May 5 - 11, 2000

By Bill Rauser

Given the personal and detailed nature of a renovation or new construction project, you will want to work with professionals who not only bring their expertise and reputation to the table, but their creativity and flexibility as well. In order to make sure things are done as you've always imagined they would be, you must give some thought to the different aspects of your construction project as you prepare to get things rolling.

The first thing to do is to decide how you will select your team. There are three ways: The “design-build” process, the “bid” process and the “team” process.

For those who choose the “design-build” process, you must keep in mind that the builder and architect are one and the same. Therefore, if you're told something can't be done, you may always wonder if that was the truth or just the easy route since builders often shy away from complex design requests.

If you choose to go with the “bid” process, the old saying, “you get what you pay for,” often proves to be a disappointment for the homeowner and often results in inferior (cheaper) materials and inexperienced project managers.

For those who choose the “team” process (which usually produces the best results), you will work with an architect to put your dreams on paper in a creative but “buildable” design. While it is still early in the process, it is a good idea to involve an experienced builder who welcomes the opportunity to build unique designs and to contribute ideas during design before construction estimates are finalized.

Regardless of which process you choose there are some factors to consider when you are researching architects and builders.  First, plain and simple, do you like the person you're interviewing?  Is he/she a sales agent or an owner?  Do you feel you can establish a productive relationship, rooted in open communication, with the management who will be responsible for your project? By answering these questions, you can determine how well your relationship will work throughout the project.

Also, be sure to evaluate the company or individual's experience and track record — specifically with the type of project you're considering. Years in business are only one indication of a good company. Check the references of home owners and subcontractors to evaluate professionalism, performance, and quality of work. Contact the Maryland Home Builders Association or the Maryland Home Improvement Commission. Research if the architect or builder sticks to a quote or comes in way over budget, despite no significant changes by the homeowner? Remember, an experienced builder offers a vast knowledge of materials, resources, and buying power that far exceeds that of an inexperienced builder or the do-it-yourselfer.

You should also be sure to ask who will be on site to manage your project and the level of his or her experience. Some builders are one-person companies that hire sub-contractors on an “as needed” basis.

Others are large companies with full-time employees and overhead to cover.  And, still others, are small enough for hands-on management by a company principal, yet large enough to have ongoing relationships with subcontractors and a modest full-time staff to ensure the project stays on track.

Remember, this project is your project. Select an architect and a builder who listen to you and who welcome your ideas and questions. A builder who welcomes working with an architect is usually more flexible and confident.  Also, see if the architect and builder will assist in the selection of your lot to ensure what you want to build is just right...from the very beginning.

Last but not least, evaluate the builder's warranty program. The most confident builders guarantee their own work for life and give you that warranty in writing.

Bill Rauser is president of Rauser Professional Contracting. He can be reached at 410-833-3883 or br@rauser.com.

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