamhome6,2754140
3/16/2007Reynoldsburg, OH

Gypsy-Love7,186110
3/12/2007Highland, NY

Rockport-TX6,312100
3/10/2007Rockport, TX

Forrest-Towne6,142220
3/10/2007Brinnon, WA

Dreams-Come-True5,610100
3/8/2007Glen St Mary, FL

Almost-A-Country-Gir...5,555100
3/7/2007Addison Township, MI

BrandonBuildingBlog6,283100
3/4/2007Layton, UT

SafecreteHouse7,499300
3/4/2007Raleigh, NC

newbie-6,620100
2/21/2007north plains, OR

BuzzardsNest8,463310
2/14/2007Saint Lucie, FL

woodfamilyhome7,071200
2/10/2007Keno, OR

vegascastle6,337100
2/3/2007Henderson, NV

newsteel6,190100
1/28/2007Florence, SC

Dream-Home-20076,731100
1/27/2007Gwynn Oak, MD

DelgadosAdobeAbode7,546200
1/18/2007San Diego, CA

bobindeltona8,242250
1/14/2007Deltona, FL

Highland646,814300
1/8/2007New Orleans, LA

SmallProjectSilverSp...9,3691020
1/7/2007Silver Springs, NV

BeehlerHome12,69611640
1/3/2007Kalamazoo, MI

eveningshade6,727110
12/25/2006Evening Shade, AR

Bruce in Petrolia, O...6,122120
12/21/2006Petrolia, ON

smahmud6,358100
12/18/2006Alexandria, VA

1000-hours-to-liftof...7,279100
11/25/2006uniontown, OH

FettConstruction7,343460
11/24/2006Vincennes, IN

Northeast-Ohio-Home7,547100
11/10/2006Parma, OH

Buchanan-Mountain10,12314590
11/1/2006Dickson, TN

Our-Future-on-Badin-...7,362100
10/24/2006New London, NC

nowi-fe-haven6,762100
10/22/2006Griffin, GA

klonus6,678100
10/16/2006Madison, WI

OurAddition9,691100
10/13/2006Chuluota, FL

bigal7,602100
9/30/2006Whittier, CA

Stella-Maris-II7,372100
9/11/2006Orlando, FL

Lake-House8,789100
9/6/2006Kansas City, MO

My-First-House20,435100
9/5/2006APO, AE

Angie-Mossy-Oak-Acre...9,865740
8/15/2006Lake Helen, FL

Peaceful-Valley-in-M...7,342100
7/23/2006Republic, MO

Lake-Wales-Fl7,191100
7/17/2006West Palm Beach, FL

JohnKat7,654110
7/16/2006Fort Worth, TX

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My wife and I are going to try and owner-build our home next year in Freeport, PA. I, too, use The Owner-Builder Book website for information.
Jobert from Vacaville, CA


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The Safe Contract: Fixed vs. Cost-Plus

Posted to Helpful-Tips by Robert in Encinitas, CA on 9/13/2007 12:19:52 AM

When building or remodeling a home, you will be confronted with various contracts from contractors.  Some will be presented in a professional form, while others will be handwritten or sealed with a handshake.  Regardless of the type of contract presented to you, it is important to verify the terms of the agreement.  You will find two types of terms presented to you: the cost-plus and the fixed contract.  But which one is best?

 

A cost-plus contract is a common inclusion in contractor agreements.  This term means the contractor agrees to supply labor and materials for “x” amount of dollars, plus any extras on top of that.  This type of agreement leaves the price open to circumstances encountered by the builder.  For example, an excavator may quote $9,000 to grade your building lot.  But say there is a large tree which requires extra digging to be removed.  He will charge you the base price of $9,000 plus the cost of removing the stump and roots.  The cost of removing the tree may be minimal, but coupled with any other surprises (such as rock, importing or exporting of dirt, etc.) and the $9,000 bill can quickly double.  Contractors prefer this type of bidding because it relieves them of sticking to a set price.  Obviously, hauling away dirt, stumps, etc., is going to cost the contractor more money.  However, he passes this cost along to you – the homeowner.  This also means he does not have to be as accurate in his initial bid because any extras will be passed directly to you.

 

A cost-plus is the riskiest type of contract to sign.  You may be handed a bill twice of what you agreed to initially.  When working with a fixed budget, this can mean disaster.  If you sign this type of agreement, you have to hope that no unforeseen circumstances are encountered by the contractor.  However, in construction, surprises are a part of the business.  Construction would not be construction without surprises!

 

The more favorable contract is one with a fixed cost.  This means the contractor will supply all labor and materials for “x” amount of dollars.  If he missed something on the plans and it ends up costing more, he has to absorb the cost.  This puts responsibility on the contractor to be thorough in his bidding, because after all, he is in business to make money.  This type of agreement protects you from contractors looking to take advantage of homeowners.  They will not be able to charge you thousands of dollars more because “something was missed” on the home plans. 

 

Do not be surprised if you find a price variance between fixed and cost-plus contracts.  A cost-plus contract will typically be lower than a fixed-cost bid.  The contractor wants to protect his profit, time and energy, so he will typically bid a fixed contract higher (to guard against mistakes).  Whereas with a cost-plus contract, he may be more apt to bid low, knowing he can charge more if unforeseen circumstances arise.  Homeowners often settle on the lowest bid as a way of saving money.  But in the long run, a cost-plus contract may cost you more than a fixed price.

 

In all fairness to contractors, they encounter homeowners who constantly change their mind.  This often results in increased labor and materials needed to complete the job.  It is not fair to have a contractor quote one thing, and completely change your mind and expect him to hold the same price.  Decide early what you want from the builder, and have him quote a fixed price for the work.  This will save you time, headaches, and a lot of frustration during your project!


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Construction Stress: How to Cope with It

Posted to Helpful-Tips by Robert in Encinitas, CA on 9/13/2007 12:18:58 AM

Building or remodeling a home can be very stressful.  You will be confronted with questions and scenarios that are unfamiliar.  You may even find the process intimidating.  However, you can take certain steps to cope with the stress and uncertainty of construction.

 

The first step to handling construction is realizing there will be mistakes.  The sooner a homeowner realizes this, the better they will be able to handle unexpected events.  A contractor may order the wrong product and begin installing it.  Your home plans might list 9’ ceilings in the basement, but the foundation contractor poured them six inches too short.  These are just a few of the many things that can go wrong when constructing a home.  Some of these mistakes can be avoided by double- and triple-checking materials before they are ordered.  Try to be on site when major phases are started – like pouring the foundation – so that if an error occurs, you can rectify it on the spot.  While mistakes cannot be avoided, you can minimize their effects by being thorough in preparation.

 

A common stress when building is dealing with contractors.  If you are building a home, you may have 10-15 contractors working on your project over the course of construction.  Some will be great and need little guidance, while others will be a constant thorn in your side!  So, how do you avoid stress when dealing with contractors?  Make sure you review their bids and fully understand what they are quoting.  You may assume the contractor is supplying the correct materials – but in fact, he may be quoting a “standard” product.  You might show up during construction only to find the plumbing fixtures he installed are hideous!  When you approach him, he will point back to his bid where he listed the make and model of all the plumbing fixtures.  If you signed the contract, you approved the materials and there is not much ground to stand on.  This can turn into a situation where you want them replaced and he offers to do it – for an additional fee.  This example shows how a simple oversight on the bid can lead to a larger problem.  Take the necessary time to review the bid and you can avoid a host of problems.

 

Another point of contention with contractors is paying them on time.  If you are working with a general contractor, (GC), he will have a group of subcontractors performing the work.  The GC will give you a bill prior to his payroll date.  If you do not pay the bill on time, not only will you upset the GC, but also his workers.  They may even walk off the job until you pay them!  Time is money in construction, so keeping the process moving will save you money.  Pay contractors on time and they will keep the work progressing.  If you do not pay them on time, you risk work stopping and, in the worst-case scenario, a mechanic’s lien on your property (never a good thing). 

 

As with any new experience, you will be unfamiliar with certain terms, processes and materials.  This is quite common and in the large picture, makes the project fun!  But if you do not understand something, investigate the matter.  Ask friends, relatives, and others for their insights.  The Internet can also be a great avenue for learning more about products and techniques.  Many decisions – which seem small in nature – can affect the finished product of your home.  For example, windows may seem simple, but can be quite complex.  You may ask your builder to supply the windows, only to find out once they are installed, they do not flow with the home’s architecture.  The type of window (slider, single hung, double hung, casement and awing) coupled with choices like grids and color, can offer endless possibilities.  But, with these possibilities comes ample opportunity for mistakes.  By visiting window showrooms, viewing the product on manufacturer websites, and looking at the windows on other homes, you can avoid these mishaps.  The answers to your questions are out there – you just need to take the time to investigate them. 

 

Building or remodeling a home is never easy, but the rewards can be beneficial (emotionally and financially).  If this is your first project, be prepared for unexpected events and questions about unfamiliar topics.  A wealth of knowledge is available through people who have gone through similar projects – ask them for pointers.  The Internet can be a valuable resource for learning more about products, mistakes, building techniques, etc.  If you use all the resources at your disposal, you can plow through speed bumps to a successful construction project!


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