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BUILDERS - putting it together.

The builder's business

The construction phase of building a home can sometimes cause a little or lot of stress. Fortunately, problems can be minimized through clear expectations on your part and good communication between you and the builder. Work the builder may perform include:
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Scheduling subcontractors
Most builders rely primarily on the expertise of independent subcontractors. Subcontractors specialize in building specific components of home construction (e.g., roofing or concrete). The fact that subcontractors work for multiple builders makes scheduling them an important aspect. The builder coordinates each subcontractor with the scheduling for other subcontractors.
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Coordinating subcontractors and suppliers
Subcontractors overlap one another at many phases of construction and often must work together to accomplish tasks. The builder manages cooperation among the subcontractors.
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Supervising the job site
The builder or a foreman hired by the builder helps supervise subcontractors and make sure their work is completed correctly and on schedule. The builder mediates, disputes and resolves any problems and conflicts among the subcontractors.
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Administration
Every new home carries with it a lot of paperwork. Administrative responsibilities for the builder typically include tracking job costs, preparing bank draw slips, initiating warranty records, maintaining files and arranging for inspections.
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Communication with the buyer
The builder should keep the buyer informed about progress on the site. Communication may take place by telephone, at the job site, in the builder's office or a convenient place near the job. A builder also guides the buyer through the process for making decisions about allowance items (e.g., fixtures and appliances) for the home. Thousands of items must be coordinated within a specific time-line, careful consideration should be given for an adequate amount of time to purchase the items the buyer selects for a new home.