Ask the Builder Q: What is the difference between pre- and post-consumer recycled content? A: An increasing number of building materials, such as flooring, contain some amount of recycled (instead of “virgin”) content. Pre-consumer content is material that is recovered from a manufacturing process, such as sawdust from a lumber mill; post-consumer content is material […]
Ask the Builder Q: What is the difference between markup and profit margin? A: Markup is what a builder adds to the price of an item, such as an appliance or lumber order, to cover overhead costs and achieve a reasonable profit margin on the project. The profit margin is what the builder makes on […]
Ask the Builder Q: What’s the most effective way to save energy? A: Meaningful and impactful energy efficiency requires a comprehensive approach and commitment from the home’s design through construction and including the homeowners’ lifestyle habits. Picking one method or material, such as attic insulation or high-performance windows, is a step in the right direction, […]
Ask the Builder Q: What is a “homeowner’s manual”? A: A homeowner’s manual is a printed document that helps orient a client to their new home. It outlines policies and procedures for after-the-sale questions and requests. It includes warranty paperwork and user and maintenance manuals for appliances, heating and cooling equipment, and other products and […]
Ask the Builder Q: What’s a “change order”? A: A change order is a request to alter or substitute a product or design feature that has already been approved, delivered, or installed. When you request a change, your builder will likely have a process in place to confirm the request and make sure it is […]
Ask the Builder Q: Am I liable for accidents that occur during the construction of my house? A: In most cases, no. Professional builders and their subcontractors carry liability and worker’s compensation insurance against job site accidents. In addition, they are regulated by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), as well as their […]
Ask the Builder Q: How durable are today’s homes? A: New or newly remodeled homes can be just as durable as older ones, but they must be correctly detailed. There is less room for error than in the past, thanks to code-mandated insulation and air sealing for new buildings and remodels. This reduced tolerance is […]
Ask the Builder Q: How does liability insurance protect homeowners? A: General liability covers claims for damage caused by defective work. For instance, if the roof wasn’t flashed properly and leaks onto the carpet, the roofer’s general liability policy should cover the cost to fix the carpet. Fixing the leak should be covered by the […]
Ask the Builder Q: Does stainless steel vary in appearance? A: Yes. Stainless steel used in kitchen appliances may have a warmer or cooler hue depending on the nickel content. With this in mind, a homeowner may want to take a sample of the cabinet or wall color to the appliance showroom to see which […]
Ask the Builder Q: What is an escalation clause? A: This is where the customer agrees to pay for product price increases that happen between contract signing and the start of construction. Escalation clauses tend to appear when there’s high price volatility for a given building material (such as lumber). The decision to sign or […]