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CONTENTS
Introduction
How to use this book
CH 1: PLANNING AND BUDGETS
Know what you want . . .
. . . and don’t be in a hurry
Educate yourself
Budget
The emotional cost
Move or improve?
CH 2: LOCATING SUITABLE CANDIDATES
Know who you are looking for
Sources of leads
Lining up prospects
Who do you hire first - architect or contractor?
Is “design/build” the ideal solution?
CH 3: SELECTING THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR FOR YOU
Phase one - Contact the list of candidates
a) On checking credentials
b) Initial interviews
i) Questions on business basics
ii) Questions specific to your job
iii) Questions about customer relations
c) Some additional considerations
i) Architect/designer
ii) Contractor
Phase two - Checking references
a) Client references
i) General questions
ii) Specific questions on the work
iii) Customer relations & warranty questions
b) Business references
c) Visiting past and present projects
Phase three - The short list
a) Comparing bids
b) Making the final choice/confirmation
Important note on insurance
CH 4: CONTRACTS
What a contract should include
“Cash deals”
CH 5: SCAMS
Targeting gender and age
Never-never land
CH 6: SURVIVING THE PROCESS
Minimizing disruption
Making the relationship work
a) The human touch
b) Paperwork
c) Keep communication lines open
d) Work schedule
e) Payment schedule
f) Change orders
g) Regular inspections
h) “Punch” and “deficiency” lists
i) Final approvals
j) Security alert
When problems occur
Resolving disputes
Why do so many projects go beyond estimated cost?
CH 7: ACTING AS YOUR OWN GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Hiring a construction manager
CH 8: GLOSSARY OF TERMS
INDEX
To read a sample excerpt from the book, click here.
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