• Com·mu·ni·ca·tion—The exchange of thoughts, messages, or the like, as by speech, signals, or writing.  (From The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language).

• Communication is important.  During construction, poor communication can be very expensive.  One way or another, it is at the root of most construction problems (“Oh—that’s the wall you wanted removed!”).  So, if you’re contemplating a construction project of your own, here are a few ideas to insure that you and your contractor communicate effectively:

• Don’t choose a contractor that you can’t communicate with. Look for contractors invested in good communication—cell phones, e-mail, fax machines, receptionists, etc.  These basic tools indicate a commitment to good communication.

• Read the contract.  Don’t sign any legal documents you don’t understand.  If you’re not good with contracts, have your attorney review it for you.

• Study the blueprints, and have any questions explained to your complete satisfaction.  Many people find blueprints difficult to read, and intimidating.  You need to understand them, because they describe in detail what you are buying.  Have scale models built if necessary to convey the design clearly.

• Arrange a pre-construction conference to review the project schedule, budget, project details, and the like.  Explain what your house rules are regarding telephone, toilets, security, pets, etc.

• On large projects, schedule weekly meetings to monitor progress and get answers to questions on a regular basis.

• Set up a communication center on the job with a clipboard or corkboard.  Use it to transmit important information in writing.

• Ask lots of questions.  Don’t assume anything.

• Construction is full of trade jargon.  Don’t be embarrassed to ask for an explanation of any terms you don’t understand.  A helpful tool is www.Images.Google.com.  Type in a construction term, such as ‘soffit’, and get 179,000 examples, pictures, drawings, and definitions of soffits.

• Communicate important information or changes directly to the person in charge, not the craftsman on the job.  Likewise, don’t ask the craftsman about schedule or pricing.  They usually don’t have enough information to give you accurate answers.

• Be honest about your feelings.  If you’re mad or disappointed, communicate that right away so the contractor can address your concerns.  If you’re happy, please communicate that also.

• Be available to your contractor.  Give him/her all your phone numbers in case a quick decision is necessary.  Time is money—your money.

• If you must leave a phone message, make it as complete as possible to avoid the frustration of phone-tag.

• If the issue is not urgent, save questions for the weekly meetings, or at least once per day to make efficient use of everyone’s time.

• If you have something complicated or emotional to convey, do it in a letter or note.  At your own pace, and without interruption, you should be able to send an accurate and complete message—and the recipient can refer to it as often as necessary.

• A lot of communication is non-verbal.  Watch the “body language” of the person you’re talking to.  It will tell you more than their words.

• If your contractor sends you a satisfaction survey after project completion, please take time to fill it out.  It is a great time to communicate clearly, and your chance to make the contractor better.

• Like most worthwhile things, good communication takes time and effort.  It is one of the few aspects of construction you can control.  If you do it well, you can avoid a lot of problems, and save money.

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• I recently stumbled across a list of quotes from America’s favorite folksy philosopher, Yogi Berra. Yogi was a pretty good ball player, to be sure, but is equally famous for his twisted tidbits of wisdom. In reading through these, I found them simply profound and profoundly simple, pertinent to all walks of life, including construction. In the article that follows, I’ll sprinkle in a number of his sayings as they apply to the subject at hand. They’ll be identified by the preceding notation (RY), denoting Relevant Yogi-ism.

DIY projects may not end up saving you time and money in the end.

• I have a friend. He’s a very capable fellow, with a curious mind, advanced degrees, and a can-do attitude. When he set out to build a new home for his family, he decided to be his own contractor. He relished the challenge, and wanted to save money on the home by eliminating the contractor’s fee. He finished the home, it’s beautiful, and he’s justifiably proud. He confided, however, that he had no idea how hard it would be, and has a new appreciation for general contractors. In fact, he said he’ll hire a contractor next time, convinced they’re worth every penny. (RY) “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll wind up somewhere else.”

• My friend freely admits he didn’t really understand what a contractor’s job entailed. He had watched some construction before, it didn’t look too hard, and good contractors seemed expensive. Perhaps you’re planning a building project of your own, have had the same thoughts, and are trying to decide whether to do the work yourself, or hire a professional. To assist you, I’ll attempt to describe the various responsibilities of a general contractor. I hope this helps you decide which way to go. (RY) “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” 

• Contractor responsibilities include the following:

• Code compliance—there are many complicated regulations governing construction, administered by federal, state, city, county, and even neighborhood authorities. They govern such things as lot setbacks, solar access, bulk-plane requirements, egress, structural design, drainage, work hours, aesthetic design, lighting, building height, parking spaces, and many, many more. Mistakes can be extremely expensive. (RY) “I don’t want to make the wrong mistake.”

• Scheduling—running even a relatively simple construction project is like being an air traffic controller at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport on Christmas Eve. In other words, there’s a lot of activity from a lot of people that must happen at precisely the right time, or it’s going to get very ugly. The task involves managing material selections, coordinating material delivery, and proper sequencing of all the building trades to keep them out of each other’s way. (RY) “I knew I was going to take the wrong train, so I left early.”

• Selecting the Team—subcontractors are the specialty trade companies who perform a large percentage of the work on construction projects. While many general contractors have their own crews to perform general construction work such as demolition, framing, and finish carpentry, there are often dozens of crafts that are so specialized as to require experts in the field. This would include excavators, electricians, plumbers, painters, and carpet layers. These trades and related material suppliers are divided into 16 major categories by the Construction Specification Institute (CSI), and all of these 16 categories have many subspecialties under them. In fact, there are thousands of categories. Each of these subcontractors and suppliers will provide an important product or service on your project. Selecting the right one to be on your project team is critical. In theory, they should all play well together. (RY) “In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is.”

• Budget Control—the general contractor has the ultimate responsibility for controlling project costs, and bringing the job in on budget. With hundreds or thousands of cost items involving dozens of suppliers, this is harder than it sounds,   One definition of a construction budget—a wild guess carried out to two decimal places. More than any other issue, this is the one that separates the best contractors from the rest. Even a great contract may not protect you if the contractor accidentally slipped a decimal point or overlooked something important. An accurate budget is hard to establish even for a seasoned veteran with an intimate knowledge of construction. (RY) “A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore.”

• Quality Control—this, also, is the general contractor’s job. Since there is no standard quality specification for various aspects of the work, the contractor must set and enforce the standards. For example: the strength of the concrete, the smoothness of the drywall, the tightness of a joint, the durability of the paint, etc. Some of these standards are visible to the homeowner. Most of the important ones are not. (RY) “You can observe a lot just by watching.”

• Risk Management—construction is a dangerous business—physically, legally, and financially. It is the contractor’s job to protect the homeowners from all of these risks, and more. This includes securing or requiring many types of insurance from all involved parties—general liability, automobile, performance bonding, workers’ compensation, builder’s risk, materials in transit, and others. If the proper controls are not in place, unsuspecting homeowners could find themselves liable for worker injury on the jobsite, having mechanic’s liens filed on their property, or having their foundation fail. (RY) “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.”

• Interpret Design Intent—while most architects do an excellent job of detailing design intent on paper, both on blueprint drawings as well as written specifications, many construction activities require some interpretation by the contractor. Not everything that can be drawn can, or should, be built. (Have you ever seen an Escher painting?) One famous architect told me he was only responsible for the aesthetic concepts—it was the contractor’s job to figure out how to build it! Falling Water, a house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, America’s most famous architect, should rather be called Falling Down, because it is. In spite of the fact the contractor, against Mr. Wright’s wishes, secretly installed much more steel in the concrete than Mr. Wright specified. (RY) “You give 100 percent in the first half of the game, and if that isn’t enough, in the second half you give what’s left.”

• Warranty—while most products and subcontractors will warrant their material and workmanship, it’s not always easy to sort out responsibility. Did the tile crack because it was defective, installed incorrectly, was the underlying structure at fault? There is no winner in The Blame Game. If you have a general contractor on-board, it doesn’t matter to you who is at fault, because ultimately it’s his responsibility. (RY) “The future ain’t what it used to be.”

• After hearing all this, if you determine to build or remodel your own home, great. I know it will come out just fine and we can still be friends. (RY) “This is like déjà vu all over again.”

• Special thanks to Mr. Berra for his inspiration. You can view his official website at   www.yogi-berra.com

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• Did you visit friends this summer and come home with a bad case of house envy? Did it whet your appetite for cooking up a tasty little remodel project of your own? If you’re hungry for a little house candy, but intimidated at the process, do what the best chefs do—follow a recipe. Take out the Contractor’s Cookbook, open to the tab marked “Remodel Recipes”, and follow the directions to the letter. In no time at all, you’re sure to have your friends drooling over your home. I’ve included my favorite recipe below. And don’t worry, I haven’t left out any key ingredients!

• Meal planning—First, you have to decide what kind of project you’re going to cook up. Look through idea books, and cut out pictures of everything that looks good. All the best cookbooks have pictures of the finished project, so you can tell what the meal will look like. Start early, and give yourself plenty of time. It doesn’t pay to rush—good meals take time.

• Meal Budgeting—Decide how much money you have to spend. Will this be a banquet fit for a king, a hearty repast of meat and potatoes, an eclectic smörgåsbord, or a delectable little dessert? Each meal has its place, and its own price tag. Just remember, you can’t buy filet mignon on a Spam budget. It pays to be honest about the budget from the beginning, and save back a little money just in case that special confection comes along. Read our FAQ about the costs of construction.

• Guest List—Next you need to decide who to invite to your table—architect and builder, or design-build contractor. Will you utilize an interior designer? The best dinner parties have compatible guests. Architects are creative by nature, and can easily get carried away in the excitement of an artistic frenzy. They tend to be optimistic about mundane things such as the cost of construction. Contractors, on the other hand, are as boring as sawdust, always talking about costs and schedules, and the difficulty of construction details. Every good project needs both perspectives. You’ll want your team to respect each other, and communicate well. Be sure the Contractor gives his cost feedback before the Architect finishes the plans. Whatever you do, don’t let amateurs offer you unsolicited advice. Remember—“too many cooks spoil the broth”. Read more about roles here.

• Read the recipe—In this case the recipe in question is the construction contract. Read and understand each and every provision. Take all the time you need, and don’t sign it until you’re comfortable. The language should be clear, and virtually every contingency should be addressed. Don’t be intimidated by a long document. There are many things that can go wrong in construction, and you’ll want to have a clear provision addressing every issue. A good contract will minimize misunderstandings, but it will not protect you from a bad contractor. Don’t sign a contract with anyone you wouldn’t trust on a handshake.

• Shop for ingredients—When scouting the markets for the produce of construction—such as appliances, floor coverings, and doors—make three separate lists. On one, price everything you want with only the finest ingredients. On the second list, leave out a few of the extras and choose some specials and in-season items. On the third list, choose only the ingredients you need. That way, if you have sticker-shock at the check-out counter, you’ll already know which items to substitute or take out of the cart. Many of the best chefs recommend that you buy the best ingredients you can afford. A simpler meal with premium ingredients is better than a huge banquet with unsavory substitutes.

• Season to Taste—This is your project, and it should serve your needs. Many people worry about whether their plan will be good for resale, or whether a potential buyer will like what they’ve done. In my opinion, unless you’re planning something completely bizarre, do what you like. I’ve watched clients compromise their wishes for the sake of resale, only to have new owners tear it all out and do what the first owners wanted to do. There are a lot of people in this world, and some of them will be just like you, and will like your ideas. If you like spicy, spice it up. If you like sweet, pile it on. Let the next guy cook his own meal. And since this is Boulder, don’t forget the high-altitude adjustment!

• Don’t open the oven until it’s done—If you followed the recipe precisely, trust the process, and let the thing bake until it’s done. If you keep peeking in the oven every few minutes, you’ll only drive yourself, and all your dinner guests, crazy. And you know what they say about the “watched pot.” Go relax, have a glass of wine, and wait for the timer to go off before opening the oven door. Then celebrate the meal, and take a bow. You deserve it. Bon Appétit!

• Larry Parrish is the “Head Chef” at Parrish Construction Co., design-build contractors and custom cabinetmakers in Boulder since 1969. Phone 303-444-0033.

• For more information about the Design-Build process, see our “Getting Started” page.

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Consider the homeowner. He or she is the patron of the arts who has commissioned a great work to be written and played. As the patron, he pays the bills, bu talso calls the tune. He must be clear about what kind of music he likes, and have examples of music that illustrate his taste. He must also clearly divulge his budget.
The construction project is like music—music that takes weeks or months to play. The best melody not only sounds good to the patron, but to everyone who isn’t tone deaf.

The architect or designer is the composer, responsible for creating a masterpiece that meets the needs and constraints of the patron. The composer should not write a symphony when the client wants a jingle. If he does his job thoroughly, the details and nuances of the music are set out on paper that any competent musician can read and execute, and the composer’s work is done. In other words, the blueprints are like sheet music, amply annotated.

The general contractor is a conductor (whose orchestra will play the concert outdoors, subject to the weather). He studies the music, hires competent musicians, and assures that each note is played by the right musician at the proper time. Occasionally consulting with the composer, if available, the conductor interprets the music. He must command the attention and respect of each musician, and likewise must discipline or replace musicians that don’t play their notes on time, or in tune with the others. The conductor also makes sure that all musicians are paid on time so they show up on opening night.

While some conductors specialize in a particular type of music, the best can conduct a variety. Do not judge a conductor on the basis of one concert. After all, he didn’t choose the music.

A Design/Build contractor is like a composer/conductor that conducts his own music. Some patrons prefer to hire a composer/conductor to save money and time, and to be confident that the notes played will match the sheet music. Read more about our Design/Build Services.

The contractor’s employees and subcontractors are the musicians. They must be accomplished at reading music and skillful with their instrument. They must also keep their eye on the conductor, and be committed to playing their part in harmony with the other musicians. While every orchestra wants virtuoso musicians, all the musicians must play well together.

A new employee or subcontractor is like a guest artist. The classically trained ones are best, but must still tune up and practice with the whole orchestra in order to perfect the timing and pitch. Most conductors prefer to work with their regular musicians.

Like all artists, musicians can be temperamental. Keeping them together is sometimes like herding cats. This explains why so many conductors have white hair.

The moment of truth is opening night. When the lights come up and the concert begins, there is magic in the air. Each artist plays his part with skill, the notes ring clear and true, and the music is inspiring. When the last note has sounded, and the audience springs to its feet in enthusiastic ovation, everyone revels in the joy of artistic creation. And the Conductor takes a bow.

We welcome your comments below. For immediate questions, or to submit a question to Larry for a future FAQ blog, e-mail info@ParrishBuilt.com

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At the risk of raising the hackles of my fellow contractors, and in the spirit of openness, I will attempt to throw open the doors of construction chauvinism, and shed light on many of the terms of the trade.Some of the following definitions come from an actual dictionary, the Means Illustrated Construction Dictionary. Running 566 pages in length, and including more than 12,000 construction terms, it clearly demonstrates how important contractors are. Other definitions are from my vast personal knowledge, and a few are from jokes that have been circulated for so long as to be almost illegible. It will be up to you to determine which ones you trust. They are arranged alphabetically for your convenience:

• Astragal—a molding attached to one of a pair of doors or windows to cover up the joint between two stiles.
• Bid opening—a poker game in which the player with the losing hand wins.
• Change order—a written order to a contractor with necessary signatures to make it a legal document, and authorizing a change from the original plans, specifications, or other contract documents, as well as a change in the cost and schedule.
• Dentil—Square tooth-like blocks used as ornaments under a cornice.
• Estimate—the cost of construction in heaven.
• Fascia—a board used on the outside vertical face of a cornice, or connecting the top of the siding with the bottom of the soffit, or nailed across the ends of the rafters at the eaves.
• General contractor—The primary contractor who oversees and is responsible for all the work performed on the site, and to whom any subcontractors on the same job are responsible. The buck does not stop with the general contractor. It passes through him on the way to everyone else.
• Header—a framing member extending horizontally between two joists to support tailpieces.
• I-beam—A structural member of rolled steel whose cross section resembles the capital letter I.
• Jack rafter—A rafter, shorter in length than the normal rafters in the same building, and used to support the roof in a hip or between a valley and a ridge.
• Knee wall—A wall that shortens the span of the roof rafters by acting as a knee brace, in that it supports the rafters at some intermediate point along their length.
• Low bidder—the contractor who got the job, but is wondering what he left out.
• Molding—An ornamental strip of material used at joints, cornices, bases, door and window trim, and the like.
• Newell—The post supporting a handrail at the top and bottom of a flight of stairs. Also, the center post of a spiral staircase.
• Overhead—Indirect costs incurred in achieving project completion, but not applicable to any specific task. Includes insurance, payroll taxes, telephone, vehicle maintenance, and the like.
• Profit—Not listed among the more than 12,000 terms in the Means Illustrated Construction Dictionary. Apparently unknown in the construction industry.
• Quarter-sawn lumber—Lumber sawn so that the annual growth rings form angles of 45 to 90 degrees with the surface of the piece.
• Rebar—Short for reinforcing bar. A steel bar, usually with manufactured deformations, used in concrete and masonry construction to provide additional strength.
• Schedule of estimated costs—a collection of wild guesses carried out to two decimal places.
• Tenon—A projecting, tongue-like part of a wood member designed to be inserted into a slot or mortise of another member to form a mortise and tenon joint.
• U-value—A measure of heat flow, also know as thermal transmittance, used as a quality measure of products such as windows. The lower the number the better the insulation property.
• Variance—A written authorization from a responsible agency permitting construction in a manner which is not allowed by a code or ordinance. Archaic term, since the last variance was issued in 1783.
• Water hammer—A loud thumping noise in a water service line due to the surge of suddenly checked water.
• X-brace—A paired set of reinforcing sway braces.
• Yahoo—a contractor from out of town.
• Zoning department—a bureaucratic organization constituted to keep you from using your property

There you have it—construction from A to Z. Try sprinkling a few of these choice terms in your discourse, and you too can talk like a contractor and impress your friends. But be prepared—they may just think you’re “half a bubble out of plumb”.

We welcome your comments below. Do you have a question for Larry Parrish, CR, CGR, CAPS, GACP? E-mail info@parrishbuilt.com.