Talk to someone who has had their home built or remodeled to get an estimate for how long it takes. Generally, a new home can be built in seven months. However, the time will depend on your location and other factors, such as the complexity of your home design.
Find an architect by asking someone who has recently built a home or by contacting a local architecture institute or society. [4] X Research source
Banks will also need to see your specifications, bids, and itemized lists of costs before they finalize your loan. However, they can prequalify you using estimates.
You might be able to split duties with your spouse or a close friend, but you’ll need to have excellent communication.
Excavators: fill, cut, or move earth so you can pour your foundation. Masons: build block foundations, retaining walls, walkways, and anything that involves bricks or blocks. Framers: build the shell atop the foundation using lumber, sheet materials, and trusses. Roofers: prepare the roof underlay and then install roofing material on top. Plumbers: install water heating and plumbing fixtures. [5] X Expert Source GreatBuildzContractor Matching Service Expert Interview. 25 November 2020. Electricians: install wires hidden from view, as well as fixtures and electrical switches. [6] X Expert Source GreatBuildzContractor Matching Service Expert Interview. 25 November 2020. Siding: install siding on the outside of the building and may also handle exterior trim.
If you see a house being built in your neighborhood, stop in and talk to the general contractor. Explain your situation and ask for the names of the subcontractors. You can also ask for referrals at the lumberyard or from specialty suppliers. For example, if you need a tiler, then you can ask someone who sells specialty tiles. Get at least three referrals so that you can solicit bids from many different people. If you can’t get any in-person referrals, check out sites like Angi or Yelp. [8] X Expert Source GreatBuildzContractor Matching Service Expert Interview. 25 November 2020.
Remember—the cheapest bid isn’t always the best one. In some cases, more dishonest contractors might bid low to get the job and then charge for extras during the project. [10] X Expert Source GreatBuildzContractor Matching Service Expert Interview. 25 November 2020. At the end of the day, good communication is the most important thing you should look for in a contractor. [11] X Expert Source GreatBuildzContractor Matching Service Expert Interview. 25 November 2020.
Ideally, you will hire a sub who has handled multiple projects that are the same size and scope as yours. For example, if all you’re building is an addition, you don’t need subs who typically work on huge projects. They might not take yours as seriously.
You can check the sub’s reputation on the Better Business Bureau. [13] X Research source In addition, check whether they’ve ever been sued. Visit the county courthouse where the sub has their principal place of business. You can search for court records, which are public documents. If the sub has been sued, pull the case file and read the complaint. Also find out how the case was resolved.
You might not know whether a bid is too low. Talk to an experienced contractor to get a sense of what is a reasonable bid. You also have to work around people’s schedules. A good sub is usually very busy, but you can’t hold up an entire project for six months as you wait for them to have an opening. Make sure the sub’s availability works with your schedule.
The sub should send you a copy of their license. You can confirm it is still valid by contacting your state’s licensing agency. The sub should have workers’ compensation and general liability insurance. Ask to see the policies to confirm they are still valid. You can get a sample subcontractor agreement from one of the three contracting associations: Associated General Contractors of America, Associated Specialty Contractors Association, or American Subcontractors Association. Look for phone numbers online.
Your lender might require that you carry builder’s risk insurance. It covers the home materials (but not bodily injury).
You’ll also be responsible for scheduling inspections to make sure you are in compliance with the housing code. [16] X Trustworthy Source State of Oregon Official website for the State of Oregon Go to source Make sure that you understand when these inspections must occur.
Ideally, you can track delivery slips electronically. Scan them so that you can access delivery slips and inventory quickly. Try to plan ahead when you order your materials. Material delays can really hold up your project. [17] X Expert Source GreatBuildzContractor Matching Service Expert Interview. 25 November 2020.
Don’t expect subs to show up exactly when you schedule them. They are juggling other jobs, too, and might overrun on another job. Pad some time to account for unforeseen delays. However, you might still end up having to wait weeks for a sub to show.
Most subcontractors are highly skilled, so you probably won’t have any problems with the quality of their work. However, subs sometimes don’t pay attention to how their work affects other parts of the house. For example, a plumber might cut large notches in the floor or wall and end up collapsing them in the process.
