Working with a house builder is a major step in creating your dream house. It is a journey full of thrilling prospects, but in addition potential pitfalls. This information delves into the intricate course of, from preliminary contact to the ultimate walkthrough, equipping you with the data and instruments to navigate each stage with confidence. We’ll discover the important thing concerns, from selecting the best builder to understanding contracts, budgeting, and design choices, guaranteeing a clean and rewarding home-building expertise.
Let’s embark on this thrilling journey collectively!
From the preliminary spark of an concept to the ultimate touches, constructing a house is a multifaceted course of. Understanding the intricate dance between shopper and builder is essential. This complete information will stroll you thru every step, offering insights into the widespread inquiries, the nuances of contracts, and the essential parts of profitable partnerships. We’ll additionally deal with potential challenges and provide options to make sure a optimistic end result in your dream house.
Preliminary Steps in House Constructing
Discovering the right house is an thrilling journey, and partnering with a good house builder could make the method smoother and extra fulfilling. This preliminary part units the stage for your complete venture, so understanding the method and expectations is essential. Cautious planning and open communication are key to a profitable end result.Navigating the complexities of house constructing can really feel daunting.
Nevertheless, with clear communication and a well-defined course of, you may efficiently collaborate with a builder and notice your dream house. It is about understanding the steps, asking the fitting questions, and staying knowledgeable all through the preliminary phases.
Contacting a House Builder
A vital first step is figuring out builders who align together with your imaginative and prescient and price range. Researching builders on-line, reviewing portfolios, and checking references are important steps. Direct communication, whether or not via cellphone calls or on-line inquiries, permits you to assess their responsiveness and professionalism. On this preliminary stage, it is useful to have a transparent understanding of your venture’s scope and price range.
Preliminary Inquiries
Potential purchasers typically have quite a lot of questions when first contacting a builder. These generally embrace inquiries about pricing, accessible ground plans, timelines, and building strategies. Particular questions in regards to the builder’s expertise with related tasks and their method to communication are additionally frequent. Potential purchasers may additionally inquire about potential design modifications, customization choices, and warranties.
Pre-Development Questionnaires
Builders typically make the most of pre-construction questionnaires to assemble important data. These varieties usually cowl property particulars, desired options, price range constraints, and timeline expectations. Understanding the specifics of those questionnaires can streamline the communication course of. For instance, a questionnaire may embrace questions concerning the property’s measurement, zoning rules, and the specified type of the house.
Key Paperwork Exchanged
Doc | Description | Significance |
---|---|---|
Preliminary Session Settlement | Artikels the scope of labor, obligations, and cost phrases. | Establishes a transparent understanding of the venture parameters. |
Property Survey and Website Evaluation | Evaluates the property’s suitability for building. | Identifies potential challenges or points associated to the positioning. |
Preliminary Finances and Value Estimates | Gives a practical overview of anticipated venture prices. | Helps handle monetary expectations and plan accordingly. |
Challenge Timeline | A schedule of essential milestones and deadlines. | Gives a framework for the development course of. |
These paperwork present a basis for the house constructing course of. They type the idea of understanding for each the shopper and the builder.
Understanding House Builder Contracts

Navigating the world of house building can really feel like stepping right into a maze, particularly in the case of the authorized paperwork. Understanding your private home builder’s contract is essential for a clean and profitable construct. This is not nearly signing on the dotted line; it is about constructing a basis of belief and clear expectations.House constructing contracts, very similar to any authorized settlement, are designed to guard each events concerned.
They spell out the obligations, timelines, and cost schedules. A well-understood contract minimizes disputes and potential complications down the highway. It is your roadmap to a dream house, and understanding the contract is step one.
Essential Clauses in a House Constructing Contract, Working with a house builder
A well-structured contract lays out particular obligations and expectations. Understanding these clauses is vital to a harmonious building course of. Every clause performs a significant function in outlining the agreed-upon phrases and circumstances.
- Cost Schedules: This Artikels when and the way funds are due, guaranteeing transparency and avoiding any misunderstandings concerning progress funds, ultimate funds, and penalties for late funds. Detailed cost schedules are important to stop any ambiguity.
- Timeline and Deadlines: This important part defines the anticipated completion date and deadlines for every stage of the venture. Clearly outlined timelines forestall delays and make sure that the builder adheres to the agreed-upon schedule. Delays can result in further prices, and having a stable timeline is essential for venture success.
- Adjustments and Modifications: This clause addresses potential modifications to the unique plan. It Artikels the process for requesting and approving modifications, together with related prices and timelines. Flexibility is vital, however figuring out the method beforehand avoids sudden surprises and potential conflicts.
- Dispute Decision: This clause particulars how disagreements or disputes will likely be dealt with. It is important to grasp the method for resolving any conflicts that will come up through the building course of. That is essential for mitigating potential disputes.
Totally different Contract Varieties Utilized by House Builders
House builders typically make the most of varied contract sorts, every with its nuances. Understanding these variations helps you select the most effective match in your venture.
- Mounted-Worth Contracts: The builder agrees to a set worth for your complete venture. That is enticing for its simplicity, however potential points come up if unexpected circumstances or modifications improve the precise price.
- Value-Plus Contracts: The builder is reimbursed for his or her prices plus a predetermined markup. This may be useful when the scope of labor is not exactly outlined, however can result in price overruns if not managed rigorously.
- Time-and-Supplies Contracts: The builder is paid for the time spent and the supplies used. This can be a widespread alternative for smaller tasks or renovations, however cautious monitoring is important to keep away from potential price overruns.
Potential Dangers Related to Poorly Drafted Contracts
A poorly drafted contract can result in vital issues for each the house owner and the builder. Understanding these dangers is essential for a profitable venture.
- Unclear Expectations: Ambiguity within the contract can result in disagreements about obligations, timelines, and cost schedules. This could shortly escalate into pricey disputes.
- Unexpected Prices: Contracts missing provisions for unexpected circumstances can depart owners going through sudden bills. Constructing a home is never a easy course of, and having provisions for unexpected prices can defend each events.
- Delays and Disruptions: A poorly outlined timeline can result in delays, impacting the house owner’s move-in date and doubtlessly inflicting monetary hardship. Challenge delays can have extreme monetary and emotional implications.
Illustrative Desk of Contract Clauses
Clause Kind | Description | Implications |
---|---|---|
Cost Schedules | Particulars cost quantities and due dates | Ensures monetary readability and avoids disputes. |
Timeline and Deadlines | Specifies venture completion dates | Prevents delays and ensures adherence to agreed-upon schedules. |
Adjustments and Modifications | Artikels procedures for modifications | Avoids disputes concerning further prices and timelines. |
Dispute Decision | Defines how disputes are dealt with | Gives a transparent pathway to resolve conflicts. |
Selecting the Proper Builder
Discovering the fitting house builder is essential for a profitable and stress-free home-building expertise. It is not nearly selecting the most cost effective or flashiest possibility; it is about aligning your self with a builder who understands your imaginative and prescient and might execute it flawlessly. This course of requires cautious consideration, thorough analysis, and clear communication. Consider it as a partnership, not a transaction.Choosing the fitting builder is a major step, and it deserves considerate consideration.
You are not simply shopping for a home; you are investing in a house that may replicate your way of life and aspirations. A talented builder could make the method fulfilling and switch your dream right into a actuality. Conversely, a poor alternative can result in delays, price overruns, and finally, disappointment. Subsequently, taking the time to rigorously vet potential builders is an funding in your future house.
Components to Contemplate When Choosing a Builder
A number of key components affect the choice of choosing a house builder. Past worth, components similar to expertise, status, and communication type are paramount. Contemplate the builder’s portfolio, their observe report with related tasks, and their method to customer support. A builder who demonstrates a powerful understanding of your wants and might articulate a transparent imaginative and prescient is a worthwhile asset.
In the end, you are on the lookout for a builder who shares your dedication to high quality and who you’re feeling comfy working with.
Inquiries to Ask Potential Builders
Thorough questioning is crucial for evaluating potential builders. The next questions can assist you assess their competence, professionalism, and total method to the venture.
- What’s your organization’s expertise with tasks of comparable measurement and scope to mine?
- Are you able to present references from earlier purchasers, together with contact data?
- What’s your course of for dealing with change orders and addressing unexpected circumstances?
- What’s your estimated timeline for the venture, and what contingency plans do you will have in place?
- How do you deal with potential points with subcontractors, and what steps do you’re taking to make sure high quality management?
- What’s your organization’s coverage concerning warranties and upkeep procedures after the house is accomplished?
These questions assist you gauge the builder’s capabilities and guarantee they’ve a well-defined course of.
Researching and Evaluating Builder Fame
Investigating a builder’s status is an important a part of the choice course of. This contains checking on-line opinions, talking with previous purchasers, and reviewing the builder’s portfolio. Thorough analysis can reveal worthwhile insights right into a builder’s work ethic, communication expertise, and skill to satisfy deadlines.
- Examine on-line assessment platforms for buyer suggestions.
- Contact previous purchasers for his or her experiences with the builder.
- Study the builder’s portfolio for high quality and consistency.
- Confirm the builder’s licensing and insurance coverage standing.
Thorough analysis is vital to discovering a good builder.
Examples of Profitable Shopper-Builder Partnerships
Profitable client-builder partnerships are characterised by open communication, mutual respect, and a shared imaginative and prescient for the venture. The builder ought to actively take heed to the shopper’s wants and issues, whereas the shopper needs to be receptive to the builder’s experience and solutions.
“The important thing to a profitable partnership is a collaborative method. Each events have to be invested within the venture’s success.”
One profitable partnership concerned a shopper who had a really particular imaginative and prescient for a contemporary farmhouse. The builder listened attentively, suggesting some inventive design options that enhanced the shopper’s imaginative and prescient with out compromising performance. This resulted in a house that completely mirrored the shopper’s way of life and aspirations.
Budgeting and Financing
Dreaming of your dream house? The journey to homeownership is an thrilling journey, however cautious planning is vital to a clean sail. Budgeting and financing are essential steps that lay the groundwork for a profitable home-building venture. Understanding the method, accessible choices, and the builder’s function within the financing course of will empower you to navigate this significant stage with confidence.
Making a Practical Finances
A complete price range isn’t just a monetary doc; it is a roadmap to your homeownership objectives. Earlier than diving into the specifics of financing, meticulously element all anticipated prices. This includes extra than simply the acquisition worth. Think about closing prices, property taxes, house owner’s insurance coverage, potential transferring bills, and the price of upgrades or customizations. Contemplate the long-term image and allocate funds for upkeep and potential repairs.
Thorough analysis on native market developments and constructing supplies prices can considerably improve the accuracy of your preliminary price range estimations. This proactive method will assist you keep away from disagreeable surprises in a while.
Exploring Financing Choices
The world of house financing is a panorama of varied choices, every with its personal set of benefits and downsides. A vital step is to discover completely different mortgage sorts to seek out the one which most accurately fits your monetary scenario and objectives. Typical loans, FHA loans, VA loans, and even building loans provide distinctive options and eligibility necessities. Every possibility could include various rates of interest, down cost necessities, and mortgage phrases.
Analysis and seek the advice of with a monetary advisor or a mortgage lender to find out the most effective mortgage in your wants. Evaluating these choices side-by-side, whereas contemplating your private monetary scenario, is crucial to discovering probably the most appropriate resolution.
Builders’ Function in Financing
House builders typically play a vital function within the financing course of. They’ll join you with trusted lenders, serving to you navigate the often-complex utility course of. Some builders could have most well-liked lender relationships, which may expedite the method. A superb builder will act as a liaison, guaranteeing a clean stream of data between you and the lender, and addressing any questions or issues that will come up.
The builder’s understanding of the venture’s specifics and timeline also can show useful on this course of.
Phases of Financing a House Construct
Financing a house construct usually includes a number of distinct phases. Preliminary conversations with lenders to find out your eligibility and mortgage choices mark the primary stage. The subsequent stage includes submitting mortgage purposes and offering required documentation. Lenders then conduct their due diligence, evaluating your creditworthiness and the monetary feasibility of the venture. As soon as accredited, the lender will present funding, and the builder will oversee the disbursement of funds because the venture progresses.
All through this course of, open communication between all events is crucial. Monitoring the venture’s progress in tandem with the monetary points ensures a clean and satisfying home-building expertise.
Design and Customization Choices
Remodeling a dream right into a actuality typically begins with a imaginative and prescient, and your private home is the canvas. This stage is about translating your aspirations right into a tangible, stunning area. Working with a talented house builder is vital to bringing your distinctive imaginative and prescient to life.The design course of is not nearly selecting paint colours; it is a collaborative journey. Your builder will information you thru choices, guaranteeing your imaginative and prescient is each aesthetically pleasing and virtually sound.
Your enter is invaluable, and your builder needs to be receptive to your suggestions. Open communication is crucial for a profitable end result.
The Design Course of with a House Builder
The method usually begins with an in depth dialogue of your preferences. This includes exploring your required aesthetic, performance, and price range constraints. From there, preliminary sketches and 3D renderings can assist visualize the design. These visible aids are essential for guaranteeing the venture aligns together with your expectations. The builder will talk about the technical feasibility of your concepts, suggesting modifications or different options if essential.
In the end, the design evolves via iterative refinement, guaranteeing a harmonious mix of your wishes and the builder’s experience.
Incorporating Shopper Preferences
Shopper enter is paramount on this part. Builders actively solicit suggestions on each stage, from preliminary sketches to ultimate blueprints. This collaborative method ensures the ultimate product displays your particular person tastes and desires. The builder’s function is to skillfully combine your preferences into the design whereas sustaining structural integrity and adherence to constructing codes. Think about using temper boards, showcasing photographs of kinds you admire, to successfully talk your aesthetic imaginative and prescient.
Customization Choices
A big selection of customization choices is obtainable, catering to numerous tastes and budgets. These embrace selections in supplies, finishes, fixtures, and home equipment. You may choose from varied sorts of roofing supplies, exterior siding, or inside wall coverings. You would specify particular kitchen cupboards, counter tops, or flooring kinds. Customization extends to selecting lighting, taps, and even distinctive architectural parts.
The alternatives for private expression are in depth.
Examples of Customization Choices
Contemplate upgrading your kitchen with granite counter tops as a substitute of laminate, or selecting custom-designed cabinetry. Including a sunroom or a house workplace are prospects. You’ll be able to select from quite a lot of paint colours and even choose specialised flooring. Upgrading the HVAC system with energy-efficient options can be a consideration. These examples spotlight the myriad methods you may personalize your private home.
Evaluating Design Types and Prices
Design Model | Description | Estimated Value (Approximate) |
---|---|---|
Trendy | Clear traces, minimalist aesthetic, deal with performance. | $150,000 – $300,000 |
Conventional | Traditional design parts, typically that includes symmetrical options and wealthy supplies. | $180,000 – $350,000 |
Up to date | Trendy design with a deal with innovation and expertise, typically incorporating open areas. | $170,000 – $320,000 |
Rustic | Pure supplies, heat colours, and comfortable ambiance. | $160,000 – $310,000 |
Be aware: Prices are approximate and should fluctuate relying on the particular venture necessities and placement.
Development Timeline and Administration

Navigating the development part of your dream house can really feel like a rollercoaster. Understanding what to anticipate, and methods to handle potential bumps alongside the way in which, is vital to a clean and satisfying expertise. From preliminary groundwork to the ultimate walk-through, understanding the timeline and the roles of everybody concerned will assist you keep on observe and anticipate potential hurdles.The journey from blueprints to keys is not at all times linear.
Development timelines are influenced by varied components, together with climate, materials availability, and unexpected challenges. Efficient administration is essential to make sure your venture stays on schedule and inside price range. It’s about understanding the standard steps, recognizing potential delays, and figuring out methods to proactively deal with points that may come up.
Typical Development Timeline
The everyday timeline for a brand new house building venture spans a number of months, typically starting from six to eighteen months, relying on the complexity of the design and the dimensions of the house. Components just like the sophistication of the plans, the supply of supplies, and the variety of subcontractors affect the entire time. Anticipate a phased method, with distinct phases like basis laying, framing, roofing, and inside ending.
Every stage has its personal estimated period.
Roles and Tasks
The development course of includes a number of key gamers, every with particular roles and obligations. The house builder acts because the venture supervisor, coordinating the work of subcontractors and guaranteeing adherence to the agreed-upon timeline. Architects present essential oversight and guarantee design integrity. Subcontractors, like electricians, plumbers, and HVAC specialists, deal with their particular areas of experience. Owners play a significant function in communication and approvals.
Clear communication and established expectations amongst all events are vital for achievement.
Frequent Development Delays and Their Causes
Delays are an unlucky actuality in building. Climate circumstances, similar to extreme storms or extended intervals of inclement climate, can considerably affect the schedule. Materials shortages, as a result of provide chain points or sudden demand surges, are one other frequent trigger. Unexpected points with the positioning, like hidden underground utilities or issues with permits, also can throw off timelines.
A proactive method to potential delays, together with contingency planning and open communication, is essential.
Procedures for Managing and Resolving Points
Addressing building points promptly is significant for venture success. Set up clear communication channels together with your builder, documenting all conversations and agreements. Be ready to current detailed details about the issue and desired resolution. Common venture conferences and detailed progress experiences assist monitor progress and determine potential issues early on. Mediation or arbitration could also be essential in circumstances of unresolved disputes.
Constructing belief and fostering open communication are important all through the method. Be ready to make knowledgeable selections primarily based on factual data {and professional} recommendation.
Ultimate Walkthrough and Inspection
The ultimate walkthrough is your likelihood to meticulously look at your dream house earlier than you progress in. It is a vital step in guaranteeing all the pieces aligns with the agreed-upon plans and specs. This ultimate check-up is greater than only a formality; it is your alternative to verify the builder has met their guarantees. An intensive walkthrough, coupled with any essential inspections, can forestall pricey points down the highway.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough Information
This complete information offers a structured method to a profitable ultimate walkthrough. Every room needs to be rigorously scrutinized, specializing in particular particulars to make sure high quality and adherence to the contract. This meticulous course of will assure a clean transition into your new house.
- Exterior Inspection: Begin with the outside, checking for any discrepancies in landscaping, exterior finishes (like siding, paint, or roofing), and total structural integrity. Be aware any points, even minor ones, as these may be extra pricey to repair later. Contemplate taking pictures as documentation.
- Inside Inspection: Transfer inside, checking every room for adherence to the agreed-upon specs. This contains partitions, flooring, ceilings, fixtures, home equipment, and doorways. Confirm that the standard of supplies and workmanship aligns with the contract and your expectations. Examine for any indicators of water injury, mildew, or different potential issues.
- Equipment Performance: Check all home equipment to verify their correct operation. This contains ovens, fridges, dishwashers, and some other included home equipment. Doc any malfunctions instantly.
- Plumbing and Electrical Techniques: Confirm that every one plumbing fixtures and electrical retailers are working appropriately. Check taps, bogs, sinks, and showerheads for leaks or malfunctions. Examine all electrical retailers and switches to make sure they’re operational.
- Ending Touches: Examine the ending touches like trim, molding, paint, and {hardware}. Guarantee these particulars are executed as agreed upon within the contract.
- Evaluation Documentation: Evaluate your walkthrough findings to the contract, plans, and different agreed-upon paperwork. This step is essential to making sure all the pieces is as anticipated.
Significance of Inspections
Inspections all through the constructing course of are important for uncovering potential points early on, guaranteeing the standard of the development, and mitigating future issues. Early identification of issues typically results in extra manageable options and prevents substantial prices and delays later within the venture. Inspections are a vital safeguard for the house owner.
Frequent Points Throughout Ultimate Inspections
A number of points incessantly come up throughout ultimate walkthroughs, typically associated to poor workmanship, insufficient supplies, or oversight. Anticipating these potential points can assist you deal with them proactively.
- Plumbing Leaks: Hidden leaks can result in vital water injury and mildew development if not detected promptly. A cautious examination of all plumbing fixtures is crucial.
- Electrical Issues: Defective wiring or improperly put in retailers can pose security hazards. Checking all electrical retailers and switches is essential.
- Beauty Points: Uneven paint, misaligned doorways, or defective fixtures can detract from the general aesthetic attraction. Thorough inspection of ending particulars is crucial.
- Structural Defects: Structural points, like cracks in partitions or basis issues, might not be instantly obvious however can result in vital future issues. Take note of any uncommon indicators or patterns.
Addressing Points Recognized In the course of the Walkthrough
Should you encounter points through the walkthrough, doc them completely. Take detailed notes, images, and movies of the issues. Talk these points clearly and professionally to the builder, outlining the particular violations of the contract. Work collaboratively to seek out mutually agreeable options. Negotiate a plan for repairs and deal with issues in a well timed method.
Submit-Development Processes: Working With A House Builder

Navigating the ultimate phases of your private home constructing journey can really feel like an exciting expedition, however it’s additionally essential to make sure a clean and legally sound transition into your new house. Understanding the procedures for acquiring essential permits and licenses, finalizing the closing course of, and recognizing the warranties and ensures offered by your builder is vital to a cheerful house owner expertise.
This ultimate leg of the journey units the stage for years of comfy dwelling.
Acquiring Crucial Permits and Licenses
Efficiently finishing your private home’s building typically hinges on acquiring the fitting permits and licenses. This includes verifying compliance with native constructing codes and rules. The method usually contains submitting essential documentation, present process inspections at varied phases, and guaranteeing adherence to established tips. Every jurisdiction has distinctive necessities, so it is important to seek the advice of together with your native constructing division for particular particulars.
Finalizing the Closing Course of
The closing course of marks the official switch of possession from the builder to you. This includes finalizing monetary preparations, transferring title, and finishing any remaining authorized paperwork. A transparent understanding of the closing paperwork is paramount. This stage additionally includes verifying the situation of the property aligns with the agreed-upon specs.
Examples of Warranties and Ensures
Builders typically present warranties and ensures to handle potential points that may come up after the development is full. These warranties defend owners from unexpected issues and make sure the builder’s dedication to high quality. Totally different builders provide various warranties, so rigorously reviewing the phrases and circumstances of any settlement is essential. Some widespread warranties cowl structural parts, home equipment, and even the workmanship of the venture.
Lengthy-Time period Upkeep Concerns
Submit-construction upkeep is crucial for preserving the worth and longevity of your private home. Common maintenance, similar to inspecting roofing, gutters, and plumbing programs, will proactively deal with potential issues earlier than they escalate. Contemplate making a upkeep schedule and price range to make sure your private home stays in wonderful situation. Understanding the particular upkeep wants of your private home’s supplies, together with siding, home windows, and insulation, also can assist forestall pricey repairs down the highway.
Understanding the long-term implications of your selections through the constructing course of, such because the number of sturdy supplies, can be important for future upkeep concerns.
Frequent Issues and Options
Navigating the home-building course of generally is a thrilling, but typically difficult, journey. Like several vital endeavor, sudden challenges could come up. Understanding potential pitfalls and possessing a proactive method can considerably ease the journey, remodeling a potential headache right into a clean and rewarding expertise.
Figuring out Potential Issues
House constructing tasks, although thrilling, typically encounter unexpected points. These vary from minor discrepancies within the ultimate product to extra substantial issues affecting the venture timeline and price range. Frequent points can stem from materials shortages, unexpected website circumstances, and even communication breakdowns between the shopper and the builder. A transparent understanding of potential roadblocks is essential for a profitable end result.
Methods for Addressing Disputes
Disagreements between purchasers and builders are sadly not unusual. Establishing a strong communication channel from the outset is significant. Sustaining detailed information of all communications, selections, and agreed-upon phrases may be invaluable in resolving any disagreements. Open and trustworthy dialogue, coupled with a willingness to compromise, is crucial for amicable options. Contemplate mediation if direct negotiations fail, as a impartial third occasion can typically facilitate a mutually acceptable decision.
Steps to Take if Points Come up
If issues come up throughout or after building, quick motion is vital. Doc the difficulty meticulously, together with images, detailed descriptions, and dates of communication. Evaluation the contract rigorously, figuring out clauses that will pertain to the particular downside. Talk the difficulty to the builder promptly, outlining the specified decision. If essential, escalate the difficulty to related authorities, such because the governing physique overseeing building practices.
A proactive and well-documented method typically paves the way in which for a smoother decision.
Desk of Frequent Issues and Potential Options
Downside | Potential Answer |
---|---|
Materials Shortages | Evaluation the contract for contingency plans; talk with the builder to determine different supplies or modify the timeline. |
Unexpected Website Circumstances | Work with the builder to evaluate the affect and develop a revised plan; take into account further prices for addressing sudden website points. |
Communication Breakdown | Set up clear communication protocols; keep detailed information of all discussions and agreements; think about using venture administration software program to streamline communication. |
Disagreements on Design Modifications | Negotiate modifications inside the unique price range constraints or search different design options. |
Delays in Development | Talk about the explanations for the delay with the builder and decide a revised timeline; assessment the contract for penalties or treatments. |
Substandard Workmanship | Doc the problems; talk with the builder to rectify the defects; if essential, take into account authorized counsel. |