*
I am new to the contracting business. I have built seven houses in the past two years. One problem that I have is scheduling and time frame. If any of you more experienced guys have learned how to deal with these problems in a more efficient and effective way, I am in need of any advice.
Of the seven houses, four have been custom homes and three have been spec homes. One very hard lesson I have learned is that everything has to be spelled out in the contract. I have argued and argued with homeowners about what is standard and what is a change order. I am always giving in to the homeowner, in fear of them holding back monies or as a gift for delays in the project. I have had it. No matter how much I give in, they are still unsatisfied when they move in. Several homeowners have told me that they are happy with quality and workmanship, and they feel that they are getting a well built home. Months after I have left, they all say, they are pleased with the end result. I bend over backwards for these people.
The biggest complaint is always time frame. My biggest complaint is always the customer not seeing the value in the changes that I make, and therefore they think it is included in the original contract.
I could go on for days, but does anyone know where I can get a detailed list of things that would be included in a contract? I need to be more dtailed regarding every facet of the project. I need these customers to see the value in what I am giving them, and I need them to see what sets me above the competition. One purchaser on one of my spec homes said, “I looked all over this area, and I could not find a house with this much value.” He still complained that I did not spend at least $250 on the celing fans in each the master bedroom and living room area.
I just can’t please them.
Replies
*
I am new to the contracting business. I have built seven houses in the past two years. One problem that I have is scheduling and time frame. If any of you more experienced guys have learned how to deal with these problems in a more efficient and effective way, I am in need of any advice.
Of the seven houses, four have been custom homes and three have been spec homes. One very hard lesson I have learned is that everything has to be spelled out in the contract. I have argued and argued with homeowners about what is standard and what is a change order. I am always giving in to the homeowner, in fear of them holding back monies or as a gift for delays in the project. I have had it. No matter how much I give in, they are still unsatisfied when they move in. Several homeowners have told me that they are happy with quality and workmanship, and they feel that they are getting a well built home. Months after I have left, they all say, they are pleased with the end result. I bend over backwards for these people.
The biggest complaint is always time frame. My biggest complaint is always the customer not seeing the value in the changes that I make, and therefore they think it is included in the original contract.
I could go on for days, but does anyone know where I can get a detailed list of things that would be included in a contract? I need to be more dtailed regarding every facet of the project. I need these customers to see the value in what I am giving them, and I need them to see what sets me above the competition. One purchaser on one of my spec homes said, "I looked all over this area, and I could not find a house with this much value." He still complained that I did not spend at least $250 on the celing fans in each the master bedroom and living room area.
I just can't please them.