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 A
dreamhouse is within reach for many more people today. And
who they are may surprise you. Single
women, minorities and people over fifty-five are
the fastest growing groups undertaking construction projects.
New home starts have doubled since
1980's, reflecting a healthy economy and a booming construction
industry that makes up 8% of this country's Gross National
Product.
 A
new home in America is 40% bigger
than one built in your grandparents' time. It is are more
energy efficient and filled will amenities that bring the
highest level of comfort and safety to our lives.
Each week in America, 340
television programs on home design
and construction inspire us to beautify, expand and spend
in record numbers.
Do-it-yourself classes,
websites and magazines are at your
disposal. But not everyone is a "do-it-yourselfer". Last year,
Americans spent 1,283 billion dollars
on general contractors. Was
it money well spent?...
As a result of payment
disputes, last
year in this country, an estimated 600,000
liens were placed on homeowners' properties
by general contractors, sub-contractors or their suppliers.
Contractors ranked #1 in complaints to
the Better Business Bureau, an alarming 17% of all the complaints
filed. This represents an enormous amount of dissatisfaction
among contractors' customers.
Architects fared much better, but still ranked
in the top third for complaints.
So why is getting something built such
a high-risk endeavor? Why all the horror stories about constructin
projects? For starters, you can expect to make 1,500
decisions before you finish building a
new home. Most people are prepared for about 100. You will
face contracts, deadlines, quality
control and unexpected costs in a culture
where you may suddenly feel ignorant and vulnerable. If you
think this process is easy, you may be in for the surprise
of your life.
 And
why? Well, if you want to buy almost anything, you can go
to consumer reports and be as informed
as the experts in minutes. But home design and construction
or renovation is a process. Most people don’t know where to
go to get informed. They may not even know what
they should learn before it’s too late. So when it
comes to a home, likely the
largest financial commitment of their
lives, people feel forced to begin with little but high expectations
and a lot of hard earned money.
Don't let, "In hindsight, I would have..."
become your mantra. There are hundreds
of training opportunities for contractors and architects.
Now there's one for you.
QUIZ
THE SOLUTION
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