Everyone has heard the expression, “want a divorce, then build a house”. Confusion happens when people, who try building a house, do not take the time to get organized. Here is a likely scenario:
You faithfully go to your house everyday, as you should, while it is being constructed. Things have gone well. The house has now reached it’s final stages of framing and the rough-in electrical and mechanical people have started installing equipment. The house is now “weathered” in and your attention is focusing on the finishes. The trim has arrived. You notice the trim is oak and you didn’t want oak. You wanted your house to have white “painted” trim. It has to be returned and credited while you and your “other” decide what sizes of trim are needed around the doors and windows and at the wall base. In the mean-time, the tile for the foyer has arrived and you have decided it would be nice if a design were located in the floor. Time will have to be spent creating a sketch that you like. Your “other” has to like it also. Meanwhile, the fireplace has started and the stone looks great, but, you guessed it. The gas fireplace was to have a wooden face. The builder tells us that it wouldn’t be a problem to replace the stone, but there are some wasted material. And he doesn’t feel like he should have to pay for that material since it was a special item and was not included in his base price. Plus, the change will include a “change order”. Just to fill out the form, this builder charges $50. MEANWHILE, the painters have to be called and placed on hold because of the delays. And it goes on……….. Changes will cost you time and money, and cause stress.
The specifications are organization. Everything hinges on organization. Without your specs, it will be a nightmare.
Your builder, if he is experienced, should have his own specifications (specs.) that you should review and edit. Or, create your own. Go from wall to wall in each room. Each room is hollow, except for the kitchen and bathrooms, so this should be easy. I give specs. out to all of my clients the first day they arrive. The specs need to be completed and turned into the builder TOGETHER with the house plans. Bids that you receive with out your specs., are not accurate.
If you completed a set of specs. and had given it to your builder containing photos of your fireplace in it, there would be no conversation as to who was going to pay for the wasted material.