A GOOD BUILDER/BUYER RELATIONSHIP In professional relationships-whether in choosing a family doctor, a builder, or attorney-information provided by references, reviews of previous projects, and comparisons of similar work is evaluated thoroughly before a contract is signed.
HIGH-QUALITY WORKMANSHIP AND MATERIALS Quality is both visible and invisible. Visible quality is seen in a clean, organized work site, the degree of on-the-job supervision, and organization of the trades at each site. Invisible quality is seen in such items as insulation with maximum R-values, room designs adapted by sound engineers to reduce echoing, and superior structural materials.
GOOD COMMUNICATION Both the homeowner and builder will benefit by listening and responding to each others ideas and feelings. Two-way understanding is critical because many decisions are made after the contract has been signed. When both builder and owners seek input-and practical solutions-the finished home benefits.
PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS All home-building projects pose problems; more complex projects mean more complex problems. A successful home-building experience involves negotiating the challenges along the way, while not losing sight of the final destination.
THE WELL-BUILT HOME When construction has ended, everything in the new home should work, and the builder should no longer be needed. After the builder has addressed everything on the final punch-out list (the "to-do" list of odds and ends that is part of home completion), no callbacks to the builder should be necessary.
EVERYONE WINS Successful home building is a win-win situation. It means a win for the customer, who is happy with the beautiful new home, and a win for the builder, whose artistry is apparent. The dream, once an idea, is now a reality.
