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Building the Best Life, Means It’s Always Under Construction

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My Life Lessons Learned From Almost Forty Years of Building

 

It is amazing to me the similarities of building a quality structure and an excellent life. The longer I do it, the more amazing it becomes. These parallels have been in place since the beginning of time. When God made the world these building principles were used. These time-tested practices work for physical buildings as well as great lives.

At an early age we begin the process of planning our lives. We have an image of how our life is going to look, what we are going to do, who is going to enjoy it with us, etc. Sometimes those plans are well thought out and designed. They come with pages and pages of blueprints including all types of details, complete with engineering calculations. Some plans are more the ‘scribbled on a piece of scrap paper idea’. Either way we have that picture of what we think our life should be.

It is important to note that we have access to the ‘Master Architect’. He offers this design service at no cost, it has already been paid for. If we will take advantage of this offer, we will end up with the best finished project.

Like building, the better the plans are before we start, the less problems we will have during construction. This doesn’t mean that it can’t be built without plans, it just means there may be more change orders needed.

A solid foundation is the next thing in the process. A good foundation is what supports the building and keeps it straight and standing tall. The better the foundation the better it weathers storms. This doesn’t mean that some storms won’t come along and knock it down. Even if a storm scatters our lives, a good foundation will still be there to rebuild on.

Once we complete the construction of a building, it doesn’t mean that we’re finished. Nothing in this life is permanent. Everything wears out or deteriorates over time. If we use better quality building material it will last longer, but everything needs maintenance. Often people neglect this part more than any. It is easy to get in a rut and forget to periodically do a checkup, whether it is a building or a life. We need to be good stewards of what we have been given. If we intentionally keep working on it, it will be better in the end.

Remodeling and additions are common in construction. We come across something new that will be an improvement, or there is a change in our circumstances. These things are true for our lives as well. If we aren’t working to improve then we are deteriorating.

 

A message from the Master Architect’s Blueprint –

…but you are citizens together with God’s holy people. You belong to God’s family. 20 You believers are like a building that God owns. That building was built on the foundation that the apostles and prophets prepared. Christ Jesus himself is the most important stone in that building. 21 The whole building is joined together in Christ, and he makes it grow and become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in Christ you are being built together with his other people. You are being made into a place where God lives through the Spirit.

Ephesians 2:19-22

 

Let us know if you need help finding solutions for building your dream life.

Getting an Estimate for a Construction Project Can Be a Big Mistake

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It’s Like Guessing What a Bag of Groceries Costs Without Being Able to See in The Bag

 

 

One of the most frequent questions that I get asked by customers considering a construction project is…what’s it going to cost. Don’t get me wrong this is one of the most important pieces of information needed before moving forward with a project.

The problem with answering this question comes from the lack of information available in the early part of the process. Sure, there are some basic square footage prices that can be incorporated into giving a quick price, but I learned a long time ago that giving an ESTIMATE without having enough information is a recipe for disaster.

When my customers ask me this question, I tell them it is like looking across the room at a brown paper bag full of groceries and telling someone what it cost. Before I can answer that question, I need to know what’s in the bag. It makes a difference if it is paper towels or steaks, how many and how well they were packed.

The same is true for a construction project – what materials are going to be used, how much is going to be used and how well do you want it built? There is a wide variety of products out there and it is important that your contractor asks enough of the right questions to know what and how many ‘groceries are going in the bag’.

Rarely will I give an estimate. Sometimes, depending on the project, I will for a preliminary ballpark figure. It might save both parties the time and trouble of going forward if there isn’t enough of a budget. The level of accuracy with an estimate is minimal at best.

I encourage my customers to let me give them a proposal. Even if they pay for the proposal, it is much less than the cost of the project and a sound investment. When pricing a construction project, the dollars are significant enough that you should know what to expect before you get started and run out of money.

“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’

Luke 14:28-30, NLT

Doing an accurate and detailed proposal takes time and effort. Most contractors are more focused on getting to the money generating construction and neglect the proposal process. I’m convinced that the proposal is as important of an investment for the contractor as it is for the customer.

You can see an example of our proposals here – http://www.timbercreekconstruction.us/Proposal-Estimate_Sample.php.

The number of stories that I have heard of unhappy customers or contractors not getting paid for all the work they did is unnecessary. This problem can be enormously reduced by giving an accurate, agreed upon price in the beginning. That way when the project is finished everyone can be happy.

Avoid Feeling Like a Sardine in a Tiny House

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Thinking Outside the Box to Allow for Living in a Can

 

The tiny house epidemic has gone crazy. I understand the whole idea of living simply and downsizing. I even find the challenge of figuring out how to get the most function out of the small space fascinating.

There’s no question that most of us have more stuff than we need. But why would anyone want to live in a house the size of a single room? I don’t think this fad will last long, but for now it is a part of the landscape.

My concern with this tiny house phenomena is that people are following like sheep, without considering where they’re going or what they’re doing.

The question that needs to be asked, is the same one that I ask all my customers when we are discussing construction projects. “Why?” Why do you want, or need to do this project? Once the “why” question is answered, then we can move on to the what, the how and the when questions.

I am in the preliminary stages of working with my niece Hannah, on a ‘small home’. This is not to be confused with a tiny house. A house is generally considered tiny when it is less than 500 square feet and this project is going to be a mansion by tiny house standards. It is going to be closer to 750 square feet.

One of the whys for this project is that she is a young architectural designer working for Agora Architecture www.agoraarchitecture.com and you know how architects are…always looking to do something different and out of the ordinary. Not that there is anything wrong with different and out of the ordinary. On the contrary different and out of the ordinary are great whys.

The what is where things get a little trickier. We will blame the what on her Mom, my sister, who found a picture online of a couple of steel grain bins that had been turned into a house. It just so happens that there is an unused one on their property. So, the two of them have determined that it would make a great house.

It’s not a big one, 13’-6” in diameter and 7’-6” at the eave. As the out of the box thinking continued it was remembered that one of our brothers has an old grain bin that hasn’t been used in years and it’s bigger, 18’-0” in diameter and 12’ at the eave. We plan to move the bigger one a few miles to the job site and the two bins will become the root of a new home.

Hannah and I are both going to be sharing this project going forward. This will be done simultaneously from two different views, hers as the designer and mine as the builder. She is going to blog about it at www.un-defined.com and you can come back here to get my perspective.

If you have any questions about this out of the box, small home project or would like to discuss your own out of the box or for that matter an in the box project, send a comment below.

What Is the Cost of Cheap?

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The Importance of Knowing What You’re Getting, Before You Write the Check

 

Too often people decide to move forward with a construction project without asking the right questions. It is important to get the answers before you start. What is the purpose or reason for the project? Who is going to do the work? What is it going to cost? The answers to these questions will have significant impact to your satisfaction (or lack thereof).

The number of horror stories that I have heard from customers about previous construction experiences is unacceptable. A construction project is a big investment and should be a fun, exciting and dream fulfilling incident.

Just recently I served as a professional witness in a small claims trial between a home owner and a contractor. Both sides had valid arguments, but the whole problem could have been avoided with better communication. The project was started without any written agreement. It was destined for problems from the very beginning. The contractor didn’t get paid for some of the time they had spent working. The home owner had to hire someone else repair some work that had been poorly done. They both had to pay court costs and neither won their case. When the trial was over it cost both parties more money, more time and more heartache.

Cost is so much more than just dollars. It is also time, contentment, enjoyment, etc. Remember…ask the questions before rather than dealing with problems after.

 

  • How much is it going to cost? – It amazes me how often projects start without this question being answered. I understand that it requires time, experience, and commitment from a contractor to prepare this ahead of time. Just like in the situation above, starting a project with no agreement, no clarity of what the project consists of, just a verbal hourly rate, leaves too many unanswered questions.
  • What is the purpose of this project? – Why am I considering it? What is the reason or reasons I want to do it? It may be the need for extra space for a growing family. It might be to fix some problems or issues; leaking roof, sagging floor, unsafe wiring, lack of insulation. Maybe it’s just because you would enjoy a nice new kitchen, a man cave, a walk-in closet, an attached garage or a nice new deck. The list of reasons can go on and on. The important thing is to get clear on the reason(s) before you start.
  • What do I want in a contractor? – This is an answer that will be as different as the people asking questions. Your preferences might be quality, personality, integrity, price, etc. The important thing is for you to decide what is right for you before starting the project not after.

“Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you’re going to look pretty foolish.”

Luke 14:28-29, (MSG translation).

There are many factors to consider and questions to answer when doing a construction project. If you do it before, it will make the whole experience better.

What questions do you have that need asked before you start your project?

 

Here are a couple of other posts that you might find helpful

Six Ways To Find Your Right Builder

To Hire or Not to Hire, That Is the Question?

Window Shopping…Really I Mean Shopping For Windows – Part 2

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More Things to Consider When Buying Windows

 

If you are an information junkie and want all of the info you can get before making a decision about windows, then reading this series of blogs is for you. I think it is vital to learn as much as you can when a decision is as important and expensive as windows are.

My previous blog in this series, Window Shopping…Really I Mean Shopping For Windows – Part 1. I shared about the pros and cons of the different materials used in making windows. I also said the first thing to determine was the why behind window choices and how important this is. Help with determining the why can be found in How Do You Feel About Windows?

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The next thing to consider is CONSTRUCTION – There are a lot of differences in how windows operate. You should give some thought to these differences to make sure that the windows match the style of the building. One thing to be aware of when considering the different construction styles is the screen. The screens can or will be only on the portion of the window where the sashes operate. They will be on the inside, if the windows hinge out (casement and awning) and on the outside if the windows slide (double hung, single hung and side sliding). The screen material can be steel, aluminum or fiberglass. These are all things to consider.

            Double Hung – These windows have two sashes and both slide up and down. These windows are probably the most common style due to the longevity and durability. This is in part because they having very few mechanical parts.double-hung-windows

            Single Hung – The same as double hung except that only one sash opens, normally the bottom one.

            Sliding – Side sliding windows work the same as either double or single hung windows except they slide sideways.

Casement – These windows crank open and are hinged from one side. Because of this, they have more mechanical parts. They typically seal better due to the fact that they swing and when the wind blows against them they are pushed tighter against the weather seal.casement-windows

            Awning – Operate similar to the casement windows, but open from the bottom and are hinged on the top. They have the same benefits and concerns of the casements as well.

            Fixed – A fixed window is just that, it doesn’t open. These are commonly used for picture, center bay or areas where large pieces of glass are wanted. Fixed windows will have the most shape flexibly of any.

I hope you find this ‘Window Shopping’ information helpful. The third and final post in this series which is about design will be out in a few weeks so be looking for it.

If you need any additional window information or have other construction project questions, please let me know in the comments.

Window Shopping…Really I Mean Shopping For Windows – Part 1

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Things to Consider When Buying Windows

 

Whether you are shopping for new construction or replacement windows, the first thing you should know is, not all windows are created equal. The same is true for installation. As the saying goes, ‘you get what you pay for’. When picking windows this is as true as any other time. It doesn’t mean that if you spend a lot of money that you will get the best deal. It is however a good idea to do some research and know what you’re getting – for what you’re spending.

The first thing that you need to do is to determine why. Are you building something new or adding a room? If you’re not building then why do you want/need to replace or add windows to your existing structure? If you will give this some thought, it will help you to make the best decision. Once you have answered the why question it will help you going forward. For help answering this question read my blog about how windows make you feel.

Once you have determined why then you can shift your focus to the what and how. There are three main areas of research to be able answer these questions, material, construction and design. In this post I will review the material question. I will address the construction and design elements in two later blogs.

MATERIALS – The biggest difference in windows are the frames. There really isn’t much difference in glass manufacturing. The glass choices are mostly what types of insulating gas or sun blocking coatings you would prefer. Some windows also offer a third pane option. The frame material is the important thing to consider. There are a several options, with wood and vinyl currently being the two most common. There is also aluminum, steel and fiberglass reinforced composites and who knows what may be next.

411530104_6f5d483b36_oWood Benefits – Stability is the biggest benefit to wood framed windows. The wood frames expand and contract less with changing temperatures. This means the seals where the glass and the frame are connected are more likely to last longer.

Strength is another benefit of wood. Wood is not likely to be structurally damaged by hail or flying debris. If hit it may be dented, but it is unusual for that to cause failure of seals or to decrease the integrity of the window.

Wood Concerns – The most common concern of wood is the cost. Wood windows, especially good quality windows, generally cost more than the other materials.

Rot is also a concern of wood. It is less of an issue now than it used to be. Most wood framed windows now have an external aluminum, or some type of cladding that protect them from the weather. If an unclad window is used it will need to be painted and then be regularly repainted for the life of the window. Most wood windows now are being treated to help prevent water damage.

V5456092177_4ea777747b_oinyl Benefits – One good thing about vinyl is that it doesn’t rot or deteriorate from exposure to moisture.

Vinyl windows are a less expensive way to get new windows. There is a wide price range of vinyl windows and this is due to various construction practices; i.e. thickness of the vinyl, welded or molded corners, how the vinyl is extruded and/or frame construction. This is an area where manufacturer research would be good.

Vinyl Concerns – One concern of vinyl window frames is the possibility of damage from hail and mower thrown rocks. I have on several occasions replaced vinyl windows due to frames broken by hail. The fact that the vinyl frames were broke and the glass wasn’t is something to consider when deciding. The longer the vinyl is exposed to sun and weather the more brittle it gets.

Vinyl expands and contracts considerably with changes in temperatures. This is also something that you should factor in to your decision.

Fiberglass Benefits – One of the newer window frame options is fiberglass. It is a product is a mix of the benefits of both wood and vinyl. It is stronger than vinyl and expands and contracts less. On the other hand, it won’t rot like wood.

Fiberglass concerns – The main concern with vinyl is price. It will be more comparable to wood in this area.

 

As you can see there is a lot to consider when it comes to deciding what you want when you buy windows and we only covered a portion of it here.

I hope that this gives you some insight and direction when shopping for windows, be sure to come back and learn about construction and design in the next few weeks.

5 Ways Builders Should Treat Customers

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It’s Not Just a Job…It’s Someone’s Dream 

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Over the years as I have discussed building projects with people, a lot of people. There are those who have had the experience of building a new home, doing a remodel or even a small repair project. The number of times that I have heard them say, ‘it was the worst experience of my life’, breaks my heart. The experience of repairing, remodeling or building new should be counted among their best experiences, not their worst. In many cases they only get the opportunity to experience a project, especially a large one, once. This makes it even more critical that we do what we can to make this as enjoyable and painless as possible.

A building project is like having a child. For me the designing, developing and building something is an amazing experience. It is more than just the mechanical act of pouring some concrete, nailing two boards together, putting a window in a hole or slapping on some paint. The collaboration between the parties involved should be fun and exciting. A part of me is poured into each and every project. Once it is done, I step back and look at it. Something that wasn’t before and is now…it is a part of me and I am a part of it. I’m continually moved when I see projects that I was involved in over the years. Approaching construction in this perspective is key to the conception, gestation and birth of each new project.

The builder carries the majority of the responsibility. Those of us in the building industry go through the process over and over again. We can get used to the daily routine of construction. We forget that the customer doesn’t do this daily like we do. This is something that can be scary and overwhelming to the person wanting to have some repairs done, add on a room or build a new home. As builders we need to remember to approach each new customer with an open mind and a desire to help them build their dream.

Things that the builder should do:

  • Communicate – Let the customer know what to expect. Remember that they don’t do this day in and day out like you do.
  • Listen – This is the most important part of communicating. You need to hear what the customer is saying. This is more than just their words.
  • Be on time – Show up when you say you will. Respect their time.
  • Be responsive – Return communications in a reasonable amount of time. They just want to know that you hear them and care.
  • Be accountable – If you or someone on your team make a mistake, own up to it. Don’t blame someone else.

Remember the Golden Rule and treat your customer the way you would like to be treated, not the way you have been treated.

Writing a Blog…What the Heck Am I Thinking?

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Helping You with SOLUTION BUILDING

 

Having spent most of my adult life working in the construction industry I have experienced the difficulties and struggles that come with it. I’ve seen unhappy customers and contractors who didn’t understand why. I’ve seen way too many building projects run over budget or behind schedule. I’ve seen contractors scrambling to make ends meet and customers who think everything costs too much.

It doesn’t have to be this way. I think that building a home, a business or a life, are like construction. You need to determine what you want and why you want it. Start with a good design. Have a blueprint and know how to read it. Make sure that you have a good foundation. Be flexible and willing to accept changes as they come along. Understand that there are going to be problems and be prepared to deal with them. If you can be clear about the goals in the beginning and work with a good team, you can build something great.

This is my hope for this blog site.

By nature I am a planner and a thinker. I’m always thinking and then talking about what I’m thinking. This is how I process my thoughts. I think out loud. This blog is a place for me to do that. It will give me the opportunity to get feedback from you as well. It will be like virtual brainstorming. This sharing should help all of us build better.

I’m going to write with two separate, but intertwined, focuses. One for the building industry and one for the building customer. There will be things that we can all learn from both. The goal is that all of these will lead to building better. I plan to post two new blogs weekly, one for each focus. In addition to these two there will be a third topic mixed in periodically. It will be more random, with a foundational life lesson built in.

The business blog will share business systems, business ideas, personal experiences, construction lessons, etc.:

 

  • Sales and Marketing
    • Proposals and contracts
    • Customer relations
  • Production and Operations
    • Communication documents and systems
    • Production documents
  • Administration and Finance
    • Contracts and change orders
    • Cash flow
    • Invoicing
    • Bill paying
  • New and different ways of operating a business
  • Examples of things that worked and things that didn’t
  • Discussion of specific products and applications

 

The customer blog will focus on looking for and finding solutions for building projects by sharing how to work with contractors, construction ideas, personal experiences, product education, etc.:

 

  • What to expect from a contractor
  • Improved communication
  • Project budgets
  • Realistic project timelines
  • Products and how they work (or don’t)

 

For years I have been asked by other contractors and customers, how I do this or why I do that or what I think the best way is to do something. I’m always glad to answer these questions, but there is a limit to how much I can do this and still operate a construction company. My hope is that this blog site will allow me to share with, and help, a lot more people with SOLUTION BUILDING.