One of the most frequent questions I get from my clients centers around quality. As an owner builder building your own home, naturally you want to ensure a quality product. But, how do you do that? Are you alone responsible, and how do you judge it?

You can’t just purchase a packaged or kit home and rely on that! For most, the achievement of the quality you seek will be a direct result of the professionals you surround yourself with. Add to this the use of quality building materials, a properly engineered structure, well-prepared blueprints, and periodic inspections by the building department and you have a winning combination.

START WITH YOUR COACH – KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Believe it or not, when you’re properly prepared with the right people around you, your final product (your home) has a good chance to be of higher quality than many homes built by General Contractors. Better materials, better construction methods, and more personal attention can lift you above the shortcuts and omissions found with many builders who are looking to cut costs at your expense.

You won’t likely be able to achieve this on your own, however. Using a homebuilding coach is critical. We recommend this for everyone taking on their own projects. Your coach will help you prepare well and inspect well. Here’s how:

Good Set of House Plans – the Blueprints

Your project needs to start with a sound house plan. Your blueprints need to be well prepared, easily understood, drawn to codes, and building materials specified clearly.

Building Materials – Use The Highest Quality You Can Afford

I recommend that where you can, you exceed the requirements of the codes. This can give you a sturdier home, a more efficient home, a “greener” home, and a more comfortable home. These building materials choices will be made during the creation of your house plans.

A Good Foundation – Level and Square and on Solid Ground

Quality cement and level and square forms are important. But, you will also need to consider the ground your foundation sits on. Testing the soil is critical to a good foundation, just as a good foundation is critical to a proper house structure. Use a soils engineering firm. Your building department should require this.

The Framing – The quality is Found in the Materials and the Labor

The skeleton holds up the body of your home. Consider SIP (structural insulated panels), ICF (cement and foam block) walls, or Kiln-Dried framing. There are many choices and this is something to discuss with your coach during preparations. A good Kit Home package can help.

Good Labor – The Lowest Bids?

Quality is usually not found in the lowest bid. Always get at least 3 bids for each phase of construction. Always get references for each subcontractor you use. Always check those references before hiring the sub. And use your coach and inspectors to monitor the work.

CONCLUSION

Quality is an all-inclusive discipline. It’s not achieved by demanding one single requirement. It’s not achieved by just purchasing a kit home. Yet, when you put these steps together, with a good system in place to guide you, you’ll be able to achieve the quality you want.

You can be a successful owner builder. It starts with the preparation and setting up the proper structure for your entire project. We heartily recommend a complete management system for the owner builder that includes a homebuilding coach. Do a lot of research and solicit the help of professionals. It’s that important.

You can learn so much more about home building and remodeling online. One great option is to take advantage of a very informative yet simple to follow *free* e-course that you can find by clicking here http://www.DreamHomeCreation.com You will also find other tips and tools, surveys, videos, and additional articles by Mel Inglima.