subject: Quality Counts! -How Will You Know Good From Bad In Building Your Own Home [print this page] Author: Karl Duncan Author: Karl Duncan
From frequent questions I get from my clients, the most centers around quality. As an owner builder building your own home, naturally you want to ensure a quality product. But, how do
you do that? Are you alone responsible, and how do you judge it? Purchasing a packaged or kit home does not ensure quality. For the most part, the achievement of the quality you seek will be a direct result of the professionals you surround yourself with. Add to this the use of quality building materials, a properly engineered structure, well-prepared blueprints, and periodic inspections by the building department and you have a winning combination. BEGIN BY ENLISTING A COACH - KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR Chances are, when you're properly prepared with the right people around you, your final product (your home) has a good chance to be of higher quality than many homes built by General Contractors. Better materials, better construction methods, and more personal attention can lift you above the shortcuts and omissions found with many builders who are looking to cut costs at your expense. Most likely you wont be able to achieve this on your own, however. Using a homebuilding coach is critical. We recommend this for everyone taking on their own projects. Your coach will help you prepare well and inspect well. Here's how: The Blueprints a.k.a. A Good Set Of House Plans A good starting point for your project is a sound house plan. Your blueprints need to be well prepared, easily understood, drawn to codes, and building materials specified clearly. Purchase The Highest Quality Building Materials You Can Afford Whenever your budget allows, you should exceed the requirements of the codes. This can give you a sturdier home, a more efficient home, a "greener" home, and a more comfortable home. These building materials choices will be made during the creation of your house plans.
A Level and Square Foundation on Solid Ground Is The Goal Cement of good quality and bearing the ISO seal along with level and square forms are important. But, you will also need to consider the ground your foundation sits on. Testing the soil is critical to a good foundation, just as a good foundation is critical to a proper house structure. Use a soils engineering firm. Your building department should require this. The Quality Of The Framing is Found in the Materials and the Labor The framing is also identified as the skeleton of the house and it holds up the body of your home. Consider SIP (structural insulated panels), ICF (cement and foam block) walls, or Kiln-Dried framing. There are many choices and this is something to discuss with your coach during preparations. A good Kit Home package can help. The Lowest Bids More Often Equates to Poor Labor Usually, quality will not found in the lowest bid. Always get at least 3 bids for each phase of construction. Always get references for each subcontractor you use. Always check those references before hiring the sub. And use your coach and inspectors to monitor the work. Again, the goal is to get the lowest but most complying bid and this is usually in the middle of the pack.
CONCLUSION
Quality is an all-inclusive discipline. It's not achieved by demanding one single requirement. It's not achieved by just purchasing a kit home. Yet, when you put these steps together, with a good system in place to guide you, you'll be able to achieve the quality you want.
You can be a successful owner builder. It starts with the preparation and setting up the proper structure for your entire project. We heartily recommend a complete management system for the owner builder that includes a homebuilding coach. Do a lot of research and solicit the help of professionals. It's that important.About the Author:
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