Building a house is not an easy project to accomplish. There are many pitfalls along the way. In order to live the experience more serenely, some advice can help you avoid mistakes from the elaboration of the construction project to its implementation.
Before reading further, you should know that a building permit is mandatory for house construction. It is important to complete these administrative steps in advance to avoid surprises. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the things you need to be aware of when building a home.
1. Choose your home builder carefully
If you are actively looking for a builder to build your home, you will quickly realize that there is no shortage of choices in this sector. Choosing the contractor who will be in charge of the work is a crucial step not to be neglected. To choose the right contractor, keep in mind two essential criteria to support your choice:
- The company must have professional liability insurance.
- It must also have taken out ten-year insurance, which protects you from any possible defects, for 10 years.
- Word of mouth is also a reliable criterion for your decision because companies that do a satisfactory job are generally recognized and recommended.
2. Read the documents carefully before committing yourself
If you have found a company that has submitted a satisfactory quote, you will have to sign a contract that commits you to each other. However, beware of abusive clauses, which are more numerous than you might think! If reading the famous contract seems tedious, read it carefully from beginning to end to detect a possible doubtful clause.
The code of the consumption stipulates that “are abusive the clauses which have for object or effect to create, to the detriment of the nonprofessional or the consumer, a significant imbalance between the rights and obligations of the parties to the contract”. These unfair terms can be diverse, just as they can appear elsewhere than on the contract. They may appear on the quotation, an amendment to the contract, an order form or delivery note, etc. Hence the interest to read each line presented scrupulously on all the documents given by the contractor.
3. Subscribe to a damage insurance
Many homeowners forget to take out construction insurance, even though it is mandatory. Although this guarantee entails an additional cost of 2% to 5% of the total amount of the work, it allows you to be taken in charge and compensated in case of damage, which is well worth the additional cost. If, for example, your construction site is abandoned before the work is completed, the damage-work insurance will cover you, and you will be able to receive compensatory indemnities. The damage-work insurance is compulsory because it covers you in case of damage.
4. Accept the work according to the rules of the trade
The acceptance marks, in theory, the last step of your construction site, and you have been waiting for it. However, this step requires your full attention, as it involves combing every nook and cranny of your home to ensure that the work has been properly completed. Therefore, arm yourself with all the documents you have (estimate, invoice, contract, appendix(es), rider(s), letter(s), email exchanges, etc.) to make sure that everything is in accordance with what was agreed upon.
Observe each element in detail, and do not hesitate to handle some of them, such as radiators, hanging elements, handles, doors, windows, and even complaints, to make sure that everything is well fixed and that nothing is missing. If you notice that some elements need to be fine-tuned or even finished, make a note of it on the minutes. The contractor will be obliged to take your remarks into account and restore everything you have pointed out to him to lift what are called reservations.
5. Record up to 5% of the cost of the work
If you have identified unfinished items that you have noted in the minutes, you should know that you can deposit up to 5% of the amount of work agreed upon at the signing of the contract. To do so, you will have to contact your state, which is the organization authorized to receive consigned sums.
You will have to provide a certain number of documents relating to the work and the amount you wish to retain from the contractor’s remuneration. Once the reservations are lifted, you will have to return this amount to the contractor. Make sure that any repairs you have requested have been carried out.
Looking for help?
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They are here to give you the home of your dreams and help you every step of the way when it comes to building the said dream home. So, why are you waiting for? Call them today and make all your dreams become a reality with the help of their team of experts.
