From: "FDR" <_remove_spam_block_rzitka@hotmail.com>
Newsgroups: misc.consumers.house
Subject: Re: How do you know if your contractor is doing a good job?
Date: Sat, 09 Jul 2005 02:19:50 GMT


"Kevin Jarrard"  wrote in message 
news:1120865631.578229.89130@g49g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> My wife and I are getting ready to have a house built, but I'm
> wondering how I can objectivley tell if the builder is doing things
> well or cutting corners.  Are there books on what to look for or, I
> don't know, places to look that will indicate overall quality of
> construction for the layman?
>
> These builders built a home for some friends of ours and come
> recommended by them.  They are quite easy to work with from what I
> understand and in our dealings so far.  The home we have seen looks
> good, but there is the dilema.  I can tell waht looks good on the
> outside, but I don't have a frame of reference with which to examine
> the work that is less obvious than paint or texturing or cabinet
> installtion.
>
> Any tips?
>

As trade 4 siad, the contract is important.  Also, make sure they are 
insured.  Find out their workmans comp. info. Rely on inspections.  Find out 
if electrical or plumbing have to be done by licensed pros.

You could also watch some of those Hometime videos showing house 
construction to understand some of the basics.