Mistakes Happen in Construction

Hello!

Welcome to the first issue of Owner Notes, a free newsletter for homeowners planning a custom home. Each week, we'll focus on a specific subject that helps homeowners prepare for the project.

Mistakes Happen

In a project as big as a house, mistakes and problems are inevitable. This could include:

The survey was incorrect
The wrong materials were ordered
Billing was miscalculated
A worker damaged pipes
The homeowner's expectations weren't clear
A window doesn't fit a rough opening

At the heart of these issues is money. When mistakes need to be corrected, that work doesn't happen for free. If the construction team is responsible, they will fix any mistakes at no cost to the homeowner. This is common and easy to navigate.

Problems arise when there is ambiguity. Imagine a carpenter building an entry bench. Once it's done, the owner doesn't like it and wants new version. Who will pay for that work? These instances can lead to awkward conversations, delays, and strained relationships.

What To Do

Talk openly and honestly with your GC. Ask about the source of any problem and how it could have been prevented. Work toward resolving the money issue by identifying the source of the problem.
Understand that, as the owner, you have the potential to cause problems through miscommunication or ambiguity. If you didn't communicate your expectations clearly, or changed direction without notice, you may bear some responsibility for corrections.
Set the team up for success. Document and communicate your expectations and specifications in the building plans and elsewhere. Remove as much ambiguity as possible.
Assume positive intent. Most mistakes are not part of a nefarious plot to undermine the project. They happen, and the best you can do is expect them, recover quickly, and keep moving.
Consider legal action only as a last resort. You and the GC should be able to work through most issues.

Quote from a homeowner:

Not everything's gonna be perfect. There are going to be mistakes. When our foundation was poured, we had vents in the walls that help the crawlspace breathe. One of the vents was placed in the concrete crooked and it would have been a pain to fix and it would have pushed the schedule out even further. So I said, you know, I’m just going to let it go. I reviewed it with the concrete contractor and we agreed that he’d give me a big credit on my final bill. Sometimes you have to be willing to compromise. In the end, nobody has noticed my crooked foundation vent. It’s covered by shrubs.

-- Homeowner and architect Matt from a Build Livable interview

That's what I have for now. See you next week!

Lee LeFever, Build Livable

Build Livable helps homeowners navigate custom home construction. Learn More.

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