| "> | | | | But, owner builders are not without protection |
| Building a home is risky business. But, hey, life is | | | | even when they act as their own builders without |
| risky business. That doesn't stop us from living. | | | | using a General Contractor. Here's a strategy to |
| Nor should the risks involved in home building stop | | | | consider. |
| the dedicated home owner-builder. | | | | Owner Builders Have Alternatives |
| But, wise precautions are in order. | | | | First, there are insurance protections available to |
| Question: Who takes liability in an Owner Builder | | | | the home owner/owner builder. And, hiring a |
| project? | | | | home building coach can also help reduce the risk. |
| Answer: | | | | But, the best way to keep your risk to a |
| Naturally, homeowner builders seek protection and | | | | minimum is to: |
| recourse when they take on a home building | | | | |
| project of their own. What if something goes | | | | 1. Hire only licensed and bonded |
| wrong? Where is their protection? | | | | subcontractors...who are the ones doing all the |
| This is a very good question, and any owner | | | | actual work on your home anyway. |
| builder needs to understand this and the potential | | | | 2. Buy home building materials that are guaranteed |
| risks associated with building or remodeling a | | | | by the manufacturers |
| home. And, even though risks can be mitigated | | | | 3. Make sure materials are installed exactly in |
| and minimized, they still exist. | | | | accordance to the manufacturers |
| Tradition General Contractor (GC) Protections | | | | recommendations. |
| In a traditional home building project where a GC | | | | Owner Builders who pass along the risk in this |
| is involved, their licensing and bonding is a guard | | | | manner enjoy protection against product defects |
| against problems as well as a potential remedy to | | | | and labor issues as well as have better control |
| fix them. These assurances aren't bulletproof, | | | | over the entire project. |
| however, as unscrupulous and incompetent GCs | | | | Do your research and seek legal counsel where |
| have been known to go out of business or "fly | | | | appropriate. |
| the coop" on people. | | | | |