
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, March 25, 1990                   TAG: 9003310063
SECTION: TODAY'S HOME                    PAGE: TH6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: David Meador
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

IT TAKES RIGHT CONTRACTOR TO BUILD SATISFACTION

Choosing a contractor may not be as important as choosing a spouse, but as with marriage, choosing the right one can make life seem much sweeter.

The key to a successful relationship is communication. You and your builder must feel comfortable with each other. Building a house is a long-term goal, filled with decisions that the builder must lead the homeowner through.

"Before you look for a builder, you need to know what you are trying to accomplish," said Steve Strauss, president of the Roanoke Valley Home Builders Association (RVHBA). "The builder you eventually choose may depend upon the type of house you want to build and where you want to build it."

If the house you want to build is a complex design, look for a builder with the experience to carry out the plans. Some builders specialize in more complicated designs, "the difference between a house painter and a fine artist," said Strauss.

Making a decision based upon the lowest bid may be the least reliable method for choosing a contractor, he said. First of all, it is difficult to compare what you're getting from one contractor with that of another. With a couple thousand components in a house, there are many choices in materials. Two houses that look superficially the same may have widely different costs if upgraded materials were used in one, such as heavier roofing shingles, a more efficient heating system, thicker underlayment for the floors.

What you are purchasing from a building contractor is more than a product (the house), but a service. Ultimately, it may be the efficiency and sensitivity of the contractor to your desires that will play the largest role in whether you are satisfied.

The builder must lead you through the maze of decisions, and can offer reliable advice about design and materials.

Most home builders end up finding a builder through word of mouth, said Strauss. And, although that may not be a quick and easy method, it is based on homeowners' actual experience.

Another way to narrow the choices among builders is to ride around and look at houses under construction that look similar to the one you are thinking of building. "The name of the builder is on the building permit on the job site," said Strauss.

The RVHBA can provide you with a list of builders and remodelers. Not all good builders in the area belong to the organization, but the ones who do generally subscribe to certain standards of quality and service.

Once you have the names of several possible builders, it is entirely appropriate to ask them for references. Visit the homes they have built and talk to the owners.

Inquire about the warranty the builder offers. A number of builders who belong to the RVHBA subscribe to the HOW (Home Owners Warranty) program, which offers the following:

The builder warrants the home for one year against faulty workmanship and materials and for two years against major structural defects in major systems (wiring, plumbing, heating and cooling and mechanical systems).

In years three through 10, the builder's insurance covers the cost to repair major structural defects.

There is no-cost dispute settlement procedure to resolve disagreements between the homeowner and builder over the warranty coverage.

The builder has an insurer to stand behind the warranty obligation if the builder goes out of business.

Any portion of the warranty and insurance program that is still in effect is transferable to the new owner when the home is sold.

A contractor will provide the following benefits:

One person is responsible for all phases of the job from start to finish - supplies, labor, and material, along with scheduling and coordinating the work.

Assures that the work is done according to specifications.

May obtain materials at lower prices than an individual can.

Obtains all permits and is responsible for arranging the inspections required by law; pays the bills; complies with Social Security, workman's compensation and other local, state and federal regulations.

Saves the homeowner time by providing day-to-day supervision.

by CNB