Watch Out for the High Price of Change Orders

One of the most important parts of managing a construction project is keeping costs under control. Many a project throughout the years has gone over budget, always causing problems, sometimes disastrous ones. Whether you are building your home, or a skyscraper, you can pretty much count on unforeseen costs, which drive the total project price higher. Let me tell you…

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Who’s the Project Manager?

The television network, DIY Network, was designed to teach people a little something about residential construction. The network assumes its viewers have little to no experience in construction.  Through a series of tips and tricks the program teaches basic residential construction work that can help make remodeling a home easier. This past weekend while sitting at home, relaxing and watching television, I happened upon a show on the DIY Network…

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A plan for the investment house.

There’s a certain panic in the air right now, all the lip service Ive been paying to these game changing  house projects I’ve talked up. Up to now Ive had all kinds of things in my path, like Christmas shopping- the holidays- holiday take-downs and put-aways, and finally the Super bowl. So now I think I need a plan. Being…

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I’ve grown to appreciate Inspectors.

I don’t know about anyone else, but mention an inspector and my first reaction is cop!  In my many years in the trades I’ve come under the scrutiny of different inspectors plenty.  I really had to grow a lot not to take them personally.  Imagine that, someone with the audacity not to accept judgments made by me. On the road…

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Don’t Pay Contractors Up Front!

I am constantly hearing stories that galvanize me to my cause. The other day, I was talking to a client who told me this…. My client’s elderly mother wanted to have the exterior of her house painted. So she contacted a local painter who had come somewhat recommended, and asked him to come take a look and please give her…

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