Expert: Richard Taylor, AIA - 5/24/2005

Question
Hi,

I am looking into starting a big project.  My father passed a few weeks ago and we have the opportunity to purchase the home that he was building.  It is a project that has last for over 50 years and for the past 25 years Dad has been to ill to continue.  

The house was to be a Cape Code and small.  He put everything just to get it finished because he was to busy helping other people.  It was a struggle to raise 5 kids in his house.  Now I am thinking of buying it and moving our 4 in there.  But first we need to finish it.

This is going to be hard for me because I will not have Dad looking over my shoulder telling me how to plan and what to plan.  So, where do I beginning.  The most I have done so far is put together a few sketches of what Dad has told me he planned to do to finish the house.  

Regards,
Maggie  

Answer
Hi Maggie - thanks for your question!

Homebuilding is a complex task, even for experienced builders.  In addition to the specialized knowledge required you must manage dozens of trades and hundreds of small tasks.

One of the hardest concepts for new homebuilders to understand is how things you do at early stages - foundation, framing, etc. - dramatically effect little things at the end - drywall, flooring, trim, etc.

If you're thinking about finishing it yourself, be aware that it is VERY easy to quickly get in way over your head.  You need to carefully and honestly asess what you're capable of doing - in terms of skills and time.  In almost every case, homeowners are better off spending their time earning a living and raising a family and letting the "pros" build their house.

How much specialized help you need depends upon how much work is left to do.  If part of the house is unbuilt or only partially built, you may need someone to draw plans for you so that you can get a building permit.

If the house only partly built, you need to find a trustworthy builder to assist you in completing the project.  Your Dad put a lot of time and effort into the house - you should put a lot of time into finding someone who will do right by his house.  Start by asking around the area for good builders.  You might also check with local lumberyards, and call your local Home Building Association for recommendations (you can find them at www.nahb.org).

Once you've assembled a list of potential builders, check them all out thoroughly.  Ask for and talk to references; check with their bankers; and walk through their projects.  Find someone who shares your vision of the house.

If you just need finish work done, go through the same process of selecting qualified subcontractors for each task.  You might consider finding a homebuilder to act as a "construction manager" for you to look over your shoulder as the project goes along.

Most problems on the construction site are caused by differences in expectations between the homeowner and the builder/subcontractors.  Don't assume anything!  Get in writing EXACTLY what is to be done by each sub; what materials they're going to use; how much it is going to cost; and when they'll start and finish.  Make sure everyone understands your expectations for level of quality and make them stick to it.

It's a lot of work to find good people to help, but a lot more work to correct bad work.  Take time to find the right people!

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
Richard Taylor Architects, LLC
www.rtastudio.com
www.betterhomedesign.blogspot.com