Visits?

[Bill Currier <bill.currier@westernasset.com>]

>> Building inspectors expect contractors to be honest. Let's be practical
on this point. Before hiring a contractor, visit a few of the houses
he's built, especailly while they are under construction. The difference
is amazing! <<

You really should have been in this area during the boom years.  At that
time time not only was it not possible to visit a site, but many
developments were running lotteries.  At one point in my tract, there
were over 100 people competing for each house completed and people were
paying up to $100,000 over the nominal asking price.  By the time I came
along things had subsided - my house was actually the first accepted
where a broker made the offer, though he only received 2%, and I did get
to walk the site.  But no plan, spec, detail, or decoration changes were
allowed, whether or not I was willing to pay (which I was).  So I'm
stuck with a useless wet bar where I would have liked a closet,
galvanized piping where I would have preferred copper, an aluminum
slider where ...

Another notch for owner-built, especially with alternative methods like
SB - it insulates you from market craziness and arrogant builders.  

Bill