Self Contracting

[rhondagreen]

We are getting ready to build our first home. We want to self contract. Can someone help me with a list of things to do.

[pushkins]

Stock up on asprin for all the headaches you may well encounter.

You must first have a full understanding of the costs, just because you choose to be the contractor doesn't always equate to the savings some think they will achieve. Your architect should be able to help guide you in the costs.
Architect>>> plans>>>>city for approval>>>>file for contractors permit/Owner builders permit>>>>>
The owner builders permit basically makes you ultimatley responsible for all the goings on at the site for example If the plumber has not completed a job to what the city inspector is willing to sign off on then it falls to you to get the plumber back to bring it up to the city inspectors liking.
Generally speaking you are also responsible to organise the inspections as they are needed as well, though most reputable tradespeople probably would do that as part of thier service.

You need to prepape a list of qualified tradespeaople for the particular trades that you need, plumber, electrician, excavation, concretors (often the excavators), framers/carpenters, roofers, drywallers, siding people etc...etc...
In compiling the list you need to talk to and give sets of plans to the various tradespeople to quote on and ask if they can even fit it into your schedule (assuming they can do the work within your budget).
The hardest part is that it falls to you to organise the various tradespeople to turn up when it fits into the building progess. For example the electricain is not going to be happy if he or she turns up to run wire and the framing isn't completed.
Weather can play havoc in the organization of this sort of undertaking especially before the roof is on, if you fall behind schedule CALL the tradespeople before hand, don't just let them turn up (often with a crew) when you are not at a stage they can work. When you take on this sort of undertaking "communication" is of the utmost importence.

When you hire a builder to build your home, the builder then becomes your "go to person" if you are unhappy with progress or the quality of anything happening on site, it is then up to that person to solve the problem. In your undertaking it will be you that has to address that area.
You mention "WE" are about to build a home so I assume there are two or more people involved, so appoint ONE person to be the "go between" with the tradespeople, there is nothing worse as a tradesman than to have two (or more) people telling you the same thing (or something totally opposite to eachother), this can lead to confusion and an unhappy workplace.

When finding quality tradespeople price is seldom the final answer, look for a qualifed person in the field they are in, ask for references etc...
A mate of a mate of a mate who worked for a plumber for six months DOES NOT make him a plumber, I can plumb but what I know compared to some in this forum I could write on a pin head. My point is you must feel comfortable with your tradesperson and their ability to do their work well for you.

Once you have the green light to start building and you have found your tradespeople and you break ground remember the number one thing is communication between you and the workers, keep it open, keep it clear and treat the guy digging that trench like you want to be treated. More than once I've witnessed owner/builders treat workers like second class citizens.
(funny story....I witnessed a 60ish man up to his knees in mud trying to dig out a fallen trench, the home owners walked past and quite loudly said to his son "see what not going to college gets you" , the best part was they man in the trench has three degree's one in ecconomics, is a retired multi millionaire on vacation helping out his son, to his credit he just looked up with mud all over his face and smiled that all so knowing smile but I swear they all slowed down.)

There are books out there to help you in your endevour, think I've even seen some at the big harware stores.

Hope this helps a little and good luck.