Home Contractor vs. Homeowner

I stated when I started this blog that I would have been able to help prevent many of the problems that contractors and homeowners experience when going through a construction project. I am now making my services available to support the goal of having a stress-free process. I am pleased to announce the launch of my new business, Building Confidence, LLC www.buildingconfidence-llc.com . I am offering consulting services to homeowners and contractors who are about to embark on new construction or renovation projects. For a flat fee, I will write your contract and work with local lawyers to make sure it protects your interests and is in compliance with state law. I will then be available by telephone and e-mail to consult with you throughout your project and advise you regarding any issues that arise. I can be reached at 617-467-3073 or ajg@buildingconfidence-llc.com . Please look at my website to learn more about my new construction consulting business.

One of the interesting aspects of writing this blog is I get to see the keywords that people use to find me. My audience frequently searches the title above to land at my blog. I have posted previously ("Think Before You Sue"), but I think it is tremendously important in the current economy to re-visit this issue. Lawsuits do not usually end well. I think the media has given us an unrealistic picture of the rare windfalls that can occur after going through a court proceeding. So many clients have told me they want "justice." I try to point out that a group of twelve strangers or a judge are not necessarily going to provide a just result. So many factors influence the behavior of the decision-makers that it is not realistic to think that one is going to achieve a storybook verdict. At the end of a lawsuit, if the parties do not settle, one side receives a judgment. Frequently that is only the beginning. Enforcing the judgment and collecting on it is a whole o...

Although the concept of Green Construction has been around for quite some time, there seems to have been more discussion recently about using the technology to reduce heating costs, benefit the environment and as a marketing angle. I belong to a builder's association, and there have been more courses offered in green construction and LEEDS certification. I am not going to pretend to be an expert in this area, but I am trying to learn more about the "green" movement and how I can offer advice to my clients in this arena. For example, I recently learned about LEEDS-AP certification which a limited number of lawyers in Massachusetts have obtained. I am pursuing the possiblity of taking this class through the Green Builders Council http://www.usgbc.org/ . So, what does this mean for you? For the contractor, it is important to stay state of the art. Educate yourself about options and take continuing education classes. Learn about the pros and cons of green products and de...