Home Contractor vs. Homeowner

Even as we worry about today, researchers, community planners, and pollsters are probing consumer demand to predict what they will want tomorrow and the definitive answer from those presenting their findings at the Pacific Coast Builders Show is something different. The current economic situation has triggered a shift in people’s values from an era of indulgence to one of responsibility, trend tracker J. Walker Smith of Yankelovich said Thursday morning. That translates to the home-buying consumer as a desire for homes that fit but don’t exceed space needs, are greener, and that are part of a community. It doesn’t mean that buyers are dour, though, he said. Instead, it means the opposite, because the more anxious we get about the economy, the more we look for the bright side of things, according to Smith. It’s up to home builders to tap into those traits to find a market. “They (builders) have got to be the the voice of optimism for consumers,” Smith said. Buyers are also looking for h...

From Tony Marnella's Blog at http://tonymarnella.wordpress.com/ . I wrote back in January about the behind the scenes inspections and testing that the green high performance homes get that many don’t know about or if they do, don’t appreciate the intensity of them. Since we continue to hear about Buyers wanting the “Best Deal” or the “Best Value”, it occurred to me that the Value of these homes is also not being realized. For instance, 100% of the homes we build here at Marnella Homes are built to the Earth Advantage/Energy Star “Gold” level. Our homes are extremely well sealed and with blow-in insulation achieve a very low leakage rating. Also, with our 95%+ HVAC systems, fully sealed ducting and all inside the home in conditioned space. Our home owners save on average $40 – $50 a month in our 1400 – 1600 sqft homes over a similiar sized code built home. Home owners have been sold over the years all the features that builders put in and are told how great they are and sometimes ev...

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http://www.ecohomemagazine.com/green-products/readers-top-requested-products-shine-spotlight-on-green.aspx

I have gotten numerous calls over the last few weeks from homeowners whose contractors have run out of money. Either the contractors tell the homeowners that they are unable to continue, or warning signs occur. The contractor starts asking for payments ahead of the work, he presses you to sign new contracts or change orders for additional work, subcontractors start to complain that they aren't being paid, or he just disappears. The homeowners are frantic and they ask me what to do. The contractor hasn't quit, but they are stuck. First of all, I would recommend confronting your contractor and asking flat out if he or she is having cash flow issues. Contractors frequently apply funds to previous job, subs or suppliers, and in this economy, they are getting caught short. If the contractor is honest and tells you the truth, it may be worth your while to advance some money to the contractor or pay extra and ask for some extras. It may save you money and aggravation to pay your...