Not All Contractors are Created Equal
Just because a contractor is licensed and has a truck, does NOT mean they can or should be trusted to tear into your home. It is very difficult for the consumer to really find the best contractor who has the expertise to provide solutions to the many unexpected site conditions and problems that invariably present themselves in the course of a remodel or addition, or new construction. All projects, no matter how seemingly simple or very complex present challenging problems not shown on the plans. Be sure to call us to discuss the types of issues we have faced, the solutions we were able to bring and to learn why you can worry less when you choose a very experienced and knowledgeable General Contractor like Wayne L. Matthews.
Not All Projects are the Same
Consider the complexity and issues of your project and how well the prospective contractor understands them. If you considering a 2nd story addition, you will want a contractor that truly understands structural engineering and architectural drawings. Even the best architect draws plans that don’t address all details discovered at a job. Drawings have become increasingly complicated, as have the ever changing, mind numbing requirements of the cities we build in. One prospective customer was stunned that Wayne knew what certain symbols meant on the plans – the symbol meant “shear walls” are required. (We were surprised that the contractor did not know this.)
A successful project depends on good teamwork of architect, contractor and client. You want to be able to know that your contractor has the expertise to provide solutions to problems at the job when your architect or engineer is unavailable.
Not All Clients are the Same
Know thyself! Are you planning on remaining in the home during the construction? Have you ever lived in the midst of a project? How do you handle stress? Picking a builder with a temperament and crew that you can trust and actually like, is a very important consideration, because you will be seeing them a lot! Also consider what type of contract you and the builder will be most comfortable with. Call us to discuss the pros and cons for you and the contractor.
Why Not Select a Contractor Based on Price?
Some unscrupulous builders subscribe to the old strategy – bid low, sign a contract, and then hit ‘em with change orders after the job starts - sad but true.
Some kinder contractors will accommodate you on unknowns and changes during the course of construction without costly change orders. Others will stop the job and get a change order for every detail that is a “change from the original scope of work.” Wayne is the kinder contractor.
True story: A prospective client chose a competitor for a big job because “their bid was 15% cheaper.” That’s a lot of money, to be sure. However, 18 months later their designer called us frantic for advice – the framing was still incomplete and the “builder” was overwhelmed and unable to advance the project.
The Housing Slow Down is a Good Time to Remodel, But...
Be very careful who you choose. Hungry builders can be desperate. When “spec builders” stop building, some think they’ll move into the “remodeling and additions” market. They are completely different worlds, as you can imagine. If the contractor says they are not any different, run the other way.
How A Design-Build Consultation Could Save You Money
Wayne coined the term “house whisperer” to describe his innate abilities to “see” the house with all its potential and flaws, and his ability to really listen to the owners’ dreams for what they want from the house. After his in depth considerations of clients lifestyle, budget, floor plan deficiencies, lot size, setback and grade, after a walk through the house and evaluating the structure, roof lines, etc., Wayne can “see” the simplest way to achieve what the house can truly become. It’s a different perspective than that taken by designers and architects. You might ask him to try it on your house, he loves doing it. It’s his gift.
How Picking the Best Contractor is Like Picking a Winning Racehorse
There are a few contractors who seem to be born to build, much like a fine racehorse. But there is more to their success than just genetic ability.
The best choice of contractor (or racehorse) will have a true passion for his craft and the technical training and experience to succeed. Equally important is his disposition which should have high degree of patience, strength and humility to handle all the conflicts, changes and demands that will present themselves, from you, the city, the engineer, architect, and site conditions, vendors and subcontractors. Everyone has heard war stories of contractors who have stormed off the job unable to handle the latest project crisis. That’s not Wayne.
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