There is an ancient proverb that says, “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?” I suppose it’s because I’m a builder, but I can relate to this bit of wisdom. It’s a...
A cost-plus contract differs from a fixed-price contract in that it takes the actual cost of building the home and adds a fee for the builder’s overhead and management. This fee can be either a lump sum (flat fee) or a percentage of total costs. Of course, neither you...
A fixed-price contract is one in which the plans, specifications, and all of the materials and finishes are fully determined (fixed) before you start construction on your new home. A cost-plus contract takes all the costs of the home and adds either a percentage of...
One of the best things a homeowner can do is to thoughtfully consider the difference between needs and wants. It’s more difficult than it sounds. For example, something that is considered a need to one family member may not be viewed that way by another. Sorting...
When a couple buys or builds a home, they always seem to pay a lot of attention to the kitchen. With most couples, there’s usually one person who loves to cook; most often it’s the woman. But for everyone, male or female, young or old, the kitchen is one of the most...
Building a home is probably one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, so you’ll want to know where to put your money to get the most value for your investment. Here are seven areas to consider: Location: You’ve heard the adage “location, location, location.”...
