View Full Version : How to start with construction of my dream house?
MeGustaUnaPez
Mar 21, 2009, 05:42 AM
I was wondering if anyone knows of a good resource to find contractors? I have been looking online and all I have seen are sites where you have to describe the job then wait to get called from a contractor or if I find a directory type of site there is a limited number of contractors in my area, but I know there are many more. I am trying to build my first house and I was planning on hiring all the contractors so I need a good resource to find them. Something with reviews and article would also be very beneficial, please let me know if anyone knows of a good place to look.
speedball1
Mar 21, 2009, 08:48 AM
Sounds like you want to dispense with a general contractor and do the job yourself. This can be dangerous unless you have a background in all phases of construction.
All trades must follow one another in a orderly fashion and you'll be the one to schedule them in. Are you able to spot mistakes or code vbiolations in the different trades such as plumbing, electrical, or carpentry? You're biting off a big chunk, are you going to be able to chew it? Good luck in whatever you decide, Tom
jjwoodhull
Mar 21, 2009, 09:08 AM
The best way to find people is through recommendations. Speak to family, friends, coworkers. If there is a house in your city or neighborhood that you really like, contact the owners and ask them who built their house.
Have you found an architect yet? If so, he or she should be able to recommend several builders whom they have worked with.
If you go solely by internet advertising, you will waste a lot of time trying to find someone who suits you.
homeskillet66
Apr 20, 2009, 01:03 PM
We hired all of the subcontractors for construction of our home. The best hire was a framer (general contractor) who had the experience to run the full job. He gave us a bunch of referrals for other subcontractors which made the job much easier. He preferred just doing the framing, but really helped us deal with the subs because of his "pull" with them (i.e. he used them on many other jobs). We made sure to include him in the "bonus" payments.
As Speedball says, you are biting off a big chunk if you don't already have experience in a few of the trades or pay a person with experience to help oversee the job. We were very lucky with our find.
The best way to find your subcontractors, if you're going to do it yourself, is to get referrals from people in your area that have gone through the same process. The architect referrals that JJ mentioned can also bring a few contacts. Don't take the chance by posting a "help wanted" ad because it's such a big risk.
If there's an Angieslist.com site for your area, you might check out their contractor reviews. I have found a few good people using that. Good luck.