December 12, 2023 • 23 mins
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a successful homebuilding and remodeling process? This enlightening episode provides you a one-way ticket into the world of residential construction, with yours truly, Chris Kirby, the proud owner of three thriving construction companies. Expect to gain practical insights into the importance of transparency and communication between clients and contractors. I'll also share my expertise on the necessity of written warranties for work done, and the significance of understanding payment schedules.
Together, we'll unlock the secrets of interior design and its role in a successful renovation project. Discover the nuances of creating a space that is as functional as it is beautiful, and learn how a skilled designer can navigate the overwhelming world of product selection. We'll reveal the benefits of having a designer on site to keep the vision on track and solve any issues that may arise, particularly for clients who can't be present during the project. Rounding off the episode, we'll discuss the harsh reality of construction accidents and the crucial role of client walkthroughs. Be ready to transform your understanding of the homebuilding and remodeling process. Follow us on social media and our YouTube channel for more. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
The Homebuilding and Remodeling Show.
Let's go.
Welcome everybody to theHomebuilding and Remodeling Show
.
My name is Chris Kirby and I'llbe your host.
(00:21):
I am the owner of threeconstruction companies on the
Alabama Gulf Coast.
The show is about residentialconstruction.
We're going to cover topics ofhomebuilding and remodeling.
Are you thinking of doing aremodel or building a home?
Are you a contractor looking toimprove your knowledge base or
grow your business?
Have you ever done a remodelproject or built a home?
(00:42):
There were so many things youwish you knew or that you could
have done differently during theprocess.
Then this show is for you.
We break down the process ofbuilding and remodeling and how
to have the best results duringyour project.
Whether you are a DIYer lookingfor tips, someone looking to
hire a contractor to do aproject, or a contractor looking
(01:04):
to expand your knowledge baseor your business, welcome aboard
.
Glad to have you.
Stay tuned.
We kick off the show with mythoughts on homebuilding and
remodeling.
I'll share best practices andtalk about some of our
experiences in business and outin the field.
These shared thoughts andlessons learned are meant to
help you on your very ownjourney.
(01:25):
Let's go materials where thoseare coming from, when they need
to be paid for and you have tobe as a as a client, you have to
be understanding of if yourcontractor has to buy again.
We live in the kitchen andbaths.
So if we're buying $30,000worth of cabinets and typically
(01:49):
they want half up front, halfwhen they're installed, as the
client you've got to beaccommodating, at least for the
material side.
On the labor side andprogression, if you're putting
together a progression schedulewhich means you want to do every
20%, or if you set a list ofitems that are completed and
(02:11):
then you get your, your paymentor your draw with the contractor
, you can do it that way.
That's a progression,progression schedule.
That's okay too, and that's itreally is going to depend on
your willingness to pay thecontractor and their needs as
far as their payroll andmaterial needs for the job.
(02:33):
Just talk about it, betransparent with it.
Sometimes as a client, you'revery sensitive to the money
you're putting for for theproject and not understanding
the needs and requirements ofwhat it takes to do the project.
And then also the contractor isjust as sensitive and wanting
(02:54):
to make sure that they're ableto cover their debts and pay
their people through theduration of the project and it
does cause some animosity.
I recommend just be open andtransparent about what you're
willing to pay and how you'rewilling to pay it, and and allow
the contractor to do the same,and usually you can meet in the
(03:15):
middle and it'll be okay.
As long as you're very openabout the communication about
payment and money on both sides,you'll be fine.
Number nine is do you have awarranty for your work?
This is important because thereare there's a difference in
labor type of warranties andthen manufacturer warranties for
(03:35):
the materials that's beinginstalled in your home.
Let's just say that you you buya product, that product should
come with a manufacturer'swarranty.
As long as the product isinstalled properly, you should
be covered under that warranty.
However, the labor side to thisis a labor warranty means.
(03:59):
Let's just say that for usagain, I can just reference our
remodels but if you dropsomething on the floor and crack
your tile, then that is nottypically covered.
You're gonna have to pay us tocome and fix that tile.
But if you're walking and weinstall a tile and didn't back
(04:19):
butter it enough and that tilecomes loose, then that should be
covered under the warranty.
That is something that we needto come out, we need to
investigate, we need to look atwhat happened.
Oh, I walked across the longerformat tile and it popped up and
those types of things are goingto happen.
It shouldn't be often, but whenit does, that's the type of
(04:41):
thing we mean.
When it's covered under a laborwarranty.
The installer didn't do, didn'tset it properly, that's covered
.
You drop, break something, it'snot covered.
How long does that warranty last?
That's important too.
So for us we have a one-yearwarranty.
You go into any of our projects.
They understand that up to ayear from when we did the
(05:04):
project, completed the project,they can call us and we will
come out and take at least takea look again.
Whose fault I shouldn't sayfault or who needs to cover the
item in question will bedictated by what the contractor
uncovers when they come out.
(05:24):
The thing is up to a year fromwhen we completed the project.
We should answer the phone,come out to your house and take
a look at the work that wasperformed.
Now it's an and it's along-term relationship.
When you're in a local communityit's not like well, as soon as
that year is over, don't call me.
(05:44):
You can't do that to peopleagain there could be.
You go out and they've theywant you to take a look at
something and it turns into morework or an extra job.
You just never know.
Be mindful of that.
You can't be rigid.
You do need to cut it off anddon't let people use and abuse
you as a contractor with yourwarranty.
But the first thing I guess isactually just making sure you
(06:07):
have a warranty and it iswritten expressed.
That is Number 10 is how acommunication be handled.
This is something that we havein our contracts that's also
written and expressed.
Whether or not it's acceptablefor you to do an approval via
electronic means, and what thatmeans is we use Buildbook as a
(06:28):
system of project.
It's a project based tool thatwe use to track projects and
document everything.
It's CRM tool used to documenteverything for a project.
Let's say, for instance, thatwe make a change or you want to
change material and it's a wayfor us to show you a picture of
(06:51):
the material and you candigitally approve that.
Is that an acceptable mean?
If we send you an email saying,hey, it's going to cost $200
extra, do you respond and say,yes, I approve.
And if you do that, then thatmeans that that is a commitment.
(07:11):
That change order has beenapproved by you.
What are the means ofcommunication?
Do you want snail mail?
You want it written down on acontract.
Wait for it to hit your mailboxand you sign it.
You send it back.
You do realistically need to beable to talk about that with
your contractor.
So again let's go.
Question number one are youlicensed and insured?
(07:32):
Question number two can youprovide references?
Question number three how longhave you been in business?
Question number four have youperformed similar work?
Question number five can youprovide a detailed estimate?
Question number six what isyour project timeline?
Question number seven will youprovide the necessary permits?
Question number eight what isyour payment schedule?
(07:53):
Question number nine do youprovide a warranty for your work
?
Question number ten how willcommunication be handled?
This is our new contractor shoutout segment.
We are going to pick 40contractors a month that tag
their business page in our poston the home building and
remodeling show facebook page.
And this month we have with usAlan Cameron interiors out of
(08:18):
Fairhope, alabama, double D'sroofing and restoration serving
the panhandle of Florida.
Creative craftsmanship out ofTampa, florida.
All-star lawn care andsoftwashing in Mobile, alabama
and JJ's painting out ofRochester, new York.
Thank you all for commenting onthe monthly post.
We will do another post nextmonth.
(08:39):
Like, subscribe and share ourfacebook page and hopefully you
get a shout out next time.
And now we move into shop talk.
It's the portion of the showwhere I bring in a co-host and
we cover trending topics in homebuilding and remodeling.
Hope you enjoy.
Let's go.
Monolithic means that we'redoing the poor all in one shot
(09:03):
the footers and the foundationand so in order for us to do
that anytime here that we do amonolithic poor, we have to have
a compaction test and we alsohave to get the, the soil tested
as well, right, not just the.
So talk to me about what thatlooks like.
(09:23):
So there's a company, a localcompany.
They are a geotechnical companyand what they do is they
actually do the.
You know they produce a soilreport, and so talk to me about
what just happened and kind of.
You know, as we're goingthrough this build and we're
getting approvals and stuffright, and then start with kind
(09:46):
of where we are in the buildwhich is ready, getting ready to
break ground right.
Speaker 2 (09:53):
We're surveyed out, staked out and before we
progressed with monolithic slab,we had a company called GeoCon
local company.
We actually take a sample ofthe sand dirt composition that
we're using to build up the slaband have them test it.
(10:13):
What they're looking for aredifferent the basically build up
of it as well as the density ofit.
Speaker 1 (10:19):
Yeah, just to make sure that it's going to work for
the footers and slab GotchaThroughout the build and that
came from, so our site guy who'sgoing to do our dirt work and
our foundation work.
He actually had to go get asample Right from the pit and
bring it to this company so theycould run basically a lab
(10:42):
report on it.
They could test it in the lab,okay, and the requirement it had
to be was 95% Okay that's forthe county.
Speaker 2 (10:50):
Anywhere in the county, anywhere in Bowling
County, is 95% density.
Speaker 1 (10:54):
Okay, and then basically what that means is the
sand was approved, it met thedensity requirement and now
we're gonna take that Sand andwe're gonna go use it for our
foundation, for our site workand stuff like that To build up
the house pad.
Now, is that the the end of thesoil report, or information?
(11:17):
What's the next part to that?
Speaker 2 (11:19):
So they tested in the lab for that.
But they also come out to theproject once the pad is ready
and do a actual Compaction testwhere they actually test how
hard that Preliminary area isjust to make sure it's adequate
for pouring footers andUltimately the slab yeah and so
(11:42):
we're sitting here ascontractors, as builders, right,
and we go through this stuffand you learn, guess what?
Speaker 1 (11:48):
you don't build a home until you build the first
one, right?
So, and we just finished our13th, okay, so we're getting
there, but and we've done plentyof home additions and stuff all
before we started buildingcustom homes.
So Usually that this is allinformation that people out in
(12:09):
the field and project managersand stuff are taking care of.
But on and go shore,specifically just because you
can't use the harder red, reddirt, some areas require you to
use that sand.
And I know me just as a Lamin,right, I'm thinking sand, you're
, you're, we're about to build ahouse on top of sand.
(12:31):
That's a, that's a wild conceptand but we're sitting here and
we're talking about Compactiontest and soil reports, right,
testing soil and and things likethat that it hits home the fact
that there's a lot more tobuilding a home than just Let me
(12:54):
get my construction loan, letme pick a contractor and and
let's get this thing going.
And you know, luckily, the moreyou use a company like GeoCon
and and stuff like that, thequicker they'll they'll respond,
they know you need help and andYou've used them a lot, so
Luckily they were able to turnthis thing around, and in a day
(13:16):
right.
It took them a day to test thisand stuff like that.
But that it's a part of ourprocess, where, if you don't
know this stuff right, if you'renot working with the right
builder or the right person,somebody who's going to take the
time to Talk you through thesesteps or do the pre-construction
with you, and you just go outand and try to build, what are
(13:37):
you going to do when the countytells you You've got the wrong
dirt on your lot.
You can't use the dirt that'sthere, that dirt's not approved
and, as a matter of fact,they'll find you Correct.
You cannot bring in the wrongdirt.
You know, and that's what wetry to do here is educate even
the consumer.
Right, we want?
This show is for DIYers, it'sfor people looking to enhance
(14:00):
their business, contractors whoare looking to get more
information.
But the bottom line is, ascontractors, we're learning
every day.
We are learning every day and,honestly, I don't think, with
the way that constructionadvances are happening,
innovation is happening, I don'tthink that we're ever going to
stop growing and learning andchanges are.
(14:21):
You know?
Look at the heat wave thatwe've got going on On top of
this.
It's 110 degrees, with the heatindex right, and everything
that we do is just magnifiedbecause of the weather
conditions, correct?
Well, that's climate change.
And now all this technology ishappening to make eco-friendly
(14:44):
products and every step we takethere is a new product, a new
way to build something, a newway to do it right.
And all of this stuff slowlygets implemented into the code
book.
And you went to a recent codemeeting and were they not
talking about all of the changes?
(15:06):
Just for, like, what was theenergy conservation and stuff
coming up?
Speaker 2 (15:09):
Correct.
Speaker 1 (15:10):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (15:11):
Yeah, it's first of all that everybody right now,
most, the majority of them areone code book behind.
Speaker 1 (15:20):
Yeah, they operate.
So, for instance, what Pete istalking about, all of our
municipalities in our countyright is operating.
Most of them, I say, areoperating out of the 2018.
I think we've got one or twothat have now jumped over to the
2021 IRC, but most areoperating in the 2018.
Speaker 2 (15:42):
Yeah, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are on the 2021.
And the plan is to haveeverybody when the 2024 comes
out.
Everybody's going to swap atthe same time, Right?
So everybody's on the same par,same level.
Speaker 1 (15:53):
So right now, we're kind of bypassing the 2021 in
some municipalities, but there'sa lot of reason for that and I
think they're trying to reel in.
There's just so much change inthe 21 compared to the 2018.
When it comes to energy codeand different things like that,
it makes it very hard for thehomeowner, the consumer, the
(16:16):
builder, the client likeeverybody, even the inspectors
to adopt such a large change.
Yep, Now we're going to moveinto the portion of the show
where we talk interior design.
We're going to bring in aninterior designer and we're
going to talk trending designand products.
Hope you enjoy.
Speaker 3 (16:37):
Let's go that you need to have done to actually be
able to use the space.
Speaker 1 (16:46):
Absolutely.
Speaker 3 (16:46):
And that's again yes, inspecting materials, making
sure that they're all ready tobe installed prior to that space
being empty and vacant.
Yes, absolutely so on theremodel side, with kitchens,
getting back to the design andlayout of it.
So one is navigating the design, getting that in place.
How are you going to use it?
What kind of appliances, whatcabinetry are we doing?
(17:08):
There's so many differentfacets to that.
The end of it, where thedesigner is going to be there to
help you navigate really what'sgoing to work for you, but also
the resources, if you just moveto the area?
are you going to know whatplaces to visit for stone?
Are you going to know whatcabinetry shops are best to work
(17:28):
with?
Speaker 1 (17:28):
Well, here's another one.
You help them navigate thelocation and let's just say they
walk in and I'm going to tellyou it is overwhelming sometimes
.
I mean you're going to walk inand you're going to have 500
different types of flooring.
Speaker 3 (17:43):
But what works?
Speaker 1 (17:44):
Yeah, right, exactly, and so a part of what you do is
you kind of zero in.
Once you learn the person inthe planning phase, you can zero
in right and it helps make thatselection process manageable.
And fun yes, and fun.
Speaker 3 (18:01):
I have so many clients they're all excited
about the project and then theydo exactly what you said they go
out and they attempt to goshopping and then it's
overwhelming.
Now they're frustrated.
They're dealing withsalespeople not designers not
people who really are workingaround them, their home, their
personality, and it's not funanymore.
(18:21):
And then it's overwhelming, andthen the money comes into it.
As a designer, our job reallyis to help you navigate all of
that and make the processenjoyable.
Speaker 1 (18:31):
And then, too, you mentioned, so for me it's great
because you zero in onselections to not be
overwhelming.
But you mentioned somethingelse you mentioned budget and a
designer that knows product,understands where they're not
going to walk you to a spacethat's not affordable or doesn't
fit with or present ideas, yes,yeah.
Speaker 3 (18:53):
And that is also part of having somebody who
specializes in their certainareas.
Like Chris mentioned, I'mkitchen and bath.
Speaker 1 (19:00):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (19:01):
That's my heart, that's my home, that's where I'm
happy, absolutely so.
I do know my product, I know mypricing.
I'm never going to guide aclient, within a certain budget,
to something that they fall inlove with and they're now
shattered because they can'tafford it.
And again now, it's not fine.
Speaker 1 (19:16):
Or even if they can afford it, right, it doesn't
make sense for the space.
Or they're like, yeah, I canafford it, but that's not what
we presented in the budget.
So it definitely takes talent,but it also takes experience and
time in the field.
And that's another thing tooDesign from the desk but being
(19:41):
on site at multiple pointsthroughout the remodel matters a
lot too.
Speaker 3 (19:45):
Well and being on site, especially for clients.
We have clients who have theirown jobs.
Speaker 1 (19:51):
Absolutely.
Speaker 3 (19:51):
They're not going to be available.
Speaker 1 (19:52):
So you're the eyes and ears.
Eyes and ears on the site.
Speaker 3 (19:57):
So, as a designer, we're also going to catch things
that need to be done or haven'tbeen done or aren't part of the
vision that maybe the tile guywasn't aware of.
Yes, ok.
Speaker 1 (20:07):
Listen and I love designers there's a reason that
we have all this in-house now,and it's to fix some of those
gaps.
It is very easy for you to walkin and be like where did that
come from?
What wait?
What is this?
Speaker 3 (20:21):
Right, you know, and it happened, yes, yes, but it
should happen, but that's whereit's a benefit Because in any
project, especially with akitchen or aisle, there's going
to be a lot of hands on thatproject.
It's inevitable you have peoplewho specialize in the plumbing,
the electric, the countertops,the cabinets, the flooring.
No one to two people are doingall of that.
Absolutely it really is anagglomeration of a lot of people
.
When you have that many people,there's no way that every
(20:45):
single finite detail they'regoing to know.
Speaker 1 (20:48):
Absolutely so.
You are the consistencythroughout the duration of the
project Correct, you keep thevision intact, the budget intact
, and then you actually managethe vision throughout the
duration, and so it gives theclient a lot of relief, and I
think that's the biggest point.
And some of them want a turnkeydesign.
(21:09):
Yes, right, and when I sayturnkey, that means they want to
be hands off.
Yes, and so they want an updated, nice space and they need to
trust that you know what you'redoing, Correct, so that goes
back to that niche, thatspecialty, and being able to
really guide them.
Once you learn what you kind ofthink their vision is, then
(21:30):
they're going to be like listen,I like what you said.
I do have a full-time job.
I want a new space.
Speaker 3 (21:36):
I trust or I don't live here locally there you go
Absolutely.
We have a lot we have a lot,especially on the curvy interior
design side, clients who are.
They don't live locally sothey're not able to open up the
house even to contractors orplumbers, and these are also
people.
A lot of the constructionworkers are not people that the
homeowner has met, so they wantto have somebody that they've
(21:58):
sat down with, they'veestablished a relationship with
being on site to open the doors,to close the doors to make sure
it's locked up and also to makesure that the job is being done
when it's supposed to be beingdone.
Absolutely, absolutely, yeah, wehelp navigate that too, not
just make things pretty.
Speaker 1 (22:12):
Yeah, ok, and so we were talking about you being the
mediator and being the eyes andears, and sometimes even when
the client is not in town.
So let's just say you've helpedthem pre-plan, you've got their
vision, you've had thecontractors come in, the
contractors are getting close tocompletion.
(22:33):
So, as the designer, as you'vecommunicated throughout the
duration of the project butlet's talk about maybe some best
practices as you're wrapping upprojects.
Speaker 3 (22:45):
Right.
So in any project I always talkclients walkthroughs after each
person, each individualcontractor is done with their
portion of work.
Speaker 1 (22:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (22:55):
That is a huge practice for me.
You never know.
Something accidentally gotdropped, they're dinged.
These are things that are goingto happen on any job site.
Sure To say that a job is goingto go 100% without something
happening.
I would love to have everexperienced that in the 20 years
I've been doing this.
Speaker 1 (23:10):
Sure Thanks for joining us today.
As always, we are grateful forour listeners and your continued
support.
Please subscribe to our YouTubechannel.
Follow us on social media viaFacebook, instagram and TikTok.
Get more info at our website,wwwthethombuildingshowcom.
(23:31):
And, as always, remember who weare the Homebuilding and
Remodeling Show.
The Homebuilding and Remodeling Show.
Let's go.
Welcome everybody to theHomebuilding and Remodeling Show
.
My name is Chris Kirby and I'llbe your host.
(00:21):
I am the owner of threeconstruction companies on the
Alabama Gulf Coast.
The show is about residentialconstruction.
We're going to cover topics ofhomebuilding and remodeling.
Are you thinking of doing aremodel or building a home?
Are you a contractor looking toimprove your knowledge base or
grow your business?
Have you ever done a remodelproject or built a home?
(00:42):
There were so many things youwish you knew or that you could
have done differently during theprocess.
Then this show is for you.
We break down the process ofbuilding and remodeling and how
to have the best results duringyour project.
Whether you are a DIYer lookingfor tips, someone looking to
hire a contractor to do aproject, or a contractor looking
(01:04):
to expand your knowledge baseor your business, welcome aboard
.
Glad to have you.
Stay tuned.
We kick off the show with mythoughts on homebuilding and
remodeling.
I'll share best practices andtalk about some of our
experiences in business and outin the field.
These shared thoughts andlessons learned are meant to
help you on your very ownjourney.
(01:25):
Let's go materials where thoseare coming from, when they need
to be paid for and you have tobe as a as a client, you have to
be understanding of if yourcontractor has to buy again.
We live in the kitchen andbaths.
So if we're buying $30,000worth of cabinets and typically
(01:49):
they want half up front, halfwhen they're installed, as the
client you've got to beaccommodating, at least for the
material side.
On the labor side andprogression, if you're putting
together a progression schedulewhich means you want to do every
20%, or if you set a list ofitems that are completed and
(02:11):
then you get your, your paymentor your draw with the contractor
, you can do it that way.
That's a progression,progression schedule.
That's okay too, and that's itreally is going to depend on
your willingness to pay thecontractor and their needs as
far as their payroll andmaterial needs for the job.
(02:33):
Just talk about it, betransparent with it.
Sometimes as a client, you'revery sensitive to the money
you're putting for for theproject and not understanding
the needs and requirements ofwhat it takes to do the project.
And then also the contractor isjust as sensitive and wanting
(02:54):
to make sure that they're ableto cover their debts and pay
their people through theduration of the project and it
does cause some animosity.
I recommend just be open andtransparent about what you're
willing to pay and how you'rewilling to pay it, and and allow
the contractor to do the same,and usually you can meet in the
(03:15):
middle and it'll be okay.
As long as you're very openabout the communication about
payment and money on both sides,you'll be fine.
Number nine is do you have awarranty for your work?
This is important because thereare there's a difference in
labor type of warranties andthen manufacturer warranties for
(03:35):
the materials that's beinginstalled in your home.
Let's just say that you you buya product, that product should
come with a manufacturer'swarranty.
As long as the product isinstalled properly, you should
be covered under that warranty.
However, the labor side to thisis a labor warranty means.
(03:59):
Let's just say that for usagain, I can just reference our
remodels but if you dropsomething on the floor and crack
your tile, then that is nottypically covered.
You're gonna have to pay us tocome and fix that tile.
But if you're walking and weinstall a tile and didn't back
(04:19):
butter it enough and that tilecomes loose, then that should be
covered under the warranty.
That is something that we needto come out, we need to
investigate, we need to look atwhat happened.
Oh, I walked across the longerformat tile and it popped up and
those types of things are goingto happen.
It shouldn't be often, but whenit does, that's the type of
(04:41):
thing we mean.
When it's covered under a laborwarranty.
The installer didn't do, didn'tset it properly, that's covered
.
You drop, break something, it'snot covered.
How long does that warranty last?
That's important too.
So for us we have a one-yearwarranty.
You go into any of our projects.
They understand that up to ayear from when we did the
(05:04):
project, completed the project,they can call us and we will
come out and take at least takea look again.
Whose fault I shouldn't sayfault or who needs to cover the
item in question will bedictated by what the contractor
uncovers when they come out.
(05:24):
The thing is up to a year fromwhen we completed the project.
We should answer the phone,come out to your house and take
a look at the work that wasperformed.
Now it's an and it's along-term relationship.
When you're in a local communityit's not like well, as soon as
that year is over, don't call me.
(05:44):
You can't do that to peopleagain there could be.
You go out and they've theywant you to take a look at
something and it turns into morework or an extra job.
You just never know.
Be mindful of that.
You can't be rigid.
You do need to cut it off anddon't let people use and abuse
you as a contractor with yourwarranty.
But the first thing I guess isactually just making sure you
(06:07):
have a warranty and it iswritten expressed.
That is Number 10 is how acommunication be handled.
This is something that we havein our contracts that's also
written and expressed.
Whether or not it's acceptablefor you to do an approval via
electronic means, and what thatmeans is we use Buildbook as a
(06:28):
system of project.
It's a project based tool thatwe use to track projects and
document everything.
It's CRM tool used to documenteverything for a project.
Let's say, for instance, thatwe make a change or you want to
change material and it's a wayfor us to show you a picture of
(06:51):
the material and you candigitally approve that.
Is that an acceptable mean?
If we send you an email saying,hey, it's going to cost $200
extra, do you respond and say,yes, I approve.
And if you do that, then thatmeans that that is a commitment.
(07:11):
That change order has beenapproved by you.
What are the means ofcommunication?
Do you want snail mail?
You want it written down on acontract.
Wait for it to hit your mailboxand you sign it.
You send it back.
You do realistically need to beable to talk about that with
your contractor.
So again let's go.
Question number one are youlicensed and insured?
(07:32):
Question number two can youprovide references?
Question number three how longhave you been in business?
Question number four have youperformed similar work?
Question number five can youprovide a detailed estimate?
Question number six what isyour project timeline?
Question number seven will youprovide the necessary permits?
Question number eight what isyour payment schedule?
(07:53):
Question number nine do youprovide a warranty for your work
?
Question number ten how willcommunication be handled?
This is our new contractor shoutout segment.
We are going to pick 40contractors a month that tag
their business page in our poston the home building and
remodeling show facebook page.
And this month we have with usAlan Cameron interiors out of
(08:18):
Fairhope, alabama, double D'sroofing and restoration serving
the panhandle of Florida.
Creative craftsmanship out ofTampa, florida.
All-star lawn care andsoftwashing in Mobile, alabama
and JJ's painting out ofRochester, new York.
Thank you all for commenting onthe monthly post.
We will do another post nextmonth.
(08:39):
Like, subscribe and share ourfacebook page and hopefully you
get a shout out next time.
And now we move into shop talk.
It's the portion of the showwhere I bring in a co-host and
we cover trending topics in homebuilding and remodeling.
Hope you enjoy.
Let's go.
Monolithic means that we'redoing the poor all in one shot
(09:03):
the footers and the foundationand so in order for us to do
that anytime here that we do amonolithic poor, we have to have
a compaction test and we alsohave to get the, the soil tested
as well, right, not just the.
So talk to me about what thatlooks like.
(09:23):
So there's a company, a localcompany.
They are a geotechnical companyand what they do is they
actually do the.
You know they produce a soilreport, and so talk to me about
what just happened and kind of.
You know, as we're goingthrough this build and we're
getting approvals and stuffright, and then start with kind
(09:46):
of where we are in the buildwhich is ready, getting ready to
break ground right.
Speaker 2 (09:53):
We're surveyed out, staked out and before we
progressed with monolithic slab,we had a company called GeoCon
local company.
We actually take a sample ofthe sand dirt composition that
we're using to build up the slaband have them test it.
(10:13):
What they're looking for aredifferent the basically build up
of it as well as the density ofit.
Speaker 1 (10:19):
Yeah, just to make sure that it's going to work for
the footers and slab GotchaThroughout the build and that
came from, so our site guy who'sgoing to do our dirt work and
our foundation work.
He actually had to go get asample Right from the pit and
bring it to this company so theycould run basically a lab
(10:42):
report on it.
They could test it in the lab,okay, and the requirement it had
to be was 95% Okay that's forthe county.
Speaker 2 (10:50):
Anywhere in the county, anywhere in Bowling
County, is 95% density.
Speaker 1 (10:54):
Okay, and then basically what that means is the
sand was approved, it met thedensity requirement and now
we're gonna take that Sand andwe're gonna go use it for our
foundation, for our site workand stuff like that To build up
the house pad.
Now, is that the the end of thesoil report, or information?
(11:17):
What's the next part to that?
Speaker 2 (11:19):
So they tested in the lab for that.
But they also come out to theproject once the pad is ready
and do a actual Compaction testwhere they actually test how
hard that Preliminary area isjust to make sure it's adequate
for pouring footers andUltimately the slab yeah and so
(11:42):
we're sitting here ascontractors, as builders, right,
and we go through this stuffand you learn, guess what?
Speaker 1 (11:48):
you don't build a home until you build the first
one, right?
So, and we just finished our13th, okay, so we're getting
there, but and we've done plentyof home additions and stuff all
before we started buildingcustom homes.
So Usually that this is allinformation that people out in
(12:09):
the field and project managersand stuff are taking care of.
But on and go shore,specifically just because you
can't use the harder red, reddirt, some areas require you to
use that sand.
And I know me just as a Lamin,right, I'm thinking sand, you're
, you're, we're about to build ahouse on top of sand.
(12:31):
That's a, that's a wild conceptand but we're sitting here and
we're talking about Compactiontest and soil reports, right,
testing soil and and things likethat that it hits home the fact
that there's a lot more tobuilding a home than just Let me
(12:54):
get my construction loan, letme pick a contractor and and
let's get this thing going.
And you know, luckily, the moreyou use a company like GeoCon
and and stuff like that, thequicker they'll they'll respond,
they know you need help and andYou've used them a lot, so
Luckily they were able to turnthis thing around, and in a day
(13:16):
right.
It took them a day to test thisand stuff like that.
But that it's a part of ourprocess, where, if you don't
know this stuff right, if you'renot working with the right
builder or the right person,somebody who's going to take the
time to Talk you through thesesteps or do the pre-construction
with you, and you just go outand and try to build, what are
(13:37):
you going to do when the countytells you You've got the wrong
dirt on your lot.
You can't use the dirt that'sthere, that dirt's not approved
and, as a matter of fact,they'll find you Correct.
You cannot bring in the wrongdirt.
You know, and that's what wetry to do here is educate even
the consumer.
Right, we want?
This show is for DIYers, it'sfor people looking to enhance
(14:00):
their business, contractors whoare looking to get more
information.
But the bottom line is, ascontractors, we're learning
every day.
We are learning every day and,honestly, I don't think, with
the way that constructionadvances are happening,
innovation is happening, I don'tthink that we're ever going to
stop growing and learning andchanges are.
(14:21):
You know?
Look at the heat wave thatwe've got going on On top of
this.
It's 110 degrees, with the heatindex right, and everything
that we do is just magnifiedbecause of the weather
conditions, correct?
Well, that's climate change.
And now all this technology ishappening to make eco-friendly
(14:44):
products and every step we takethere is a new product, a new
way to build something, a newway to do it right.
And all of this stuff slowlygets implemented into the code
book.
And you went to a recent codemeeting and were they not
talking about all of the changes?
(15:06):
Just for, like, what was theenergy conservation and stuff
coming up?
Speaker 2 (15:09):
Correct.
Speaker 1 (15:10):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (15:11):
Yeah, it's first of all that everybody right now,
most, the majority of them areone code book behind.
Speaker 1 (15:20):
Yeah, they operate.
So, for instance, what Pete istalking about, all of our
municipalities in our countyright is operating.
Most of them, I say, areoperating out of the 2018.
I think we've got one or twothat have now jumped over to the
2021 IRC, but most areoperating in the 2018.
Speaker 2 (15:42):
Yeah, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are on the 2021.
And the plan is to haveeverybody when the 2024 comes
out.
Everybody's going to swap atthe same time, Right?
So everybody's on the same par,same level.
Speaker 1 (15:53):
So right now, we're kind of bypassing the 2021 in
some municipalities, but there'sa lot of reason for that and I
think they're trying to reel in.
There's just so much change inthe 21 compared to the 2018.
When it comes to energy codeand different things like that,
it makes it very hard for thehomeowner, the consumer, the
(16:16):
builder, the client likeeverybody, even the inspectors
to adopt such a large change.
Yep, Now we're going to moveinto the portion of the show
where we talk interior design.
We're going to bring in aninterior designer and we're
going to talk trending designand products.
Hope you enjoy.
Speaker 3 (16:37):
Let's go that you need to have done to actually be
able to use the space.
Speaker 1 (16:46):
Absolutely.
Speaker 3 (16:46):
And that's again yes, inspecting materials, making
sure that they're all ready tobe installed prior to that space
being empty and vacant.
Yes, absolutely so on theremodel side, with kitchens,
getting back to the design andlayout of it.
So one is navigating the design, getting that in place.
How are you going to use it?
What kind of appliances, whatcabinetry are we doing?
(17:08):
There's so many differentfacets to that.
The end of it, where thedesigner is going to be there to
help you navigate really what'sgoing to work for you, but also
the resources, if you just moveto the area?
are you going to know whatplaces to visit for stone?
Are you going to know whatcabinetry shops are best to work
(17:28):
with?
Speaker 1 (17:28):
Well, here's another one.
You help them navigate thelocation and let's just say they
walk in and I'm going to tellyou it is overwhelming sometimes
.
I mean you're going to walk inand you're going to have 500
different types of flooring.
Speaker 3 (17:43):
But what works?
Speaker 1 (17:44):
Yeah, right, exactly, and so a part of what you do is
you kind of zero in.
Once you learn the person inthe planning phase, you can zero
in right and it helps make thatselection process manageable.
And fun yes, and fun.
Speaker 3 (18:01):
I have so many clients they're all excited
about the project and then theydo exactly what you said they go
out and they attempt to goshopping and then it's
overwhelming.
Now they're frustrated.
They're dealing withsalespeople not designers not
people who really are workingaround them, their home, their
personality, and it's not funanymore.
(18:21):
And then it's overwhelming, andthen the money comes into it.
As a designer, our job reallyis to help you navigate all of
that and make the processenjoyable.
Speaker 1 (18:31):
And then, too, you mentioned, so for me it's great
because you zero in onselections to not be
overwhelming.
But you mentioned somethingelse you mentioned budget and a
designer that knows product,understands where they're not
going to walk you to a spacethat's not affordable or doesn't
fit with or present ideas, yes,yeah.
Speaker 3 (18:53):
And that is also part of having somebody who
specializes in their certainareas.
Like Chris mentioned, I'mkitchen and bath.
Speaker 1 (19:00):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (19:01):
That's my heart, that's my home, that's where I'm
happy, absolutely so.
I do know my product, I know mypricing.
I'm never going to guide aclient, within a certain budget,
to something that they fall inlove with and they're now
shattered because they can'tafford it.
And again now, it's not fine.
Speaker 1 (19:16):
Or even if they can afford it, right, it doesn't
make sense for the space.
Or they're like, yeah, I canafford it, but that's not what
we presented in the budget.
So it definitely takes talent,but it also takes experience and
time in the field.
And that's another thing tooDesign from the desk but being
(19:41):
on site at multiple pointsthroughout the remodel matters a
lot too.
Speaker 3 (19:45):
Well and being on site, especially for clients.
We have clients who have theirown jobs.
Speaker 1 (19:51):
Absolutely.
Speaker 3 (19:51):
They're not going to be available.
Speaker 1 (19:52):
So you're the eyes and ears.
Eyes and ears on the site.
Speaker 3 (19:57):
So, as a designer, we're also going to catch things
that need to be done or haven'tbeen done or aren't part of the
vision that maybe the tile guywasn't aware of.
Yes, ok.
Speaker 1 (20:07):
Listen and I love designers there's a reason that
we have all this in-house now,and it's to fix some of those
gaps.
It is very easy for you to walkin and be like where did that
come from?
What wait?
What is this?
Speaker 3 (20:21):
Right, you know, and it happened, yes, yes, but it
should happen, but that's whereit's a benefit Because in any
project, especially with akitchen or aisle, there's going
to be a lot of hands on thatproject.
It's inevitable you have peoplewho specialize in the plumbing,
the electric, the countertops,the cabinets, the flooring.
No one to two people are doingall of that.
Absolutely it really is anagglomeration of a lot of people
.
When you have that many people,there's no way that every
(20:45):
single finite detail they'regoing to know.
Speaker 1 (20:48):
Absolutely so.
You are the consistencythroughout the duration of the
project Correct, you keep thevision intact, the budget intact
, and then you actually managethe vision throughout the
duration, and so it gives theclient a lot of relief, and I
think that's the biggest point.
And some of them want a turnkeydesign.
(21:09):
Yes, right, and when I sayturnkey, that means they want to
be hands off.
Yes, and so they want an updated, nice space and they need to
trust that you know what you'redoing, Correct, so that goes
back to that niche, thatspecialty, and being able to
really guide them.
Once you learn what you kind ofthink their vision is, then
(21:30):
they're going to be like listen,I like what you said.
I do have a full-time job.
I want a new space.
Speaker 3 (21:36):
I trust or I don't live here locally there you go
Absolutely.
We have a lot we have a lot,especially on the curvy interior
design side, clients who are.
They don't live locally sothey're not able to open up the
house even to contractors orplumbers, and these are also
people.
A lot of the constructionworkers are not people that the
homeowner has met, so they wantto have somebody that they've
(21:58):
sat down with, they'veestablished a relationship with
being on site to open the doors,to close the doors to make sure
it's locked up and also to makesure that the job is being done
when it's supposed to be beingdone.
Absolutely, absolutely, yeah, wehelp navigate that too, not
just make things pretty.
Speaker 1 (22:12):
Yeah, ok, and so we were talking about you being the
mediator and being the eyes andears, and sometimes even when
the client is not in town.
So let's just say you've helpedthem pre-plan, you've got their
vision, you've had thecontractors come in, the
contractors are getting close tocompletion.
(22:33):
So, as the designer, as you'vecommunicated throughout the
duration of the project butlet's talk about maybe some best
practices as you're wrapping upprojects.
Speaker 3 (22:45):
Right.
So in any project I always talkclients walkthroughs after each
person, each individualcontractor is done with their
portion of work.
Speaker 1 (22:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (22:55):
That is a huge practice for me.
You never know.
Something accidentally gotdropped, they're dinged.
These are things that are goingto happen on any job site.
Sure To say that a job is goingto go 100% without something
happening.
I would love to have everexperienced that in the 20 years
I've been doing this.
Speaker 1 (23:10):
Sure Thanks for joining us today.
As always, we are grateful forour listeners and your continued
support.
Please subscribe to our YouTubechannel.
Follow us on social media viaFacebook, instagram and TikTok.
Get more info at our website,wwwthethombuildingshowcom.
(23:31):
And, as always, remember who weare the Homebuilding and
Remodeling Show.
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